Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Eating and Clucking Past Review

By (Islamic & Middle East Studies, Women's & Gender Studies, Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/20/2013 to 05/12/2013 with

CIEE: Amman - Language and Culture

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned that becoming comfortable in a foreign culture is possible. Even with imperfect language skills, you can carve out a routine for yourself.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Many people thought the homework load was too heavy to fully enjoy the country. I agree, although I'm happy to have been part of a program that takes academics seriously.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

I have yet to hear any complaints about the food in Amman, except that there was usually too much of it.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Integration is a tricky word and I don't necessarily think it should be an evaluation criterion.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I needed a few vaccines before traveling, and once there had no health issues more serious than the occasional stomachache or head cold.

* Safety:

There are always some horror stories from every study abroad program, but I felt very safe 99% of the time in Amman, usually safer than I would feel in Boston.

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)

Food, water, and taxi fare are all far cheaper than at home.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Maybe $50-$60
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Alcohol is expensive. Share bottles of wine or learn to do without.

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
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Beginner I
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? Most people in Amman speak some English, but it'll make everyone happier if you can deliver your request/question in Arabic.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* 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 food
  • The language emphasis
  • The day trips
* What could be improved?
  • The people allowed to participate in the program
  • The amount of hand-holding
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That American ignorance, blindness to privilege, and cultural insensitivity are everywhere, and that programs are far too relaxed about admitting anyone who know how to speak with a few well-placed buzzwords.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!