Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Amazing place, but the program needs work June 18, 2026

By (Neurobiology, Neurosciences, Brandeis University) - abroad from 02/02/2026 to 05/15/2026 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much about being flexible and how to advocate for myself.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

My program had extreme circumstances (we had to re-locate due to the war between the US and Iran) so the academics was really impacted by that. However, while we were in Jordan, the academics were okay. The field excursions were amazing and really brought to life what we were learning in the classroom. However, academically, expectations and due dates were very unclear and the courses were very lecture-heavy.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Overall and consistently, the program admin was very kind but very unorganized and communication was often unclear.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The homestay was the highlight of my experience abroad. The program does a great job and letting you have a say in who you live with and does their best to meet the requirements that are important to you.

* Food:

I cannot say enough good things! The food in Jordan and provided by homestay families was incredible.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Though most people speak a bit of English, it is much easier to integrate into the local culture if you can speak Arabic. However, everyone is so kind and very willing to help you and make you feel welcome.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I have never felt as safe in a city as I did in Amman.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

I would go back to Amman in a heartbeat but the program itself was very disorganized and struggled to support students. Our semester occurred in extenuating circumstances because we had to leave the country due to the war, but it felt like the program was scrambling during this time and had no plan for after we re-located.

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)

Amman is an incredibly affordable city (taxis are around $5 and food can be found for cheaper than a dollar)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $10

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

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?

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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Home stay families
  • Food
  • Field visits
* What could be improved?
  • Organization
  • Evacuation plan
  • Communication
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew to go in with lower expectations regarding the organization and communication of this program. This program is not as established as other study abroad programs and a lot is being decided on the whim and you need to be able to go with the flow.

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 Blazer
Craving 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.'