A Semester Under the Stars January 29, 2026
By Jiana S (Anthropology, Brandeis University) - abroad from 09/07/2025 to 12/20/2025 with
SIT Study Abroad: Jordan - Refugees, Health, and Humanitarian Action
It was the most worthwhile experience of my life. I learned firsthand the intricacies of Humanitarian action, including its shortcomings, and how different NGOs are working to bridge the gaps. Additionally, the internship component allowed me to actually work on doing so myself.
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. |
The academics were very insightful with a heavy focus on experiential learning. This makes the education an incredible opportunity for students interested in this field since classes often include visits to NGOs and refugee familys/camps/spaces. The one fault would be the disorganization of the Research Methods & Ethics class since the professor was not a direct SIT staff member. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Amazing I adored the administrative staff on the program. They were so accommodating and kind |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I got sick a few times during my program, as did other kids. Getting coverage was quick and easy. The insurance covered all appointments and prescription expenses. |
| * Safety: |
Be weary of men on street |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
The program's focus on experience is absolutely huge. They take the students on excursions in and outside of Jordan, so by the end of the program you end up feeling so fulfilled academically as well as personally. The night under the stars in wadi rum consisted in us staying in tents under the stars, climbing mountains, drinking tea with the bedouins, riding camels, and taking a ride through the desert where we watched the sunset. The beauty of the landscape was truly once in a lifetime and im so thankful to have seen it. I think the program is so amazing because it offers so much both in and outside of academics and career building, but shows you jordan and supports you every step of the way. It feels worth noting that they support the cost of using your phone and ubering to and from class, as well as give stipends while on excursions and often supply meals. I loved this program!! The only fault is I think more cultural tolerance should be taught to kids at the start/before the program to ensure no one is insensitive to the culture! |
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) |
Although the Jordanian currency is worth more than the dollar, goods in Jordan are generally very cheap. The food especially is very afforable |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | approx 100 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | buy the cheap sandwiches; they are delicious and budget-friendly. Also, use the taxis on the uber app they are just as safe/convenient and cheaper. |
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? | Arabic 20 |
| 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? | Speak to locals and learn key everyday conversational phrases (the program directors are happy to teach you!) |
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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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? | I wish I knew the cool spots for kids to hang out so I could have explored even more of them during my time there |
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 Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
