Finding Challenge and Comfort at a New Pace Past Review
By A student (Wellesley College) - abroad from 09/07/2019 to 12/20/2019 with
Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury In Amman
I found that this program improved my communication skills in any language. Additionally, after this experience I am more independant and comfortable living in new situations than I was before I left. Due to the influence of my experience in strengthening these skills and clarifying my values I would consider my time abroad worthwhile.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Lots of course availability and personal instruction that is able to adapt to personal needs and interests. The instructors were also super supportive. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Great program admin. I felt like I knew where I should be or what I should be doing at all times related to the program. They offered support and suggestions but also encouraged indépendance. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Wonderful living arrangements. Only downside was usually having to take a taxi to the university because of the distance. |
| * Food: |
Delicious food but variable based on host family and dietary restrictions. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The community engagement component bolstered my connection with the community. One of my favorite parts of the program. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
Difficult coming from a college residential situation to one where we needed to pay for transportation daily. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Intermediate |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | 10+ |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I wish I had known that I should be willing to break off from the program bubble sometimes and explore interests and spaces on my own. Once I found spaces away from the program that were central to my interests I felt more connected in the community, confident in myself, and had a healthier mindset. |
