Jordan: Between History and Modernity, Altogether Life-changing Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Classes were taught at AMIDEAST facilities. The Arabic instruction was absolutely amazing, and quickly improved my fluency. The content courses were taught by professors from local universities and were very educational, and somewhat similar to US education system. Also, AMIDEAST set many students up with local internships at NGOs or governmental organizations to gain foreign work experience. For example, I interned for several months at The Jordanian Women's Union.

On-site administration of your program

Our program was about 30 students, and the staff was very supportive and friendly throughout the study abroad experience. My expectations were beyond met by the staff because they'd go out of your way to make you feel comfortable and help you adapt to the culture.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Housing was in a perfect location, several blocks from class and a grocery store. I chose to live in an apartment, but many other students lived in a host family. The staff always dealt with the landlord and all needed repairs were promptly fixed.

Jordanian food is always delicious, and Jordanians insist that you eat lots of it! From what I've heard and past experience, host families are very happy to accommodate dietary restrictions. Make sure to not drink tap water, and always buy bottled water to drink (brushing teeth and showering with tap water is fine). Some of my favorite dishes include molokhia, maqlouba, mansef, and manqeesh. Be sure to visit Wast al-Balad for delicious street vendor food and the best Middle Eastern dessert, Kanafeh. You can get it at Habibeh's in downtown Amman.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

AMIDEAST organized amazing excursions, all led by the faculty. These included visits to: Petra, Wadi Rum, Jerash, Ajloun, the Dead Sea, Mt. Nebo, Madaba, Bethany, Um Qais, downtown Jordan, and many more. Cultural events, such as learning Arabic music styles and dabkeh dancing, were held at least once a month. Pretty much any event arranged by the program was memorable.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Amman is very safe, but like many Middle East and North African countries, girls have to be smart. Harassment does occur, but it is much easier to prevent if girls dress modestly and travel in groups or with a boy. Aside from this, I felt extremely safe in Amman and never knew of any crime-related incidents. Should harassment occur, the AMIDEAST staff is extremely supportive and can provide counseling if necessary. I never visited the doctor's while abroad and only had minor food illness once and quickly recovered.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

AMIDEAST provides students with local speaking partners and hosts dialogue sessions with local university students. All of this, plus the Arabic instruction in class, greatly improved my language acquisition. While many people do speak English in Amman, I would suggest trying to speak in Arabic as much as possible to learn colloquial Arabic and learn about the culture.

Select all that apply

• Host Family
• Apartment

Select all that apply

• Americans

• Arabic Instruction
• Excursions
• Location

• Nothing needs improved!