Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A rocky terrain with ups and downs, difficult to manage but worth it in the end! Past Review

By (The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 08/24/2014 to 12/19/2014 with

CIEE: Amman - Diplomacy and Policy Studies

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Language/cultural knowledge that you can't gain from the States. As well as academic skills because of my exposure to other students and learning styles. It was definitely worthwhile!!

Review Photos

CIEE: Amman - Diplomacy and Policy Studies Photo CIEE: Amman - Diplomacy and Policy Studies Photo CIEE: Amman - Diplomacy and Policy Studies Photo

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.

Classes were often very difficult, but it seemed arbitrary sometimes. By this I mean that, it almost seemed like they were trying too hard to make the classes seem difficult, so often times they overdid some stuff (busy work).

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

My professors abroad were wonderful

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My experience was a good one, especially since I was exposed to so many things with my host family, but there were many times I felt unwelcome and neglected.

* Food:

Not everything was amazing, but if you went to the right places it was great food!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I lived with a local host family

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not feel like my health issues were aided by my program, and I felt very lost when it came to seeking help for health issues.

* Safety:

Very safe! Women shouldn't be out alone late, or in taxis alone late, also traffic accidents occur pretty regularly. Overall very safe though

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)

Amman is an expensive city, and traveling by cab is the only way around, but I had a host family so I didn't have to buy food every week.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? About $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Share cans when possible, plan your day around when you will be traveling where so that you can minimalize cab usage

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

My program was more focused on diplomatic studies.

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? Four semesters of 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? Live with a host family!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • 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?
  • The content of my studies
  • The people I worked with
  • Speaking lots of Arabic
* What could be improved?
  • The preparation of students
  • The ways to travel around the city
  • Arabic intensity
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? It gets cold in Amman, and you need nice (business/casual) clothing so pack approproliately. Desert tap water is harmful to your body.

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!