Leaving Jordan today, I had two main feelings: disbelief and satisfaction. Disbelief that this semester flew by so quickly.  Disbelief that I actually made it through this study abroad period.  Having lived in Amman for three and a half months I am definitely ready to leave.  I have learned so much about this region and culture, but I feel that if I stayed here any longer I would not be gaining a lot in terms of learning new things about the culture or region.  To learn more I would have to move to either a neighborhood in the poorer section East Amman or to another Arab city such as Damascus for a more comparative analysis of the city.

Throughout most of the day I have also been expectedly reviewing the experiences that I have had over the past semester.  Thankfully, I really have no regrets.  Reading a letter I wrote to myself at the beginning of the semester, I realized that I had achieved all of the goals I set for this semester.  I have certainly improved my Arabic as I am now conversational and able to read the language.  I was able to see the “other” perspective.

By doing things such staying with a Bedouin and having interviews at the headquarters of the Muslim Brotherhood, I took chances and advantage of the various opportunities that being in this region can only offer.

For all going abroad next semester, this last weekend of your stay is what you all should have in mind.  There will be tough points; however, thinking about the amazing feeling of satisfaction that comes at the end of the year from realizing you have made the most your study abroad experience helps you get through the tough and trying times.  This was certainly the case for me, for as I leave Jordan, I feel completely satisfied.