Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Good, But Not Ideal Past Review

By (Claremont McKenna College) - abroad from 08/22/2015 to 12/17/2015 with

AMIDEAST: Amman - Area & Arabic Language Studies

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
The time I spent was certainly worthwhile. It wasn't ideal for me in the sense that I needed more language immersion and integration, which I didn't get through this program. I learned mostly about the similarities between Arab culture and other cultures as well as the nuances of dialect Arabic.

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt like the lack of consistent Arabic speaking and the tendency for program participants (myself included) to hang out with predominantly/exclusively other Americans inhibited cultural interaction. The program, in my opinion, needs more cultural activities.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I became incredibly sick in the last week of the program (fatigue, stomach issues, cough, etc.) The doctor I saw gave me two injections and asked if he could smoke while writing me prescriptions.

* Safety:

Amman is incredibly safe for a city of it's size, no concerns there

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)

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

The program had a designated day where we were supposed to use the language every week, but it was poorly enforced. There were very few opportunities to speak the language, given the number of activities and events in English.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Excursions
  • Host Family
  • Independent Time in the City
* What could be improved?
  • Arabic Use
  • Area Studies Classes
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That Arabic would not be a prominent feature of the program outside of classes.

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!