An Unforgettable Experience January 23, 2021

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Not too difficult in terms of academic rigor, especially compared to my very difficult home institution in the U.S. Classes are based on readings, guest lecturers, and group discussions for Geopolitics and Psychology, while you also take a formal Arabic course and an Aamiyah Arabic course.

On-site administration of your program

The administration at SIT Jordan is absolutely outstanding. From the moment they pick you up from the airport, to orientation, and throughout the entire semester, they are there absolutely 100% of the time, 24/7 to help with anything at all, whether related to academics, homestays, directions, individual excursions, cultural advice, help with future programs, and even to just hang out with and get to know. I couldn't have asked for any better program administrators.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I stayed in a homestay that was very tailored to what I asked for when communicating my preferences with the SIT homestay coordinator. I was lucky enough to have my own room with lots of space and privacy, but the freedom to hang out with my host family and their many children whenever I wanted. They made me feel welcome, inviting me on outings, feeding me, and simply letting me sit in the living room and watch Arabic soap operas with them. I absolutely adored my homestay and host family.

The food in Jordan is incredible, and SIT did a wonderful job of providing us with daily snacks as well as recommendations for the best authentic Jordanian food and dishes. Make sure you hit up Hashem in Wasat al Balad and Al Usra in Abdoun!

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt that my integration with local culture increased throughout the semester, especially as I sought out Arab and Jordanian friends. I wish SIT did a bit more in terms of introducing us to Jordanians around our age--like maybe a partner program with the University of Jordan, or just some friendly pair-ups for dinners or tours around Amman!

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

SIT has a great health insurance program and the administrators of my program helped me immediately upon quite a few health issues, including an IV, eye infection, and gynecological issues (at different times throughout the semester). It was pretty easy to contact the insurance (except by phone because it was based in the UAE and I could not make out of country calls), but my family in the US was able to help out with contacting them and they were always very prompt with their reply and help. The insurance people directed me to the best facilities and my expenses were covered, and when available SIT staff would escort me to appointments. There was only one big misunderstanding regarding a prescription, but that was all the hospital and no fault of SIT--in fact, people from SIT got on the phone to help me out by speaking to the pharmacist in Arabic. I had a great experience with assistance by SIT and the health insurance providers.

Generally pretty safe if you stay in the part of Amman SIT requires you to. The only safety note would be protests and demonstrations, which SIT requires you to stay away from. On my last night before leaving the country, I was staying in a hotel and a protest did make it through many of the city circles to my hotel, but I never felt unsafe at all. SIT did a great job reviewing safety during orientation and reinforcing expectations throughout the semester.

Amazing friends, memories, and a beautiful country I feel I can always call home--I'd do it all again in a heartbeat.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Because of my finances, I personally did not live on the easily minimal cost budget, but it is very easy to do so. There's cheap food everywhere, and SIT gives you a stipend for lunch and transportation to/from school each week. Part of the program, however, was a visit to Dubai and a few other emirates in the UAE, for which you'll want to save money if possible--that trip was expensive and it is very easy to drop $500+ in the UAE.

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

Not many people know English (extensively) in Jordan, so you have to use Arabic a lot whether it's struggling to make people understand you in FusHa or utilizing newly learned Aamiyah.

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• Host Family
• Apartment

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• Host Family

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• Americans

• 1. Homestay
• 2. Excursions
• 3. Internship 4. Closeness of my cohort and SIT advisors

• Arabic curriculum to match home institution
• More programmed activity/interaction with locals of similar age
• Help securing internships

The Academic or Linguist