Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Amazing Moments in Amman Past Review

By (International Relations, Political Science, Middle Eastern Studies, Wellesley College) - abroad from 09/02/2012 to 12/19/2012 with

CIEE: Amman - Language and Culture

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Improved my Arabic, made many friends--American and local, learned how to survive in a foreign country by myself,

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Rigor wasn't comparable to my university, but the resources are there.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I stayed in an apartment for the first week before deciding to switch into a homestay. I thought that the apartment was very old and dingy; I would not have liked living there all semester.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I liked that the program was located near the University of Jordan campus and some classes were actually held on campus. It allowed me to meet Jordanian students.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I ended up getting very sick and spent a lot of time going to and waiting in the Medical Center. Besides telling me where the Center was located, the program did not assist me. I spent a lot of time in waiting rooms and being prescribed too many medications, and being sent from department to department and doctor to doctor.

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Some things, like food, are very cheap. Other things can be expensive including taking a taxi as your mode of transportation.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? between food and transportation and the unfavorable exchange rate, about $15/day
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? take buses if they are available, carpool, or better yet, walk eat at the university cafeteria

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

outside of Arabic class, you wind up speaking English

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Advanced
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 300 level at a language-intensive school
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? accept a language partner and meet with them; live with a host family; make local friends; speak Arabic whenever the opportunities arise--in taxis, stores, etc.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
  • Apartment
  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • excursions and day trips and accessibility/ease of independent travel
  • selection of electives
  • orientation was very helpful
* What could be improved?
  • Arabic instruction for students at an advanced level; I was not challenged enough
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How great Jordan is! I was hesitant to study in Jordan because Egypt was my first choice; I didn't think Jordan would be as exciting. Gladly, I was wrong!

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'