Incredible experience, you will get out of it what you put into it Past Review

By Catalina R (International Relations, Arabic, Tufts University) - abroad from 08/31/2012 to 12/21/2012 with

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury In Amman

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

I gained a much deeper insight into the politics, people, and culture of Jordan and the Middle East. It was my first time diving this deeply into a new culture and it was very rewarding!

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.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	After initial issues with my housing situation the program found a suitable solution quickly.
* Food:
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	It is definitely difficult to integrate in a culture that is so different, it helps to involve yourself in extracurricular activities, volunteer opportunities, and making friends with locals.
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?	Program was great at assisting me with my healthcare needs. The local healthcare system is very different and there can sometimes be a language barrier in smaller hospitals. Some hospitals are much better than others. One i went to was very unprofessional and kind of scary.
* Safety:	Stay away from protests.
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)
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week?	$80

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	The language pledge was a crucial part of the program and contributed greatly to my language development.
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?	Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure?	Arabic 4
How many hours per day did you use the language?	10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants?	Try to speak very minimal English, it pays off!

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?	language pledge mentors language partner
* What could be improved?	Aamiya class
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	Maybe more about how difficult it would be to adjust, and how up and down I would feel as I adjusted.

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!