Ahlan Amman! June 04, 2022

By (Anthropology, Harvard University) - abroad from 01/25/2022 to 05/09/2022 with

SIT Study Abroad: Jordan - Geopolitics, International Relations, and the Future of the Middle East

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained experience of doing research, which is a good set up for people like my who seek to pursue a career in research and academia.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I appreciate the opportunity of being able to do an Independent Study Project (ISP) in this program where I got to do research on topics that I am interested in. Doing an ISP is actually helping me now for my honors senior thesis!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The administrators of SIT Jordan are responsive, prompt, and caring.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I am so thankful to my host family! I have learned so much about Palestinian communities in Jordan through my host family who are Palestinian. I still keep in touch with them. They have made my time in Jordan so fruitful and rewarding!

* Food:

My favorites are mansaf and kunafeh.

* 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

The academic opportunities to do independent research is something that I really appreciated in the program. It is very formative and helpful for my honors senior thesis.

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

Because of this program, I felt so much improvement in my Arabic!

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
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? For Arabic, beginner Arabic
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? The best ways to practice the language is to use it! Studying abroad is a great opportunity to do so!

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? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Arabic Language Learning
  • Research Opportunity
  • Friendships
* What could be improved?
  • Inclusion of topics pertaining to migrant workers and women in the curriculum
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wished I knew more about the significant presence of migrant domestic workers in Jordan and the extent of this before going into the program.

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!