AMIDEAST Amman: Daily Adventures and Memorable Experiences Past Review
By Chrsitine H (Marketing, University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee) for
AMIDEAST: Amman - Area & Arabic Language Studies
I improved my language skills and built understanding of the region and culture that I could not have otherwise known. I look for any opportunity to go back!
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. |
The workload was about the same as workload at my home university. I spent a lot more time working on language because my two most important classes were MSA Arabic and Jordanian Arabic. I also wished to focus on my language primarily. I felt I had a lot of time outside of class to study and explore. AMIDEAST provided us with great work spaces and was very helpful at aiding us in research or connecting with professors. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Because the program is smaller than others offered in Amman, I was able to get to know and have the attention of the admin staff at AMIDEAST. If I needed anything from finding a gym to go to or setting up a trip, they were very helpful. The staff at AMIDEAST made the experience better. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
Food in Amman is so much more fresh and high quality than food in the US. I loved trying new things and being able to spend less than $2 on a meal. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Dont be afraid to explore. Jordan is a very safe country. I was able to see many things and travel. Wadi Rum is amazing and there are many tourist sites to visit. If you have the chance visit Israel/Palestine |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
AMIDEAST takes the safety of their students very seriously and makes you aware of all necessary precautions |
| 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) |
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Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
My Arabic language skills improved immensely. I learned more at AMIDEAST than I did at my university. I had more opportunities and encouragement to use the language. I used Arabic as much as I could on a day to day basis but it was not necessary to use it all of the time. Most people speak English and can help you. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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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? | Dont let western views on the Middle East affect your experience, take everything as a new adventure. |
