Take it into your own hands! Past Review
By A student (International Studies; Religious Studies, Macalester College) - abroad from 08/25/2012 to 12/21/2012 with
AMIDEAST: Amman - Area & Arabic Language Studies
I learned a LOT about myself, and regarding things that I did not anticipate. It was a great experience, and I would go back in a heartbeat.
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 matched up relatively well with my home-institution, though there was less reading (intentionally) and classes only happen once a week (except for Arabic classes). I definitely had to write a number of pretty significant term papers. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The staff for AMIDEAST Amman is a reason alone to do this program. They are very present, available as resources in any capacity, and overall pretty awesome people. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Living with a host family was not my jam, but it is hard to rate because it was for very personal reasons - not because my host family was in any way "unsuitable" or "unchecked" by the program. There is a culture identity crisis in Amman between family life and young adult life which can make navigating host family situations difficult with other social situations. |
| * Food: |
If you like falafel, you're set. If you like hummus (or any variation of mashed chickpeas and tahini), you're set. If you like any fast food chain in the US, you're set. If you like ANY TYPE OF FOOD EVER, Amman's got you. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
People in Jordan are incredibly nice, and very welcoming. That said, you are never going to feel completely integrated, but there are many opportunities (talk to the program staff!) to get out and try new things and activities with Jordanians! |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
The program staff was GREAT when I had medical issues. Remember though, that medicine is practiced differently in all places - i.e. antibiotics are more prevalent and over the counter in Jordan. I always felt that I could talk to the program staff and get help/guidance when I needed. They will take you to the ER or a doctor if needed. |
| * Safety: |
Stay smart, be alert, and you will be okay. Amman is generally a safe city, but it is wise to stay away from the same things as you would in the United States (unknown places alone at night with no phone, big protests that have the potential to get violent, etc.) The program does a good job of checking in and briefing you on safety issues. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
|
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) |
It totally depends on how you spend your money and when. Amman is not a "cheap" city like Cairo, and that is notable. Taxi fares will cost a fair amount, so prepare for that. It depends on if you get a falafel sandwich (1/2 dinar) versus a Subway sandwich (5 dinar+) everyday- so plan accordingly. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | See above. |
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 |
Language was encouraged, but ultimately it was up to the student. Classes are in English, you can take Media Arabic if you want to improve your Arabic significantly. Talking with host families and language partners is great, but self-motivated for sure. |
| 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? | 4 semesters (without Al-Kitaab) |
| 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? | Taxi drivers, talking to people at cafes, host family, talking to the program staff, going out on "immersion lunches" with other students |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| 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? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Be prepared to continuously encounter the unexpected! Roll with it! Also there is wifi everywhere, and layers are the key to dressing culturally appropriately (not an entirely new wardrobe necessarily, depending on where you are in Amman/Jordan) |
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 NetworkerAn active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume. |
