Unfortunately, this semester at the University Jordan, Language Center has NOT been enjoyable. While I don't like saying anything negative, for future Rotary scholars or other potential students, a few comments on the Language Center might be helpful. When I first came to Jordan my ability in Arabic was limited to a few words of formal/modern standard Arabic. While I am able to communicate my point across in many (not so technical) situations, albeit with poor grammar in most cases, and I am able to understand even better, I could have received a much better education in Arabic. I would say that my first semester in the Language Center's level 3 was the most helpful out of all Arabic training I had here. There was a book which helped keep a decent amount of structure in the class, and the two teachers I have were helpful and understanding. For my last semester I am in level 5, which is terrible. We have 3 teachers, only one of which I would say is terrific. One of them is just "ok" and the other is terrible.
To start out there is a very poor language assessment test and consequently poor placement of students in an appropriate level. In each class there are often a wide range of levels on different aspects of the language (some can speak, some know grammar, some just know spoken Arabic). Somewhat understandably (becuase of the poor replacement test) the first two weeks are often spent with students moving around to figure out which level they feel comfortable with. During the semester there is very little organization, including no real plan for what a student should accomplish in one semester. The beginning levels sound like they are not bad for those with very poor Arabic skills; and perhaps the later levels are best suitable for more advanced students since the classes mostly consist of receiving articles and going through the meanings. However, for those in the Middle, such as me and many of my friends, it was not as effective of a program as we had hoped. I also don't only want to blame the Language Center; I know I have been very busy as well, and learning such a difficult language takes a lot of work. In addition to this, the language center was a great place for meeting friends and having a nice experience in Jordan. Nearly every weekend there are trips around the historic and tourist sites throughout Jordan. They also have a "language partner program" where you can sign up and be matched with a Jordanian who can offer to tutor you in Arabic as you tutor them in your own language.
Not that I want to advertise a program over another in Jordan, since I feel others should see them for themsleves, I have often heard good reviews about Qassid, the French Cultural Center and the Spanish Cultural Center. I also heard there might be classes at the British Council, and if lucky there are also private tutors who know the language (although this is not approved for the Academic year scholarship in my understanding).
Since my last post I went to Um Qais, a beautiful city up North where there are more Roman ruins. Since coming here I have become a little less fascinated by them however. However, I really enjoyed the beautiful nature which is incredible this time of year up there. The little bit of late-rain Jordan received helped. Last weekend I also went to Petra with the Language Center this past weekend, which was nice. Unfortunately Petra is so large, a day trip is not enough to see all of it. I went back up to the Monastery, and ended up riding a donkey for a small stretch, which was very fun. I never got to ride a camel yet, although there is a nice sized trek across the desert from Wadi Rum to Aqaba which sounds fun. Another time perhaps!
I come home June 11 and will be returning back to Amman around August 10 +/-. I know it is still over a month away and there will be plenty of other fun times to experience, but excitement for coming home has definitely started kicking in!!!
Some pictures from Um Qais:
Some pictures from Petra take 2:
Some pictures from my new office/bbq with them:
