Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Wow, I can do this! Past Review

By (Political Science And International Studies, Indiana University - Bloomington) - abroad from 01/20/0014 to 05/15/0014 with

CIEE: Amman - Arabic Language

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Way too much to put in this box.

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.

Very academically challenging, but the professors want every student to succeed and give them enough resources and adequate practice to achieve progress.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Host family was welcoming, very friendly, and generous. Be aware that there will probably be a curfew and on rare occasions the family will not provide a key.

* Food:

You haven't really lived until you've tried Jordanian food. You will gain some weight but in the end it won't really matter.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Local integration a little difficult but doing the peer connection program will really help.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

There was an on campus nurse at the local university who spoke very good English.

* Safety:

Same advice as back home: don't go wandering around drunk at 5am or do anything unreasonable.

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)

Depending on the are you live in, it can be very expensive to take a taxi every day. Also, the exchange rate is not in your favor. But food and most everyday things are cheap enough to off set some of the living expenses.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Food was provided by host family mostly, but about $15 otherwise
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't be afraid to use the food carts that are around town and the appearance of some restaurants can be deceiving.

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

We signed a language pledge to not speak English for four and a half months.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Intermediate
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? Modern Standard Arabic 300
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? Speak with anyone and everyone. Having Arab friends before and after traveling is invaluable.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • Language pledge
  • Fellow classmates
  • Having the skill to speak to locals in their language
* What could be improved?
  • Forced homestays
  • More emphasis on street Arabic
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Take everything one day at a time. You will make huge strides during this program in Arabic and world view but it won't happen in a single day.

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!