Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

AMAZING! Past Review

By (International Studies, Dickinson College) - abroad from 08/23/2014 to 12/20/2014 with

AMIDEAST: Amman - Area & Arabic Language Studies

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
A look into Jordanian culture but not as much language as I wanted

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 were not crippling difficult, which was great because I was able to engage in the city instead of only my books.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

They were/are amazing! They are eager to help you figure anything out from meeting local friends to the ER. They will be friends forever.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I had the most incredible host family - always food, comforts, love and water (important in Jordan)!

* Food:

I am having serious withdrawls. The food is amazing. I ate at my house and brought lunch from home, so it was completely dependent on my wonderful host mother.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

A lot of people spoke English, so I did not get as engaged as I had expected. However, I met a lot of Jordanians and made Jordanian friends. The host family experience allowed me to engage in family life and customs.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I have two occasions and both were handled appropriately and without issue

* Safety:

Much to everyone's surprise, I felt safe in Jordan. The only issues were being out late at night, which is an issue anywhere you go.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

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)

You have to take taxis everywhere, which I did not anticipate. They are much cheaper than in the US, but add up. Plus because we lived with host families, we had to go out to hang out with people, which required money. Alcohol is heavily taxed so you can really only afford one drink.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $150
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Really try to study in your house. Going out to study in a cafe is nice and convenient because its potentially quieter and has WIFI. However, coffees add up!

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

I wish we had a bigger language commitment

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
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 212
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? SPEAK the language with your host family and try to speak it with your American friends

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • The host family experience
  • The administration staff
  • The excursions
* What could be improved?
  • More committed language requirements
  • Better study spaces
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? You can drink In Jordan. It is not as conservative as I had anticipated. I wish I had brought more formal clothes to wear to bars.

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 Linguist
You 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!