Adventures in the Desert- Past Review

By (International/Global Studies., Fairfield University) - abroad from 09/04/2011 to 05/10/2013 with

CIEE: Amman - Language and Culture

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My time was incredible. It was a great experience to get to know others, as well as know myself better. It was challenging, exciting, wonderful, difficult, adventurous and so much more, and I wouldn't have changed it for anything. I think the chance to experience another culture and way of living is an incredible opportunity that everyone should take advantage of at some point in their life!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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)

The exchange rate is high in Jordan, but most things are pretty cheap--especially food, however with that exchange rate it is important to stay on top of expenses.

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? No
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? between 50-60 Dinar ($70-$80)
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Share taxi rides to and from the University--that is a very easy way to save some of your program stipend to use maybe on trips or food, etc.

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

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? Intermediate I
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* 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?
  • Location- the city of Amman is a great city with lots to do and explore
  • Language Instruction- great experience and language practice in host country
  • Excursion Trips- Great opportunities to explore Jordan, many trip opportunities to see various historical sites--very cool!
* What could be improved?
  • I would love for classes to be offered with Jordanian Students
  • Program could be better at offering more integration with local population
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Not to stress out about the language--you will improve no matter what.