Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Middlebury in Jordan! Past Review

By (Middlebury College) - abroad from 08/31/2019 to 12/21/2019 with

University of Jordan: Amman - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
So much language proficiency, many amazing relationships and more cultural awareness.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

All but one of my classes were absolutely amazing and I learned SO much each day!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My host family made my experience even more amazing and unforgettable and I feel so lucky to have met them.

* 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

The Middlebury school in Jordan was an amazing experience for me and I wish I could repeat it! I would highly recommend this program to anyone hoping to learn Arabic, learn about Jordanian culture and create long lasting relationships with Jordanian host families and professors.

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)

Living in Jordan was affordable because we ate at our homestay homes, but everything else around us was very expensive!

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? N/A
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Take advantage of the delicious meals that your homestay families make you!

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

The Middlebury language pledge is incredibly important and really helped us all improve.

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? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? A 200 level language course
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Keep the language pledge as much as possible!

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Exchange

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • 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?
  • The professors
  • The students
  • Jordan!
* What could be improved?
  • The Gender Studies class
  • The transportation costs
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I would have known how much money I'd be spending on transportation throughout the semester.

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Gender Studies in the Middle East
Course Department:
Instructor:
Instruction Language: Arabic
Comments: The class was simply not at an appropriate level of Arabic for the students, nor did it provide materials and information relevant to the topic of gender in the Middle East. The instruction was poor and the professor was unable to apply the constructive feedback that her students provided her to her teaching.
Credit Transfer Issues: No
Course Name/Rating:

Fusha
Course Department:
Instructor: Nadia
Instruction Language: Arabic
Comments: This was by far the best Arabic class I have ever taken. Nadia is such a talented professor and really knows how to teach the Arabic language. She is sweet, inspiring and creative in the way she teaches her class.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Ammiya
Course Department:
Instructor: Amani
Instruction Language: Arabic
Comments: This class was great! Our professor did a fantastic job of teaching us the Jordanian dialect and encouraging us to leave the classroom and speak to Jordanian students.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Politics of the Middle East
Course Department:
Instructor: Khetam
Instruction Language: Arabic
Comments: This class was absolutely wonderful. Khetam is an incredible teacher (and person) and was able to make her class both informative and dynamic. We did presentations, debates, played games, and worked in groups often, all which enhanced our learning!
Credit Transfer Issues: