Life Changing Experience - Apply to SIT Jordan! Past Review
By Samara (University of Oregon) - abroad from 07/19/2020 to 03/20/2020 with
SIT Study Abroad: Jordan - Geopolitics, International Relations, and the Future of the Middle East
I knew nothing about Middle Eastern culture except for the stereotypes Americans have towards Islamic culture. I wanted to change that. I want to dispel those stereotypes and gain a true understanding of the Middle East, and the best way to do so is by going there. My time in the SIT Geopolitics program was the perfect gateway to be exposed to such a beautiful region in the world. Unfortunately, our program was cut short from COVID-19, but I left Jordan with basic Arabic and an understanding of Jordanian culture. I know I will be back one day to continue learning and exploring such a wonderful country. I'm so thankful and highly recommend this program. (Excursion to UAE is quite fun as well).
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. |
I would improve the academic structure to make it slightly more rigorous. I learned a lot and enjoyed the leisure time to explore the city and connect with locals, but the greater the structure the better in my opinion. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Amazing, supportive people. They are what make the program extraordinary. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I loved my host family and miss their company everyday. |
| * Food: |
Try everything! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Jordanians and people in the Middle East are so welcoming. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| 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) |
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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 |
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| 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 |
| 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? | Get over the fear of making mistakes and know it's part of the process. Just practice, practice, practice! |
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? | Wear what you normally wear, besides tank tops. Tight clothes are okay, as long as you are covered. Jewelry is common. |
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 NetworkerAn active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume. |
