Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Great language and cultural immersion program Past Review

By (Wellesley College) - abroad from 08/25/2019 to 12/19/2019 with

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury In Amman

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Middlebury was a great language boot camp especially for poli sci/IR minded people. I also learned how to navigate relationships with my local host family and friends, as well as the city, independently - the program focuses on “guided independence” as a philosophy which I think is great.

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:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* 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)

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

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • 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
  • Food
  • Independence
* What could be improved?
  • Budget preparations
  • Networking with other programs
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? At the time I went, I think I would have liked to know more specifics about the daily schedule I’d have, but now that I’ve been through it I think it was important for me to learn how to navigate ambiguity in that way and be okay with going with the flow more. I also knew amman was an expensive city but between a $3 taxi each way to the university every day and other expenses, it ADDS UP. Be prepared to either spend a lot on car transit or make big sacrifices in the amount of time it takes to get around by bus.

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!