Work hard, play hard! Past Review
By James Fleming (Oberlin College) - abroad from 01/30/2017 to 05/12/2017 with
Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury In Amman
Beyond my language skills I gained a great deal of cultural knowledge. I also gained a great deal of confidence in public speaking, making new friends, and confronting uncomfortable situations (especially since I encountered them in a new language!)
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* 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: |
Varies by host family, but otherwise great place for food! Well fed by host family. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Middlebury's mentor program and language partners give you plenty of one on one experience with speakers your own age! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
No personal experience, but resources available for both physical and mental health. |
| * Safety: |
Great amount security measures taken by University itself and through the Middlebury program. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
Middlebury is the most academically rigorous and culturally immersive program available. Second semester students can take this a step further and enroll in the host university, and not just the program classes. |
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) |
Going over budget was due to personal choices, very livable environment on a student budget! |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $20-$30 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | In the case of Jordan, Western style cafes, etc. will be more expensive. There is usually an expensive and a cheap option for almost everything. |
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 |
Middlebury has a language pledge, requiring us to communicate and consume media only in the target 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? | Middlebury Summer language school course |
| 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? | Practice a little bit every day, flashcards Find media that makes the language enjoyable (tv, music, poetry, etc) |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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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? | I should have devoted a little less time to academics, and more to getting out and knowing the country! |
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! |
