Learn about yourself! Past Review
By A student (International Business., The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 09/01/2013 to 12/20/2013 with
CIEE: Amman - Language and Culture
It was absolutely worthwhile. I learned who I can be when dealing with adversity, and I met the most fantastic people.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I learned quite a lot about the Middle East, as far as economy and politics, and my Arabic language usage advanced exponentially. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I didn't have much contact with UT while abroad, but I didn't really need it, so it was fine. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I really liked my CIEE roommate and the pairing was made well. However, the housing advisor in Amman did not place us in an apartment that we had asked for, according to our preferences, so I guess it was just a random placement. |
| * Food: |
Jordanian food is DELICIOUS. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I felt very integrated, especially since the Arab culture is so welcoming and the people really wanted to help us learn Arabic. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I didn't have major health issues while abroad, but most students were able to find a doctor/ health clinic without much problem. |
| * Safety: |
For females, the harassment in Amman was much more than I had realized. Always travel in groups, especially at night, and try not to take public transportation alone. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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) |
Jordan is a very expensive country, especially because of the high government taxes. I spent much more than I would in an average semester in the US. Because we weren't allowed to drive, much of the expense went into taxis. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $100 to $125 a week |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Don't buy souvenirs until the last month, because you'll learn the common rates and how to bargain (people will try to rip you off!) Buy groceries from the local street markets, not the big Carrefours or stores. |
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 |
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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? | Advanced |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | 3 semesters (Intermediate) |
| 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? | Talk to everyone!! Locals and Jordanian students especially. They will try to speak with you in English, but keep pushing for Arabic. |
Other Program Information
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* 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? | Don't hold any expectations. It will be vastly different than anything you can imagine. Also, BE PATIENT |
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 Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
