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 also very suitable for a student who would like to do volunteer work or an internship. 

The host institution, the University of Jordan, is the first and oldest public four-year institution of higher education and research in Jordan.  The university has 13 academic faculties, which include 65 academic departments offering more than 3,500 courses a year.  The student body of 23,000 includes at least 1,800 international students.  The CIEE Study Center at the University of Jordan provides a rigorous academic program combined with an in-country cultural experience and intensive language study. Students gain a greater understanding of the Middle East, with specific emphasis on the Jordanian perspective and experience.  Classes are relatively small, and lectures tend to be the method of teaching, although most professors welcome discussions and questions. Many of the professors that teach courses in the program have been exposed to Western methods of teaching and come from different backgrounds which, is reflective of Jordanian society.

The University of Jordan campus is reflective of Jordanian society, attracting many Jordanians of various ethnic backgrounds.  Students engage in many extracurricular activities, which include 19 clubs on campus concerned with sports, music, the environment, public service, health, literature, art, volunteer work, seminars, and lectures. Jordanian students are friendly and interested in other cultures.  The University campus provides an excellent place for them to interact and socialize. The many services provided for its students by the University are also available to CIEE students. These include its extensive library, cafes and restaurants, university post office, bank, mosque, and basic sports facilities.

The Courses/Program:  The program begins with a one-week orientation program conducted in Amman, which introduces students to the country, the culture, and the academic program, and provides practical information about living in Jordan. Students take language study during this period, which is either continued in the second half of the semester or throughout the course of the semester, depending on the time of enrollment. Orientation is maintained on an individual and group basis throughout the program.

This CIEE program offers students a series of specially designed courses in such fields as anthropology, archaeology, culture, economics, history, literature, politics, and religion. Although there is no language prerequisite for participation in the program, all students are required to take Arabic while in Amman. In addition, students normally take three area studies courses (taught in English) or two area studies courses and an internship for credit. The University of Jordan’s Office of International Relations and Programs (OIRP) is responsible for academic oversight of the CIEE Study Center and assists students with academic advising.  CIEE’s Resident Director and Resident Coordinator can assist students in finding internships in Jordanian and Western organizations. Please note that Arabic language skills increase the number and variety of internship opportunities from which students can choose.

Housing:  Students have the option of living with a Jordanian family or living in an apartment (with other CIEE program participants). Please note that due to cultural considerations, homestays are more available to female participants, and apartment stays are more available to male participants. Students who stay in apartments receive a meal stipend; students who stay with families have meals provided by the family. Apartment stays may have additional costs depending on the number of occupants in an apartment.

Duration/Deadlines:
• Fall Semester (17 weeks): late August – mid-December / Application Deadline: April 1st
• Spring Semester (17 weeks): February -  June / Application Deadline: November 1st
• Academic Year (34 weeks): late August - June / Application Deadline: April 1st

Requirements:  (Language of Instruction is in English, Arabic)
• 3.0 GPA

Program Cost Includes: tuition, housing and some meals, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, field trips, pre-departure advising, and insurance. Visa not included. For more information: www.ciee.org.  Catalogues are available in ISAP’s Resource Rooms.  Please note: The information on this sheet is for reference purposes only.  It is your responsibility to confirm details and deadlines.