Work hard, play hard! Past Review

By (Oberlin College) - abroad from 01/30/2017 to 05/12/2017 with

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury In Amman

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Beyond my language skills I gained a great deal of cultural knowledge. I also gained a great deal of confidence in public speaking, making new friends, and confronting uncomfortable situations (especially since I encountered them in a new language!)

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

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?

* Food:

Varies by host family, but otherwise great place for food! Well fed by host family.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Middlebury's mentor program and language partners give you plenty of one on one experience with speakers your own age!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

No personal experience, but resources available for both physical and mental health.

* Safety:

Great amount security measures taken by University itself and through the Middlebury program.

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

Middlebury is the most academically rigorous and culturally immersive program available. Second semester students can take this a step further and enroll in the host university, and not just the program classes.

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)

Going over budget was due to personal choices, very livable environment on a student budget!

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $20-$30
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? In the case of Jordan, Western style cafes, etc. will be more expensive. There is usually an expensive and a cheap option for almost everything.

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

Middlebury has a language pledge, requiring us to communicate and consume media only in the target 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? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Middlebury Summer language school course
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? Practice a little bit every day, flashcards Find media that makes the language enjoyable (tv, music, poetry, etc)

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* 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?
  • Language
  • Friends
  • Travel
* What could be improved?
  • volunteer position coordination
  • transportation
  • food
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I should have devoted a little less time to academics, and more to getting out and knowing the country!

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!