Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Live Laugh Love Jordan January 17, 2024

By (International Relations, University of South Florida) - abroad from 09/03/2024 to 12/16/2024 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?
This is truly once in a lifetime. What you learn about the world around you and yourself will help you through the rest of your life.

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.

The classes were diverse in their offerings and I personally enjoyed Psychology of Peace. Since the class sizes are small, it is a much more intimate setting where there is more one-on-one help from the professors, which is really advantageous in Arabic.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The staff are Jordanian, and are well-versed in Jordanian hospitality. They ensure that you feel right at home in Jordan and are there for you in any way that you need. Truly, the staff made my time in Jordan the incredible experience it was.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My host family was absolutely wonderful and they were also a major factor that shaped my time in the country. I shared meals with them, went out with them, and just enjoyed spending my downtime with them. The homestay experience is a major highlight of this program as it truly allows you to understand the culture.

* Food:

The food that I ate at my homestay and outside was absolutely incredible and so rich. Food is also much cheaper and much more flavorful in Jordan, which I loved.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

As I stated previously, the homestay experience ensures that you are integrated with the local culture and practices as my host family made sure that I got to maximize my Jordanian experience.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Even though I was in Jordan during a tumultuous time in the Levant, the government and SIT ensured Amman was safe to stay in and were prepared for anything that might arise. I experienced no safety issues but as always be alert and practice safe behaviors.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I couldn’t imagine taking any other program, the literature, excursions, staff, and homestay made my experience what it was.

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Just be aware of how much your’e spending and what you are spending money on.

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? 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? Arabic II
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? Just try to use the language as much as possible, it’s daunting and uncomfortable but that’s the only way to learn.

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?
  • Staff/People
  • Classes
  • Food
* What could be improved?
  • Meeting more Locals
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew who the students were more.

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!