The Middle East Will Teach You A lot About Everything Past Review
By Lindsay J (Political Science and Government., University of Maryland - University College) - abroad from 08/28/2014 to 12/19/2014 with
AMIDEAST: Amman - Area & Arabic Language Studies
During my time abroad, I learned a lot about everything. The Middle East is a very unique place. It taught me about a starkly different culture from my own, people, a new language, and mostly it taught me about myself and who I want to be.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The Administration of AMIDEAST in Amman was outstanding. They are one of the top reasons why this program is so great! They make sure to know every student personally and truly care about each and every one of them. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
Jordanian food is amazing. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
In order to feel truly integrated with the local culture, you really have to put forth and effort to get involved and make friends with the locals. Fortunately, AMIDEAST does a lot to help you do so. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
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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) |
Amman is a confusing city, while some things may be drastically less expensive than what you would find in America, other things are extremely expensive. For example, a taxi ride across the city maybe only cost about $2.5, but since there is no other form of public transportation in the cit, and walking is quite difficult, you may end up spending close to $7 per day on transportation. Furthermore, in terms of food, you can find a falafel sandwich for about 75 cents, but then a regular American coffee can come close to $6. I would plan to spend about the same amount of money in Amman as you would on home US campus. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Intermediate |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Intermediate |
| 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? | Use the language as much as possible right from the start and do not be afraid of making mistakes! |
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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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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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? | Don't be afraid to make mistakes. |
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 LinguistYou 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! |
