Intensive Arabic in Amman Vastly Improved my Fluency Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The program is definitely intensive in nature, but extremely worthwhile. I could feel a gigantic Arabic improvement after each day of classes, and I became extremely comfortable speaking in host country. Classes are taught by Qasid Institute Arabic teachers, and they are the best I've ever encountered after 3+ years of studying the language.

On-site administration of your program

I participated in the Area & Arabic Language Studies program in Egypt and Amman prior to this program. I loved Jordan and the AMIDEAST program so much, I decided to stay on for another 3 months and participate in this Intensive Arabic program. The staff is extremely supportive, the program size is around 30 students, with class sizes varying depending on Arabic level - perfect to permit hands-on learning and instructor tutoring.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My host family was extremely supportive and nice, and I thoroughly enjoyed living in a Jordanian host family. The cultural adjustment is at first difficult, but over time your host grows to be like a family member. My only issue was that sometimes my host family wanted to practice their English with me, so Arabic was only used maybe 70% of the time.

Jordanian food, especially home-cooked dinner from host parents, is absolutely delicious. They will cook you Jordanian specialties like mansaf and maqlouba quite often, and insist you eat at least 2 helpings (be sure to start off with small servings!). As for where to dine in the city, Amman has hundreds of options, from yummy street food, to Jordanian and Arab food, to ethnic restaurants. Definitely try Habibah's kanafeh (best dessert ever) when you visit downtown.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The summer program had two excursions - one day to Biblical sites in Jordan (the Dead Sea, Bethany, Mt. Nebo, Madaba) and another day was dedicated to Jerash and Ajloun. Both were absolutely fabulous. While excursions to Petra and Wadi Rum were not formally part of the program, the staff was able to schedule very affordable tours for interested students to travel throughout the country on weekends.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Amman is an extremely safe city. Our program overlapped with the first 2 weeks of Ramadan, and students just need to be polite in public with others fasting. Basically, don't eat or drink in public during the day time hours, but eating or drinking in the AMIDEAST study lounge or in your host family is fine. Girls sometimes have to be aware of harassment, but dressing modestly (no sleeveless shirts, no cleavage, pants/dresses covering the knees) should prevent it for the most part.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Arabic instruction was for 5 hours every day and it vastly improved my reading, writing, and speaking abilities. The instructors are all extremely helpful and have flexible office hours to help with homework. Arabic was used in almost all every day interactions for me, from my host family, to taking a cab, to speaking in class. English was used and known by most Jordanians, but the best way to learn is to continue practicing.

Select all that apply

• Host Family

Select all that apply

• Host Family

• Arabic Instruction
• Excursions
• Staff support

• N/A