Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A Whole New World Past Review

By (International Relations/Economics, William Jewell College) - abroad from 09/02/2012 to 12/21/2012 with

CIEE: Amman - Language and Culture

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
An understanding of a new culture as well as my own. Also I learned a lot of Arabic and now have confidence in speaking.

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.

The program is about cultural exposure so while I did learn a lot in class I learned far more outside of class and just living in that environment.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I couldnt have asked for a better staff. They took care of us and kept very good communication with us regarding academic things and safety issues.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived with a family and I loved it. The only thing I wish I had had was more Arabic in the house.

* Food:

I am a picky eater so I didnt love everything but I fell in love with many of the local dishes and crave them still.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I learned so much about the local culture by the various activities that CIEE organized for us. We were on the campus of University of Jordan but I didnt feel like I had much interaction with the students because all of our classes were with people in our program.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didnt have any problems but friends of mine had good healthcare when needed.

* Safety:

The program that I was maintained excellent communication with us and we were well aware of the situations in specific locations at specific times.

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)

I had to take a taxi every day to and from school but CIEE gave us a stipend to help cover travel expenses.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? about $120 per week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Carpool and the food near campus is expensive so branch out

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

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
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? Request a homestay with lots of Arabic

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • 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?
  • The people
  • The location
  • The languag
* What could be improved?
  • travel distance within the city
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had had a better understanding of the history of the region.

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.