CET Syria Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I signed up for this program with soaring expectations about its educational standards. While a new program, I had been told that even faculty from Middlebury's famed Alexandria program had defected to the Syrian campus to introduce us to a demanding but very rewarding educational experience. Unfortunately we were instead met with a curriculum that was transferred from the infamous Arabic department at American University - a once prestigious yet rapidly decaying institution. Though we met everyday and spoke hardly any English in our Arabic courses, the quality and the curriculum were so poor that a week's worth of instruction could have been matched in one class at my university back home. Of course there were positives from our educational experience such as very devoted teachers who did their best to give us the best education possible despite all the constraints they had to work with. I will never forget our wonderful teachers who did their best despite the rigid curriculum they were forced to adhere to and the inadequate supplies and resources they were given. We were also given a unique experience by being presented a Syrian viewpoint on topics such as International Relations which we seldom discuss in the states. Unfortunately we are unable to put past us the fact that the coursework was in the end subpar. Simply putting students in a classroom environment for hours and hours and then emphasizing hours and hours of homework and drills will not lead to a competent Arabic education. Until the administrators reform these methods, the educational aspect of this program will not improve.

On-site administration of your program

The administrator was often late on responding to our needs and at the same time had the program's participants on a very short leash. While a good resource for questions about the country, places to go and visit, things to do, the administrator repeatedly did not address our personal needs and problems - such as theft in the dorm, request for better educational resources (textbooks), and restructuring of our rigid extra curricular schedule.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Despite the fact that we were living in a 3rd world country, the program did an exceptional job of negotiating with Syrian authorities in allowing a group of American students to enjoy the best living conditions that the university could provide. We stayed in the international dorm which was easily a 7 star hotel compared to the living arrangement provided to our Syrian comrades (2 bed single, desk, closet, A/C, heat, occasional hot water/internet, cleanliness, proximity to the city, reliable transportation, proximity to classes, living alongside Syrian students). We were treated like kings not only by the administrators of the dorm but also by our Syrian hallmates who we became lifelong friends with. Though there were some issues such as a lack of hot water or spotty internet connection, these are already elite luxuries in the country. The only problems that could have been dealt with was the constant theft of our belongings by the cleaning staff and also the presence of a political "spy" in our dorm (however this was somewhat expected).

Food is one of the greatest prides of the Syrian people and we were never disappointed. The portions are large and the costs are very cheap for a country that once boasted complete self sufficiency. While Middle Eastern food is renown across the world, Syrian cuisine is perhaps the jewel of the region. There was also a kitchen in the dorm that we had access to.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

While the constant mandatory curricular activities we had to attend to were rather frustrating and a complete waste of time, the group gatherings and trips were very enjoyable and provided a unique experience that we would not have had without the program. The program clearly had some higher level contacts that allowed us to visit some sites often off-limits to ordinary tourists. Outside the program we also had a great deal of freedom to travel and explore the country.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Syria is famed for its safety and even as tensions escalated in the country I never felt threatened. Petty crime is almost absent in this well-disciplined and hospitable society and the violence that has shaken the country is an exception. We resided in a city that was well protected by the unrest. In terms of health, a few members of the program with some weaker immune systems clearly had problems with the water which is no doubt normal.

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

The program utilized a language pledge which demanded 24 hour use of only Arabic everyday. Those who repeatedly violated this code were subject to being thrown out by the program. Such a policy is often used by other leading Arabic language programs such as Middlebury and CASA. Unfortunately under the circumstances that we were in - severe disparities in language level, stress and strain from overwork/courses - such a strict adherence is neither natural nor possible. Of course the very fact that most Syrians hardly speak a word of English is very encouraging and ideal for us to then naturally engage in speaking and learning Arabic. The program coupled this with Syrian language partners which they managed to set up for us as well as Syrian hallmates who would be our guides as well. But being forced to speak Arabic amongst the American students was never feasible and ultimately did not prevail. For those who are simply more natural at picking up the language, this was a frustrating and futile attempt at creating bonds. For those with less experience in the language, it was a waste of time. So it was never the courses or the policies of the program which would improve our skills but simply making friends and talking to everyday Syrians. The ever friendly and always curious Syrian people provided a wonderful resource for us to improve our language.

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• Dorm

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• Local Students
• Americans

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• Americans