Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Amman Spring 2018 Past Review

By (Middlebury College) - abroad from 01/26/2018 to 05/18/2018 with

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury In Amman

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My experience abroad was definitely worthwhile. I would highly recommend it to any student studying Arabic. My Arabic improved a lot during my time in Jordan, and I'm so glad I had the opportunity to immerse myself in the language in an Arab country.

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.

This program was academically intense, and there was a steady amount of work.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The administration was attentive to our needs and helpful to resolve issues we encountered, connect us to resources, and provide opportunities for us to engage in the local environment.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was satisfied with my homestay, and I appreciated the experience of living with Jordanians. I'm glad I was living with another American student.

* Food:

The food was good, sometimes there were days when there wasn't much, but I was expecting this and it was ok.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I'm glad I had a language partner and that I volunteered- these two opportunities helped me engage more with the local culture.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The program staff was very attentive. I didn't have any healthcare issues, but my friends did and the staff was very supportive- took them to doctors appointments, helped with translation, etc.

* Safety:

I almost always felt very safe during my stay. It's like being in any other city- you have to be aware of your surroundings.

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)

Taking taxis to school everyday did add up and was a bit frustrating, but I managed to carpool with a few other students which helped.

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 were very encouraged to communicate only in Arabic

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 2.5 at language schools
How many hours per day did you use the language?

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?
  • The other students
  • Professors
* What could be improved?
  • Amount of homework (too much)
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had talked to more returning students, just to get tips from them and a sense of their overall experience.

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!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Level 4 FusHa
Course Department:
Instructor: Rasha Jalees
Instruction Language: Arabic
Comments: This was a challenging class, but I loved the professor. She worked well with each of the students, made sure we understood what was happening, and taught in an engaging way. I appreciated our class discussions and activities, and the final project
Credit Transfer Issues: