Overview | Academics | Cost | Location | Life Abroad | Student Voices
Co-sponsored by the Council for International Educational Exchange and International Academic Programs, the language and culture program in Amman is geared towards advanced Arabic language learners. In addition to advanced Arabic language courses, students will also have the opportunity to take a number of elective courses in Arabic in subjects such as business communications, history, culture, literature, and media. Living with Jordanian families, working with peer language tutors, numerous community volunteer programs, and taking a language pledge to only speak Arabic creates a true immersion experience for participants. This program also includes a trip to Petra, archaeological sites in the north of Jordan, and walking tours in Jordan's historical towns and districts. Students have the option of studying for a semester (fall or spring) or for the academic year.
There is also a summer Arabic language program open to students with no Arabic up to six semesters. Students enroll in both Modern Standard Arabic and Colloquial Jordanian Arabic during this intensive seven-week program.
Amman has a history that reaches back at least 5,000 years. Despite the ancient ruins that dominate the downtown skyline, much of the city only dates back to the 1970s. Draped over several hills, Amman is a study in contrasts. A traditional downtown souk (marketplace) is a taxi ride away from massive, American-style shopping malls. It is a very accessible, cosmopolitan city with numerous museums, art galleries, theaters, and cinemas. With its reputation for security and hospitality, Amman is home to inhabitants from all over the Middle East. The city provides a safe and stable environment for students to learn about the region.
As the capital, Amman is the largest city in Jordan with a population of approximately 3 million inhabitants and is the cultural and commercial center of the country. With a history that reaches back 5,000 years, Amman is renowned for its ancient ruins and traditional downtown souk (marketplace). Amman also has a modern side with American-style shopping malls, art galleries, theaters, and cinemas. This cosmopolitan city offers a safe, stable environment to study the Arabic language.
Getting to Your Program
Participants are responsible for arranging round-trip transportation to the program site.
Visa
A visa is required for U.S. citizens prior to departure. Participants must have a passport valid for six months after the end of the program.
Orientation
IAP expects you to be an active participant in preparing yourself for your study abroad experience. As a participant on an IAP program, you will receive a pre-departure orientation, either in-person or online. The type and format of this orientation will vary by program and will be provided to you upon acceptance to the program.
Students also particiate in a CIEE Online Pre-Departure Orientation. Meeting with students online, the Resident Director shares information about the program and site, highlighting issues that alumni have said are important, and giving students time to ask any questions before leaving home. The online orientation allows students to connect with others in the group, reflect on what they want to get out of the program, and learn what others in the group would like to accomplish. The CIEE goal for the pre-departure orientation is simple: to help students understand more about the program and site, as well as their goals for the program, so that they arrive to the program well-informed and return home having made significant progress toward their goals.
The program begins with a mandatory three-day orientation conducted at the University of Jordan, which introduces students to the academic program and provides practical information about living in Jordan. Orientation also includes a health and safety component conducted in coordination with the U.S. Embassy in Amman. Ongoing support is provided on an individual and group basis throughout the program.
Housing
Students are placed in Arabic-speaking homestays. During the week students are normally provided breakfast and dinner by their host family, with lunch on their own. During the weekend all meals may be provided by the host family.
Excursions and Activities
This program includes a trip to Petra, archaeological sites in the north of Jordan, and walking tours in Jordan's historical towns and districts. Students will also have the opportunity to participate in other social and cultural outings in Arabic including events such as films, lectures, and exhibits. Students are encouraged to travel around Jordan during weekends and school breaks. The Dead Sea is just a day trip away. Travel outside of Jordan requires completion of a travel form and review of potential safety and security concerns with the resident director.
Insurance
All participants in IAP programs are enrolled in health insurance through Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI) and the cost of insurance is included in program fees. iNext card for evacuation purposes is also included in CIEE fees.
On-Site Support
CIEE Jordan Study Center director and staff
Returned Student Network
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Student Testimonials
The CIEE Arabic Language program-intensive courses combined with total immersion has brought my Arabic ability to levels I never imagined possible!
Students take courses in advanced Arabic conversation, reading and comprehension, grammar, and intercultural communication as well as elective courses taught in Arabic with other students in the program. Elective courses are available in subjects such as business communications, history, culture, literature, and media. Classes are small and taught by native Arabic speakers who have also been trained in language instruction. To aid in cultural immersion, students may have the opportunity to volunteer for a variety of organizations and will be partnered with a native speaker language tutor. Students are encouraged to meet up with their language tutor for three hours a week to practice conversation skills, explore the university, and learn about Jordanian culture.
Students who decide to study for the academic year will also have the opportunity to have a for-credit internship their second semester. Previous students have interned in opportunities with community development, public opinion, social welfare, women's rights and political participation, environmental protection, and women's studies.
Founded in 1962, the University of Jordan 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 opposite the main gate of the University and offers students a wide range of support, library, and advising services. CIEE has an additional office in the University of Jordan's Language Center. CIEE students have access to all major campus facilities, including the library and campus computer labs. Classes are held throughout the University Campus.
Affiliate Institution(s)
www.ju.edu.jo/home.aspx
Program Web Page(s)
www.ciee.org/study/programOverview.aspx?pID=1788#1rightForYou
Course Equivalents
Use the links below to see a list of courses that students have taken on this program before and the UW equivalents. Note: this list only includes pre-approved courses for your program and may not be an exhaustive list of courses or departments. You will get instructions on the course equivalent process after acceptance.
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