Eating and Clucking Past Review
By A student (Islamic & Middle East Studies, Women's & Gender Studies, Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/20/2013 to 05/12/2013 with
CIEE: Amman - Language and Culture
I learned that becoming comfortable in a foreign culture is possible. Even with imperfect language skills, you can carve out a routine for yourself.
Personal Information
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Many people thought the homework load was too heavy to fully enjoy the country. I agree, although I'm happy to have been part of a program that takes academics seriously. |
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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* Food: |
I have yet to hear any complaints about the food in Amman, except that there was usually too much of it. |
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Integration is a tricky word and I don't necessarily think it should be an evaluation criterion. |
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I needed a few vaccines before traveling, and once there had no health issues more serious than the occasional stomachache or head cold. |
* Safety: |
There are always some horror stories from every study abroad program, but I felt very safe 99% of the time in Amman, usually safer than I would feel in Boston. |
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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) |
Food, water, and taxi fare are all far cheaper than at home. |
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Maybe $50-$60 |
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Alcohol is expensive. Share bottles of wine or learn to do without. |
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 |
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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? | Beginner I |
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? | Most people in Amman speak some English, but it'll make everyone happier if you can deliver your request/question in Arabic. |
Other Program Information
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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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? | That American ignorance, blindness to privilege, and cultural insensitivity are everywhere, and that programs are far too relaxed about admitting anyone who know how to speak with a few well-placed buzzwords. |
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 LinguistYou 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! |