Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Challenging Experiences in Jordan Past Review

By (Middlebury College) - abroad from 08/27/2016 to 05/18/2017 with

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury In Amman

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I integrated and associated with Jordanian and Arab culture in new and profound ways. Although this was difficult as a female, it was also enlightening and worthwhile.

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.

* 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

Although this program is challenging, the linguistic component of the program is the ultimate way to learn and immerse within a new language.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Very little to none
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Take as much public transportation as possible and try to split rides when you are able

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? Arabic 202
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? Interact with your family and take advantage of making friends in Arabic and not English

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Linguistic Component
  • Host Family
  • Refugee Courses
* What could be improved?
  • Courses in general
  • Support from staff
  • Mental health support
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had been more aware of the nature of the courses. Although this is a Middlebury program, the classes are unorganized (as are most things in the culture).

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Modern Standard Arabic
Course Department: Arabic
Instructor: Nadia
Instruction Language: Arabic
Comments:
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Modern Standard Arabic
Course Department: Arabic
Instructor: Rasha
Instruction Language: Arabic
Comments:
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Jordanian Colloquial Arabic
Course Department: Arabic
Instructor: Nadia
Instruction Language: Arabic
Comments:
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Gender Issues in the Arab World
Course Department: Arabic
Instructor: Abeer Dababneh
Instruction Language: Arabic
Comments:
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Refugee and Migration Studies
Course Department: Arabic
Instructor: Ayeesha Sartawi
Instruction Language: Arabic
Comments:
Credit Transfer Issues: