Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The most action-packed, adventurous trip which included everything and more. Past Review

By (International Area Studies, Drexel University) - abroad from 06/10/2012 to 08/10/2012 with

FIE: Conflict and the Struggle for Peace: Explorations in Ireland and the Middle East

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was completely worthwhile. Anyone who doesn't participate in this is really missing out.

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.

The professors were absolutely amazing, opening the student's eyes to new ideas and engaging conversation and discussion on pressing issues.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The administration was very helpful.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My host family was great and made me feel welcomed in Jordan.

* Food:

Jordan has great food.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Amman is very westernized, so it wasn't that hard to become accustomed to the culture.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I never had an experience of going to the doctor, but from those that had they said it was fine. Health insurance was included in the program fee. No vaccines were necessary to travel to the UK or Jordan.

* Safety:

The Kensington neighborhood in London was great. Likewise, Amman is very safe as well. Never an issue with 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)

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? Yes

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? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? nothing
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
  • Apartment
* 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?
  • Arabic Language
  • Multi-locations (London, Northern Ireland, Jordan)
  • Prominent guest speakers and professors
* What could be improved?
  • Meals in Amman, in terms of host families keeping most of the money for themselves.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Nothing, I have no regrets.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Beginning Modern Standard Arabic I
Course Department:
Instructor: Zainab Hasan, Samar Halabi
Instruction Language: Arabic
Comments: Considering I never took Arabic before, this was an amazing class. We started at the alphabet and at the end could read, speak in, write in, and listen to full sentences. Both teachers were very knowledgeable and patient with the student's inability to speak Arabic. Also, they made it a very fun learning environment.
Credit Transfer Issues: Everything we smoothly.
Course Name/Rating:

Conflict Resolution and Management
Course Department:
Instructor: Dr. Zaid Eyadat
Instruction Language: English
Comments: It was challenging because I learned so much about conflicts in the Middle East, beyond the Arab/Israeli conflict. The use of guest speakers who were quite prominent really helped my understanding. The field trips helped in terms of understanding culture which indirectly helped my understanding of conflict in the Middle East. The teacher was very knowledgeable and well-prepared with his lectures. I participated at the same rate as if I took the class at my home institution. I was assessed by participation and papers.
Credit Transfer Issues: Everything went smoothly.
Course Name/Rating:

Beginning Jordanian Arabic
Course Department:
Instructor: Samar Halabi
Instruction Language: Arabic
Comments: Great professor. She made the class fun. This was the most practical class in terms of language acquisition because the focus was on colloquial spoken Arabic. My speaking ability, as well as a general understanding of the language, was improved because of this class. Quizzes and tests were given.
Credit Transfer Issues: Everything went smoothly.
Course Name/Rating:

Life Cycle of Peace and Conflict
Course Department:
Instructor: Dr. Paul Arthur
Instruction Language: English
Comments: It challenged me to think about conflict in different ways than I ever thought before. The trip to Northern Ireland and to the House of Lords really helped to understand the Northern Ireland conflict. I participated at about the same rate if I would have been taking the class at my home institution. We were assessed by participation and papers.
Credit Transfer Issues: Everything went smoothly.