Incredible immersion and expsoure to Omani culture. Past Review
By Tamara S (Northwestern College) - abroad from 01/01/2012 to 05/31/2012 with
Northwestern College: Muscat - Spring Semester in Oman
The importance of cross-cultural learning in order to gain a global perspective and understanding of current events.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Amazing cross-cultural experience! Great exposure to the religion, cuisine, traditions, and language of Oman. The focus on Christian-Muslim Relations is essential during modern times and this program gives you first-hand experience and an in depth understanding of both faith traditions. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Incredible hospitality and very welcoming. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Great intentional community, it is like you are living in a house with friends! |
| * Food: |
We had our own cook from Indian that made us home-made Indian food for every meal! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Incredible exposure and immersion into the Omani culture. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
N/A |
| * Safety: |
Very safe, very welcoming. Muscat was very safe--there is very little crime, homelessness, and danger. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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) |
Very easy! |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $10 |
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 |
We often would go down to the market place and learning Arabic was very helpful for haggling! Islam and Arabic are also entwined, so knowing a bit of the language is essential! |
| 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? | Intermediate |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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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? | Don't overpack! Many of the materials you will need can be purchased there or is readily available in your apartment. |
