I wouldn't change it for anything in the world Past Review
By A student (Political Science and Government., Trinity University) - abroad from 06/01/2014 to 07/26/2014 with
CET Jordan
So when you're in Jordan, that far from the world, you're in it by yourself. It's really hard to contact your family because of time differences and very low internet quality. This is kind of a good thing because it means you have to adapt and actually try to make it work. I loved my experience in Jordan because it was such a different environment from what I was used to. People think that going to Europe or South America comes with a hard culture shock, but I am positive that this is much more intense. The culture is SO different, and there is no point of comparison/reference to go around it; it just is different and you have to accept it and go with it. The staff of the program, Manal and Mazen, are like family now, they're the absolute best. The professors are really amazing, they want you to learn so much and they will go out of their way to help you.
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 program was very good. When they said it'd be intense, they weren't exaggerating. They provided all the necessary resources to learn the language and the program was very thorough and organized in terms of teaching the language. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The housing was great, it was near the university where we took classes. We had apartments that were brand new, literally just built. They were really nice. |
| * Food: |
The food was amazing, hands down. I gained SO much weight. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
CET does something really great and it is that they had us have language partners AND Jordanian roommates. We met different people that gave us a very rounded experience. CET gives you a lot of independence in the sense that you can go around and do as you please, so I got to meet all kinds of different people in different environments. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I didn't have any health problems, but the advisers were very attentive, so I know everything would have been fine. There were no health issues or vaccines required. |
| * Safety: |
I felt completely safe at all moments. The staff and the teachers were very protective of us, as well. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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) |
It was very easy, 50 JD = 70 USD, which is a lot of money in Jordan. The food is ridiculously cheap so you can eat in or out and it makes no different. Taxis are also VERY cheap if you know how to manage it. Nevertheless, shopping for clothes can be very very expensive or going to the beach as well. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Around 50-70 JD, and that is overestimating. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Just know that you're not going to want to do any shopping for clothes in Jordan, leave it for the States or elsewhere. Alcohol is also incredibly, extremely expensive, so take it into consideration. |
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 |
We were under contract to speak Arabic, so it was mandatory. We learned SO much because of this. Plus, all of the staff only speaks Arabic, so you kind of have to deal. |
| 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? | 3 semesters, and I barely remembered anything. |
| 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? | Just sit down and learn your theory and go out and practice it. Also, try writing paragraphs. Go from writing small simple sentences, to writing long sentences with complete ideas. Watch movies, read books, and translate lyrics. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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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? | CET will take you to the best touristy places so that you can cross those off your list, but there are SO many nice places to see in Jordan, that you should do your homework (think about the Wadis and natural springs that are just waiting to be visited). Also the clothing situation is not that bad. You don't have to wear maxi dresses and be covered up to the nines in loose fitting clothes; basically you don't have to buy a new wardrobe to visit Jordan. You can totally wear skinny jeans over there. As long as you don't wear really tight shirts and shirts that have no sleeves you'll be fine. I would say skirts are a No during the day, but if you're going out to party to certain nightclubs, you'll find girls wearing nightclub attire and you'll forget you're in Jordan. You're going to get cat-called a LOT if you're a girl. The faster you get over it, the more you enjoy your time over there. The culture is not going to change just because you get angry/annoyed and scream back at them; it's best to ignore it. Also, if you're going to eat at an Arab's house, be sure to take something. It's common courtesy. Take a dessert or juice, or tea, SOMETHING, just don't show up empty handed. |
