Great Summer Experience!

I had a wonderful time during my time in Amman in the summer 2012 Middle East Studies program with ISA and would highly recommend it to anyone! The ISA staff is extremely supportive and they do an excellent job of helping you familiarize with the city when you first arrive and showing you where a lot of the great places to eat and socialize are. I have been abroad several times and while I think the educational aspect is important, the support of the staff is what will really make or break your experience, and I was thrilled with how smoothly my excursions were to places like the Dead Sea. Amman is a very culturally rich city and very welcoming to visitors as long as you are ready to embrace something new, and anytime I looked confused for more than a few seconds in a store or restaurant someone who could speak both Arabic and English would come assist me. Only two things I would recommend that wouldn't be obvious to someone who hasn't been there: BRING PLENTY OF CASH! I had came prepared to put at least half of my expenses on a credit card only to learn that almost no businesses take credit cards (including McDonald's even). Also, be prepared to spend money on cabs, and if you are going to use cabs make sure you give yourself plenty of time in advance to catch them and travel to your destination timely. Otherwise just be mindful of the usual advice regarding respecting the local culture and you'll have a wonderful time!