Grew a lot, but wish I had more support Past Review
By Zachary N (Near Eastern Studies, Middle Eastern Studies, Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/24/2018 to 05/11/2018 with
CET Jordan: Internship
Yes, it was worthwile. I learned the value of seeing a different culture and throwing myself into experiences that I wouldn't think possible before.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The academics were overall a good experience. Be prepared however for a different system than what you're used to back in America. Not worse, just different. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
CET Jordan can really use greater oversight of its programs, facilities, training. I was not satisifed with how the program was run from an administration standpoint. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
These apartments are not great. You are not in a great area of town, and be prepared for traditional culture. |
| * Food: |
You are responsible for most of your meals. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Luckily, I never had health issues. |
| * Safety: |
Rarely did I feel unsafe in Amman. But it still is the Middle East and you have to be smart about where you are. It's best not to be loud/obnoxious/drawing attention. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I'm not sure. I really wanted to learn Arabic, and I did. But I was very dissapointed with how CET ran the program and their expectations of the students. |
Finances
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* 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) |
Easily. Amman is quite cheap. But do bear in mind: going out/drinking alcohol is absurdly expensive in Jordan. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $100 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Decide when you want to go out/when not to. Given that this is a local area, there are plenty of very cheap eateries around. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
Enormous emphasis on Arabic. |
| 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? | Advanced |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Intermediate Arabic |
| 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? | It's really difficult, but try to keep up with the language pledge. You're paying to learn Arabic. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Amman is not the most lively city in the world, and know that before coming in. And you are expected to follow cultural norms (alcohol issues and sex-issues) |
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 LinguistYou 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! |
