Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Challenging, but worth it. Past Review

By (Politics and Economics, Washington & Lee University) - abroad from 07/09/2014 to 08/12/2014 with

AMIDEAST: Amman - Intensive Arabic, Summer

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
As my second study abroad, I would say the program is a great way to learn Arabic and the Arab culture.

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.

The program is rigorous and intense. You will cover an entire semester's worth of material in 4weeks. Professors are generally available for help, but you have to remind them and carve out one on one time.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The Program Manager is very competent, but not always available because she has many duties.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The host families they assign you to are wonderful. If any issues arise, AMIDEAST tries to solve them immediately.

* Food:

The host families provide you with your food. My family did not give us breakfast on any day. In addition, although food allergies were specified on my medical forms and other sheets, AMIDEAST failed to inform my host family of the allergies.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

You are as integrated as you make yourself.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I needed a CT scan at the Arab Medical Center. AMIDEAST staff was more than helpful, although the doctors at the hospital were less than helpful.

* Safety:

Students who pay attention to their surroundings and are aware will not run into any issues. Jordan is a very safe country, however, like any big city Amman does have some crime.

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)

You have to taxi to and from school with can cost around $5 a day.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $10

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

Students were encouraged to speak Arabic with their family, taxi drivers, other students, and during class.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
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? None
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? Be sure to utilize your host family as a resource.

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
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?
  • Emphasis on Language Acquisition
* What could be improved?
  • Professors should have office hours that correspond to their classes.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? You should commit to both summer sessions and not just 1.

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!