An eye-opening experience- that I wish I had done with another program Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I was very dissatisfied with 3/4 classes for the majority of the program. For touting academics so much in promotional materials, this was absolutely not carried through to the program itself. On average, these were absolutely the worst classes I've had in my entire collegiate career. Two were extraordinarily easy, one was way over everyone's head, and the last was outstanding in comparison to the other 3 but only average when compared to real classes. Most people stopped doing homework after the first week because there were no consequences for not doing it and it was mostly busy work. Eventually, the professor for two of my classes got replaced and our replacement was much, much better. However, the administration waited so long that there wasn't enough time for actual learning to occur.

On-site administration of your program

The administration was in my opinion slow to respond to students. Most of the time there was just a lot of talk and no action. Every time we had meetings, students spoke of the same problems but it really took months to resolve anything.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was in a homestay for the first half of the program but moved right before spring break due to the family's treatment of us. The biggest issues there were: not having appropriate sleeping arrangements (poor quality cots), and the family being unwilling to interact with us. They also had a domestic servant that they treated very poorly, which was a shock to the two of us students living there. It was a very stressful environment- 1 star. The women's dorm I moved to was much nicer. Very close to the university (which IS in the Red Light district of Amman) and the facilities were wonderful there. Two girls shared a large kitchen and living room and each of us had our own room. It's also nice because other Arab students live there and they really do want to help you.

Everything is delicious and cheap! Lots of bread, meat, falafel, olive oil, and tea involved so be warned.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

We didn't have many chances to volunteer and the administration did not present adequate opportunities. There was a conversation group with Jordanian students which was good, but it was very difficult to actually integrate and meet other students given our limited Arabic. I feel like most students spent a lot of time in the expat district of Amman, which is very, very Western.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Girls- Don't travel alone. Guys- Step up and don't let girls travel alone. There will be harassment directed at the female students. Most of the time this is limited to catcalls and beeping horns, but there were instances of groping. Always be aware. Know that you will attract attention, especially if you are wearing clothing that is revealing by Jordanian standards. A lot of being safe is just having common sense.

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

Alcohol is very expensive because it's taxed heavily. Food is ridiculously cheap though, so that can definitely make up for it. I took taxis every day, and that was also very affordable (about 1.5 JD for a 15 min ride). Buses are eve cheaper if you want to deal with them.

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

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• Dorm
• Host Family

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• Local Students
• Americans
• Host Family

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• Americans

• Dorm life
• The ease of living in Jordan
• Program trips

• Academics
• Orientation
• Administrative Response

The Academic or Linguist