Incredible, immersive experience February 02, 2022
By Emma B (International Studies, University of Denver) - abroad from 09/04/2021 to 12/17/2021 with
SIT Study Abroad: Jordan - Geopolitics, International Relations, and the Future of the Middle East
This experience was definitely worthwhile. I would encourage students wanting an immersive experience and who are interested in international relations to consider this program.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Classes were generally engaging. I enjoyed hearing from multiple lecturers during the main geopolitics course. Having a basic background knowledge on history of the Middle East is useful for participating in class, though not essential if you read the assigned readings. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The program staff was amazing. They were available to help with any issue and answer all questions. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Overall I loved my host family and living with them was a highlight of the program. Although difficult at times, it definitely helped me gain insight into the culture and become more immersed. |
| * Food: |
Food was amazing. There's also many options for lunch within walking distance of the program center. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Living with a host family allowed me to become immersed in the culture very quickly. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I never felt unsafe in the country. Women should expect some comments from locals, but for me it was more annoying than anything. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
Beautiful country and amazing friends. Wouldn't hesitate to go back |
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) |
Cafe culture is huge in Amman, so most free time was spent trying different coffee shops and cafes. They are generally very affordable, but prices add up after a while. Walking long distances is not realistic in Amman due to busy roads and hills so expect to spend some money on Uber and taxis, although rides are generally only $2-4 and the program stipend helps cover this. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $50 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | The program provides a stipend for transportation to and from class and lunches during the week. |
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? | Intermediate |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Intermediate |
| 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? | If you're serious about learning the language, you need a good amount of self motivation and willingness to speak Arabic with your host family and practice outside of class. |
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? | Winter months get chillier than expected. Bring a jacket and some warm sweaters. |
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. |
