Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The Middle East: Stop listening to the media and discover it yourself! Past Review

By (Sociology/Middle Eastern Studies, Northwestern College) - abroad from 01/16/2012 to 05/16/2012 with

Northwestern College: Muscat - Spring Semester in Oman

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned about a very misunderstood culture and religion. I continue to be fascinated and in love with the Middle East and I hope to go back one day. It was more than worthwhile, it was an experience I will forever carry with me as a pivoting point in my life.

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

* 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

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? $20
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't buy souvenirs until your last few weeks. It takes time to know what is really worth your money and worth hauling back to the States.

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? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? I completed a few years of Spanish
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 natives in Arabic. They will want to practice their English, but try to interact equally in both languages.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Loved learning the language
  • Learning Islam and Christianity from teachers who practiced both religions was an experience that will be hard to match
  • The food was amazing. I still seek out restaurants who serve chicken biryani!
* What could be improved?
  • I would have liked to live with host families for the second half of the semester
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had been more career focused before going abroad. Figure out how studying abroad in your particular country can help your future career. Then seek out those experiences and conversations while in your host 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 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.