All that glitters Past Review

By (Marketing, University of Hartford) - abroad from 08/26/2015 to 01/13/2016 with

API (Academic Programs International): Sharjah - American University of Sharjah

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to adapt to my surroundings and find the place where I can be myself.

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 Classes were much harder than the ones I have taken here at the University of Hartford. The professors expectations were higher and there was a lot more weight on exams .

* 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?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

I wanted to become more proficient in Arabic but in the UAE English is the more common form of communication.

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? $150

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? 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? Arabic 101 with 2 years of prior experience
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? Meet with locals and practice with them.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • N/A
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • My friends
  • Food
  • Classes
* What could be improved?
  • Transportation for non car owners
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How far sharjah and Dubai were?