An old city of culture and fun. Past Review

By (Middlebury College) - abroad from 08/27/2016 to 05/18/2017 with

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury In Amman

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a better understanding of Jordanian culture and the Arabic language.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

It was a fantastic experience of cultural immersion with some academic rigor. My language skills (Arabic) improved immensely.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The on-site administration responded to emergencies well and was helpful with all questions.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Living in a host family is a difficult situation sometimes but the program helped whenever it was needed.

* Food:

Jordanian food is fantastic!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The program does a good job making sure students are culturally immersed and experience all parts of Jordanian culture through trips, food, shows, classes, and families.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

n/a. Didn't have any health concerns, other than a bout of stomach flu in the winter. The program accommodated for missed courses. No vaccines were needed.

* Safety:

Amman is a generally safe city. Women face verbal harassment.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

The program immersed us in culture and it improved my language skills.

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? $75

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

We signed a language pledge

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 302
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+

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?
  • Courses
  • Administration
  • Food
* What could be improved?
  • Courses
  • More guidance
  • less harassment
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had known more colloquial arabic

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Arabic Literature

Course Department:
Instructor: Yousef Hamdan
Instruction Language: Arabic
Comments:
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Jordanian Colloquial Arabic

Course Department: Arabic
Instructor: Nadia Al-Assaf
Instruction Language: Arabic
Comments: Loved this class.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Economics of the Middle East

Course Department: Economics
Instructor:
Instruction Language: Arabic
Comments:
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Refugee & Migration Studies

Course Department:
Instructor: Ayesha Sartawi
Instruction Language: Arabic
Comments:
Credit Transfer Issues: