Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Opening My Eyes and Heart to the World Past Review

By (Near and Middle Eastern Studies., Brigham Young University) - abroad from 05/05/2013 to 08/04/2013 with

Brigham Young University: Amman - Jordan International Development Internship

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
The best way to enjoy your time is to surrender. You aren't going there to be the same person. The land and people will change you for the better if you surrender. I learned how to surrender and love things that I wouldn't naturally be drawn to.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* 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?

I think host families would be way cooler, but I realize the challenges that come with them.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Just don't be stupid and you'll be fine. Understand the culture as best as possible before setting foot in country.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 50 bucks
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Buy fresh good food instead of shawarma every day.

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? 202
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? Go out with the locals instead of hanging out too much with the people you came with.

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
  • 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?
  • People
  • Language
  • Food
* What could be improved?
  • Expectations From University
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? More cultural background. More Arabic. How to have courage and surrender quicker to the city.

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!