a roller coaster Past Review

By (Middlebury College) - abroad from 08/27/2017 to 05/11/2018 with

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury In Amman

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
worthwhile, but sucks to have a health problem abroad.

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:

not enough food from host family. too much bread was difficult to adjust to in terms of getting enough nutrients and fiber

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had a very bad experience accessing health care in Jordan. I developed a chronic pain condition while I was there and doctors had no idea what was going on. I also do not think I received enough support from program administration. The healthcare is fine for basic issues but awful for women's health and more serious problems

* Safety:

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? $20

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

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? 202
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? make jordanian friends

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
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?
  • meeting other students
  • improving my arabic
* What could be improved?
  • health services and support
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Eat enough fiber!

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:

Refugee studies

Course Department:
Instructor: Peter Stavros
Instruction Language: Arabic
Comments: I liked this class a lot.
Credit Transfer Issues: I had issues getting this class to count as a global credit within the IGS major. I was told it was "international" not "global"- whatever that means. I think that students should be made aware of which classes count as global courses.