Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Get out of here and go to Amman Past Review

By (Syracuse University) - abroad from 01/11/2018 to 05/10/2018 with

AMIDEAST: Amman - Area & Arabic Language Studies

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
The best experience. It's cliche but you learn more about who you are and what you really want.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

This varies based on how your home institution prepares you with coursework. The Arabic courses are definitely more intense but if you're going to an Arab country, that's a good thing.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Myrna, Ghassan, and Omar were fantastic. Very helpful and dedicated.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Apartments were situated in a great area, close to the Amideast center and also near malls and restaurants.

* Food:

Amman has a wide array of local and international cuisine.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I suggest taking taxis, going to local events (not just the program ones), shopping in local areas, and having the confidence to speak as much Arabic as possible. Then you will feel more like a local rather than a foreigner.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Amman is quite a safe city. Obviously, be smart, don't roam around empty streets alone at night or do anything you wouldn't do in NYC or Philadelphia.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I met students from other programs while abroad and Amideast had the best balance between Arabic and other coursework. It's also a smaller program with more individualized attention.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 50
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? In Amman, if it's a short distance or there's no traffic, use metered taxis. If it's rush hour or a further distance, use Uber or Careem. Google Maps is your friend.

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

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? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Arabic 301
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? Listen to the radio/watch TV/movies in that language. Have the confidence to speak it! Don't be shy. Talk to locals.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* 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?
  • Arabic
  • Teachers/staff
  • Apartments
* What could be improved?
  • More free time during excursions
  • Make some of the program activities optional
  • More inter-Arabic class activities
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? To bring rainboots.

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!