A life changing experience that cannot be gained any other way. Past Review
By Ryan A (Sociology, Northwestern College) - abroad from 01/19/2015 to 05/01/2015 with
Northwestern College: Muscat - Spring Semester in Oman
Too much to say, but yes it was worthwhile.
Personal Information
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Essentially the same work load as a normal semester. |
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Nice house, awesome location. |
* Food: |
The cook was awesome, also there were a lot of opportunities to either cook for yourself, or go into town to eat. |
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
We were given a lot of chances to interact with locals as well as ex-pats. |
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Nothing to say here, as nothing was needed. |
* Safety: |
I felt safer in Muscat at night than I have in the larger American cities that I've visited. |
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost) |
A person could get by without spending anything if they so choose, but the experience is made much more enjoyable if some money is spent on things like going out for food. |
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Around 30$. It really depended on the week. |
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 |
Most people in Oman speak English, so it was difficult at times to use the Arabic we learned, but if a concentrated effort is made there are plenty of opportunities to talk with native speakers. |
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? | 200 level Spanish course |
How many hours per day did you use the language? |
Other Program Information
* 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? | Culture shock can take many different forms, so be wary of letting it get in the way of your relationships or the semester as a whole. |
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 Avid AdventurerThe wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal. |