AMIDEAST- a great introduction to Jordan Past Review
By Derek F (Mathematics and Economics, Grinnell College) for
AMIDEAST: Amman - Area & Arabic Language Studies
Yes, study abroad was certainly worthwhile! I feel like I have expanded my understanding of the world around me, particularly the ways in which we are all similar. As a math and econ major, the chance to go on a program that was not particularly closely related to my main interests was particularly valuable.
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 educational level was intense and rigorous. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
the program managers made sure that everyone was comfortable and secure, and utilized their personal and professional connections to give us the best experience they could. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The food was good, the family did their best to make sure that we felt like a part of the family, but it was sometimes difficult since everyone's schedules were so busy |
| * Food: |
loved the food! all the time! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
we went on several program-organized excursions, and they were certainly a highlight, very enjoyable and fun! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
The program made sure that everyone was safe and well prepared for any emergencies, and everyone seemed to feel safe. |
| 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? |
Many people speak English, but it was always fun to keep speaking in Arabic after people starting speaking in English. It would have been better if I had had the motivation to get out and speak to people more. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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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? | Make every effort to talk to people and get out of the house. Ask your host family to talk to you in Arabic or to introduce you to Amman |
