Semester in Amman January 17, 2024

By (Politics, Pomona College) - abroad from 09/09/2023 to 12/21/2023 with

SIT Study Abroad: Jordan - Refugees, Health, and Humanitarian Action

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Living in Amman changed my perspective on the Middle East, international politics, and refugee matters. I'm so grateful for the experience and can't wait to go back.

Review Photos

SIT Study Abroad: Jordan - Refugees, Health, and Humanitarian Action Photo SIT Study Abroad: Jordan - Refugees, Health, and Humanitarian Action Photo SIT Study Abroad: Jordan - Refugees, Health, and Humanitarian Action Photo SIT Study Abroad: Jordan - Refugees, Health, and Humanitarian Action Photo SIT Study Abroad: Jordan - Refugees, Health, and Humanitarian Action Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The workload was very manageable. There were 4 papers throughout the entire semester, 2 that were 4-5 pages and 2 that were 7-8 pages. We were also required to lead class discussions.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

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)

SIT provided a stipend of $50 JD per week for taxis and lunch.

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

While speaking Arabic wasn't required, we were strongly encouraged to practice the language.

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

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Support
  • Excursions
  • Field Visits
* What could be improved?
  • Homestay
  • Food
  • Classes
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew what type of host family I'd be paired with. While I did have the option to switch, I wish I was placed with a family with a structure that I requested in my initial application.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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The Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.