Shawarma, Sand, and Study Abroad: My Spectacular Experience May 15, 2025
By Maddie H (Political Science, Kalamazoo College) - abroad from 09/01/2024 to 12/12/2024 with
CET Jordan
I learned about history, language, and religion. I made dozens of new friends who showed me new recipes, new places, and genuinely looked out for me. I met caring teachers who offered to continue helping me learn after the program ended. The moment I returned to the US I found a way to return to Jordan because I missed it so much, and now I have an internship in Jordan this summer! If I attended any other program in Jordan, I know it wouldn't have been the same amazing experience.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The teachers were wonderful, top-tier quality, and they pushed me to be the very best Arabic student I could be. |
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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? |
I loved the housing arrangement CET provided! We were able to live with American students and we had Jordanian neighbors our age, giving us both the benefits of the comfort of home and meeting new people and experiencing Jordanian culture. |
| * Food: |
Through this program, you provide your own food. I love Jordanian food so I was incredibly happy. The only reason my rating isn't 5 stars is because I don't like the milk in Jordan :) |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I was able to make lots of local friends and I felt welcomed from everyone the moment I entered the country. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
NA for myself, but my friends had good experiences with the healthcare from CET. |
| * Safety: |
Just blend in and nobody will bother you. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
A million times again I would choose the same program - the teachers, the quality of the program, the Arabic component, and the internship I acquired would not have been attainable anywhere else. |
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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | About 40-50 USD |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Don't eat at the American money trap restaurants! Spend time eating local food - it's cheaper and it's also a way to learn the traditional culture more! |
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 took a full language pledge, promising to speak the language at all hours of the day. The teachers were WONDERFUL in facilitating my growth in the Arabic language. I wouldn't ever want to do it with a different program. |
| 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? | None |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | 10+ |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Practice as much as you can prior to the program! You WILL excel with CET no matter what, but you'll do GREAT if you prepare yourself with a base in the language. |
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? | 10+ |
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? | Arabic! |
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 NetworkerAn active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume. |
