Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Semester in Jordan Past Review

By (Tufts University) - abroad from 09/01/2012 to 12/21/2012 with

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury In Amman

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about a very different culture, had many interesting experiences, and learned some Jordanian dialect. Yes, it was worthwhile, but it also could have been much better.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The administrators were always available to help and did a good job coordinating events and trips... but when suggestions were made about improving the program, they were slow to respond, if at all.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in an apartment with other students. We were in a good location and the apartment was spacious and comfortable. However, it was just Americans in the house.

* Food:

Food in Amman is generally cheap; I ate out for most meals. The choices can get repetitive, but most cuisines are available if you look for them.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

We had Jordanian mentors who helped us to integrate with the local culture, but in the end we still spent a lot of time together, without any Jordanians around.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I was never sick, but other students that were weren't too pleased with the healthcare provided.

* Safety:

I never felt particularly unsafe in Amman, but that's partially because I'm male..

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)

This really depends on how hard you try-- but if you need to be on a tight budget, it can be done.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 50-100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Learn to use the bus system! Taxi fares can add up quickly.

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 took a language pledge.. so technically we were supposed to be speaking Arabic 24/7

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? Level 4
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? Talk to Jordanians!

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?
  • Jordanian mentors
  • Falafel
  • Language pledge
* What could be improved?
  • Arabic classes
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had known how little I'd learn in Arabic classes

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.