Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The most amazing experience of my life! Past Review

By (Linguistics., Georgia State University) - abroad from 06/15/2012 to 07/13/2012 with

AMIDEAST: Amman - Intensive Arabic, Summer

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned to be independent and not be afraid to make mistakes when I am speaking in the target language. I learned to really push myself in order to see what I have mastered inside the classroom.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I loved the intensive course, it was challenging but I enjoyed every minute of it.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

I loved trying all the different types of dishes that are eaten in Jordan.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I was living with a host family which gave me ample opportunities to practice my Arabic with them. We also were able to interact with the locals everyday when we went downtown to do some shopping.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I never had any problems with health issues while abroad.

* Safety:

I never faced any trouble while being in that area, it was really safe and I had nothing to worry about.

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

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)

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? Yes
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 50

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

Encourged us to speak in Arabic inside the classroom, and to practice with the language partners they have provided to us.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
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? Beginners Level
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? Talk with everyone in the target language. Don't be afraid to make mistakes because that is the only way you will learn the language. Test yourself and see how much you have improved or learned.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* 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 teachers were amazing at teaching the material.
  • The language Partners we had were a big help.
  • I loved all the excursions we went on.
* What could be improved?
  • I wish there were more cultural activities included that we could do in class.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew how much fun I would be having and that I can choose a longer program.