Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A great hands-on learning experience Past Review

By (Near and Middle Eastern Studies., Wellesley College) - abroad from 09/01/2013 to 12/21/2013 with

CIEE: Amman - Language and Culture

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a greater knowledge of Arabic, as well as a greater knowledge of the region and Jordanian culture. I am so glad I went, and I only regret not going out and exploring even more.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Language courses were good, culture courses depended very much on the professor.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Apartment was spacious, clean, comfortable, and in a convenient location, however it was not insulated well and as the weather got colder, so did the apartment.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Cigarette smoke everywhere, and the taxi drivers (as well as everyone else on the road) are a bit insane.

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Make sure you don't get ripped off by taxi drivers

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? Intermediate
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? Four semesters
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? Try to make Jordanian friends, make conversation with taxi drivers if they seem friendly.

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?
  • My fellow students
  • My Arabic professors
* What could be improved?
  • The absence policy
  • Ability to find volunteer/internship opportunities
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Jordan gets pretty cold in the winter. At the end of the program, we got snow and I definitely was not prepared for that.

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!