Is this program right for you?

The program is designed for students who have an interest in Jordan and the Middle East. Courses are offered in the areas of Arabic language, anthropology, history, economics, literature, religion, archaeology, environment, political science, and the media. This program is very suitable for a student who would like to do volunteer work or an internship (only available to year long students).

Academics

The Language and Culture program provides a rigorous and challenging academic program combined with in-country cultural experience and intensive Arabic language study. Students gain a greater understanding of the Middle East, with specific emphasis on the Jordanian perspective and experience.

Academic Program

The CIEE Language and Culture program offers students a series of specially designed area studies courses in such fields as archaeology, economics, history, international relations, literature, politics, and religion. Area studies courses provide an overview of issues relevant to Jordan and the broader Middle East region. Although there is no language pre-requisite, all students are required to take both Modern Standard Arabic and Colloquial Jordanian Arabic while in Amman.

Courses and course descriptions can be found here.

Academic Culture

The program is academically rigorous and offers focused students an opportunity to make great strides in their language and overall knowledge of the region. Students attend Arabic language courses five days per week in the morning, while area studies courses are held in the afternoon. Area studies classes are relatively small, and lectures tend to be the method of teaching, however instructors welcome questions and discussion.

The University of Jordan's Language Center uses an immersion method for Arabic courses. With the objective of teaching the language holistically, the curriculum focuses on four skill areas: reading, writing, speaking, and comprehension. Grammar is taught within these four skills. CIEE students also have access to special Arabic tutoring sessions and weekly colloquial practice sessions.

Internships

Internships are not required, but are possible for academic credit in the Spring  semester only for year long students.  Qualified students in the Spring semester are placed in pre-screened internships with a non-governmental organization involved in community development, public opinion, social welfare, women's rights and political participation, environmental protection, or women's studies. Students record their experiences in a journal, which is evaluated monthly during the internship, and complete a final research paper that uses their experience at the organization to make inferences about issues in the region. In addition, students meet for weekly seminars and complete an assigned reading list. Approval for participation in the Internship course must be obtained from the Resident Director and the student's home institution during the application process.

Where You'll Study

University of Jordan, founded in 1962, is the oldest public four-year institution of higher education in Jordan. The University has 13 academic faculties, 65 academic departments, and a diverse student body of nearly 35,000, including 1,800 international students. The CIEE Study Center is located in the University of Jordan's Language Center, which has been offering courses in Arabic Language to non-native speakers since 1979. CIEE students enjoy the modern language labs, classrooms, and a computer lab at the Language Center and have access to other campus facilities. Classes are held throughout the University Campus.

Scholarships

AU Abroad provides students the opportunity to apply for the AU Abroad Mobility grant, in which students can earn up to $2500 per semester towards their tuition and program fees.  CIEE also provides students the ability to apply for several different scholarships for their programs.  It is the responsibility of the student to find out how to apply for these opportunities.

Student Life

Students have the option of living with a Jordanian host family or in an apartment with other CIEE program participants. While almost every student requesting a homestay is placed in one, in rare cases a suitable homestay may not be possible. Homestay families provide two meals per day during the week and three meals per day on weekends. Lunch is at the student's expense. Students selecting the apartment option will need to budget for all meals as they are not included in the program fee. However, lunch is provided for all students during orientation and CIEE-sponsored excursions. All students receive a stipend to be used for transportation to and from class.

Cultural Activities and Field Trips

The academic program is supplemented with excursions to Jordan's archeological, historical, and natural wonders. The program includes a two-day trip to Petra and Wadi Rum, a one-day trip to archeological sites in the north of Jordan, and camping in one of the Kingdom's spectacular Nature Reserves. Trips vary between the fall and spring semesters in deference to the weather. Resident staff keep students up-to-date on local cultural events, including films, concerts, and conferences.

Volunteering
There are a range of volunteer options available to students, many involving helping others with their English language skills. Previously, students have volunteered with NGOs, a women's rights organization, educational institutions, and organizations in the for-profit sector. Volunteer service does not receive academic credit and is subject to availability and placement based on language skills.

Peer Language Tutors
CIEE recruits peer language tutors from the Department of Arabic at the University of Jordan. Students are encouraged to meet with their language partners for up to three hours peer week to practice conversation, explore the University, and expand their understanding of the host culture.

Language Clubs
CIEE organizes a series of Arabic clubs that complements students' instruction in the language. The clubs cover conversation, poetry, dance, music, basic grammar, and Arabic calligraphy. Students are expected to attend one club session per week.