Amman
Amman, Jordan

Advanced Arabic Language

Study Program

Dates

-

16 weeks

Costs

Credit

16 semester hours

24 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

Apply Now

Request Information

Contact Us

Dates

-

16 weeks

Costs

Credit

16 semester hours

24 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Contact Us

Dates

-

37 weeks

Credit

16 semester hours

24 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Contact Us

Dates

-

16 weeks

Credit

16 semester hours

24 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Contact Us

Overview

Take your Arabic to the next level in Amman, the most populous city of Jordan and the country's economic, political, and cultural center. Designed for those with advanced language skills in Arabic, CIEE Amman staff provide students with a combination of language, history, and literature courses, entirely taught in Arabic. You'll be asked to sign a language commitment when enrolling in the program, agreeing only to speak Arabic in your classes to encourage complete language and cultural acquisition. Your commitment to speaking fluent Arabic will help you improve and master your Modern Standard Arabic and Colloquial Jordanian language skills.

In addition to language immersion, you can expect your courses to be complemented with co-curricular activities and excursions organized by CIEE beyond the city center of Amman to enhance classroom learning and provide intercultural understanding and community engagement. 

Unique Experiences

IMMERSE YOURSELF

to build on your studies and improve your Arabic language skills

SLEEP IN TENTS

in the middle of the desert while exploring the natural wonders of the region and visit the “Rose City” of Petra, a World Heritage Site

SEE FILMS, LECTURES, AND EXHIBITS

all in the target language of Arabic

6,000

SPECTATOR CAPACITY AT THE ROMAN THEATER

2M+

VISITORS PER YEAR

7

HILLS FORM THE MAIN CITYSCAPE

Experience

The Culture

petra excursion study abroad amman ciee

EXCURSIONS & ACTIVITIES

  • Visit Jordan’s archaeological, historical, and natural wonders - all with Arabic-speaking guides. 
  • Participate in weekly co-curricular activities to develop your Arabic language skills and an understanding of local culture. 
volunteers abroad amman jordan passing line

PROJECTS

  • Volunteering at a community kitchen or an orphanage during your time in Amman 
  • Volunteering for one day: “Adopt” an elementary school in a rural community and help renovate the building while getting to know the children. 

Program Blogs

Creative Spaces

By Riya J.

The bass vibrating in my chest, the beat controlling my arms and legs like a marionette doll, the melody and harmony changing roughly every three and a half minutes -... keep reading

Observations on University in Jordan

By Riya J.

CIEE Amman offers us the opportunity to take a class at Princess Sumaya University of Technology. Wanting to meet Jordanians my age, I took the opportunity and signed up for... keep reading

From CIEE

EAT, DRINK, EXPLORE: AMMAN

By College Study Abroad at CIEE

EAT With Israel and Egypt on one side, and Syria, Iraq, and Saudi Arabi on the other, it’s no wonder Jordan’s cuisine is so vast and varied. But the consensus... keep reading

What People are Saying

  • "I absolutely loved the Advanced Arabic Language Program. I was very concerned that my Arabic would not be at par with the program, however this program is very accommodating. As long as you are not a beginner, then it is safe to say that as long as you show grit and commitment to learn Arabic, then they will help you to succeed in the program!! The program staff is amazing and care a lot about the students overall physical and mental health and their adaptation to life in Jordan."

    Andrew L, Spring 2018

  • "Every single professor I had was out of this world great."

    Student, Spring 2018

  • "Exceptional program and staff. I also ran a half marathon in the Desert!"

    Student, Spring 2018

  • "The professors for the AAL program are outstanding. Great job engaging students and effective at making our learning positive. Also really enjoyed our excursions--the week-long retreat is great for language development as well as gaining a fuller picture of Jordanian society."

    Student, Spring 2018

  • "My  most memorable experience this term was being able to go on a week long retreat with my professors. We went to beautiful sites and I got to bond with my classmates. I am absolutely amazed and grateful for everyone who works to make CIEE possible. I hope that CIEE continues this great work."

    Student, Spring 2018

Housing
Academics

Academics

The Advanced Arabic Language program provides students with a full immersion experience commensurate with their abilities and proficiency level. All courses are taught in Arabic and include both subject area content and language instruction. This approach enables students to develop a high level of proficiency in Arabic and gain an in-depth understanding of the culture as well as important issues facing Jordan and the Middle East today. In addition, the program has a language commitment that students agree to at the start of the program during orientation. Students are placed in classes depending on their proficiency level which is determined by the on-site placement test. 

CIEE Amman is located in a traditional neighborhood, which allows students plenty of opportunities to interact with local residents and get to know key institutions and sites with ease. 

GPA

3.0

Language Requirements

4 semesters of college-level Modern Standard Arabic or equivalent ability to pass an on-site Arabic proficiency exam and demonstrate oral proficiency at the intermediate mid- to intermediate-high level on the ACTFL scale.

Additional Requirements

3.3 GPA in Modern Standard Arabic, 4 semesters of college-level Modern Standard Arabic or equivalent ability to pass an on-site Arabic proficiency exam. Successful applicants have mastered the concepts covered in the Al-Kitaab series through the second book or equivalent, and demonstrate oral proficiency at the intermediate mid- to intermediate-high level on the ACTFL scale. 

Students have two chances to meet the course requirements on the placement exam and then are automatically enrolled in the CIEE Middle East Studies program if they do not.

Please refer to the detailed Program Essential Eligibility Criteria.

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors.

Requirements

  • Three required Arabic Language courses 
  • One Arabic subject elective 

Program Credit

Total credit: 16 U.S. semester/24 quarter credits

Course Credit

CIEE courses: 3-6 U.S. semester/4.5-9 quarter credits; 45-140 contact hours 

CIEE Directed Independent Research: 3 semester/4.5 quarter credits; 15 contact hours, 100-120 research hours 

 

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors.

Academic Culture

The program is academically and linguistically challenging and requires a solid commitment on the part of students both in and outside of the classroom. Instructors are native Arabic speakers who are trained in their fields and in teaching Arabic language. 

Class Format

Classes are small and often taught in tutorial style. Participants take classes only with other students in the Advanced Arabic Language program. 

Grading

Grades are assigned based on midterm and final exams, and additional assignments, such as a research paper, homework, quizzes and class presentations. Attendance and class participation are incorporated into the final grade for the program courses. Class attendance is mandatory in all CIEE classes. 

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors.

Language of Instruction

Arabic

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors.

Courses

Course Information

Academic Projects

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Communication, Journalism, and Media

Course
Language
Semester Credit

History, Philosophy, Religion

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Languages and Cultural Studies

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Academic Projects

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Communication, Journalism, and Media

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Languages and Cultural Studies

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Literature, Linguistics, and Writing

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Note: This course listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between CIEE and any applicant, student, institution, or other party. The courses, as described, may be subject to change as a result of ongoing curricular revisions, assignment of lecturers and teaching staff, and program development. Courses may be canceled due to insufficient enrollment.
"(GI)" denotes courses that originated at CIEE's Global Institutes and that are offered at multiple CIEE sites.

Scholarships

Scholarships & Grants

CIEE offers scholarships and grants annually to help students like you make your study abroad dream a reality.

Students who apply to this program are eligible for the following scholarships and grants:

  • Wollitzer Merit Scholarships in Area or Comparative Studies
  • Ping Scholarships for Academic Excellence
  • Global Access Initiative (GAIN) Grants
  • CIEE Gilman Go Global Grant
  • MSI Grant

To be considered, submit the CIEE Scholarships & Grants application within your CIEE program application.

Learn more about scholarships

Dates & Fees

Dates & Fees

You get more for every dollar when you study abroad with CIEE, because our high-quality programs include everything from excursions to insurance. There are no hidden charges, and no disappointing surprises when you arrive.

Program

Application Due

Start Date

End Date

Fees & Housing

Program Spring 2024 16 weeks Application Due Deadline Passed Start Date End Date Fees & Housing $19,850
Program Fall 2024 16 weeks Start Date End Date Fees & Housing $19,850
Program Academic year 2024-2025 37 weeks Start Date End Date
Program Spring 2025 16 weeks Start Date End Date

To help you budget, keep in mind that students are responsible for the cost of international airfare, local transportation, books and supplies, visas, and personal expenses. In addition, your college or university may charge additional fees for study abroad, or may require you to receive a transcript via CIEE's School of Record, which carries an additional fee of $500.

Program Fees

CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.

Participation Confirmation = $300*

Educational Costs = $16,606**

Housing = $2,750

Insurance = $194

Total Fees = $19,850

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

Meals not included in program fee = $560

International Airfare = $1,200††

Local Transportation = $1,200

Books & Supplies = $150

Visa Fees = $60

Personal expenses = $285†††

Total Costs = $3,455

Financial Aid

CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

*non-refundable

**direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

For students in homestays, families provide 2 meals a day. For students in apartments, you should budget approx. $420 per month for groceries if you plan on making your own meals, and more if you plan on eating out regularly.

††round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure

†††$100 emergency fund + cell phone expense + toiletries

Program Fees

CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.

Participation Confirmation = $300*

Educational Costs = $16,606**

Housing = $2,750***

Insurance = $194

Total Fees = $19,850

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

Meals not included in program fee = $560

International Airfare = $1,200††

Local Transportation = $1,200

Books & Supplies = $120

Visa Fees = $60

Personal expenses = $285†††

Other = $30††††

Total Costs = $3,455

Financial Aid

CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

*non-refundable

**direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

***includes two meals per day during the week, and most weekend meals.

For students in homestays, families provide 2 meals a day. For students in apartments, you should budget approx. $420 per month for groceries if you plan on making your own meals, and more if you plan on eating out regularly.

††round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure

†††$100 emergency fund + cell phone expense + toiletries

††††Covid test fees for entry to the US

Program Fees

CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

Financial Aid

CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

Program Fees

CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

Financial Aid

CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

What's Included

Tuition

Housing

Pre-departure Advising

Advising before you depart to set goals and answer questions

Optional on-site airport meet-and-greet

Orientation

Introduction to your program plus practical information about living in your host city

On-site Staff

Full-time program leadership and support in your city

Cultural and/or Co-curricular Activities

Excursions and/or Study Tours

Travel Protection

CIEE iNext travel protection

24/7 emergency on-site support

Staff

Our Staff

Zein Nsheiwat

DIRECTOR

Zein Nsheiwat has been working in the field of study abroad and cross-cultural education since 2007 and completed a MBA in 2022 at TAGUCI in Amman, Jordan. She has worked...

Samir Issa

HOUSING AND LOGISTICS COORDINATOR

Samir started working with CIEE in 2019. Besides supporting the students’ cultural engagements. Samir manages all aspects of the housing program, and recruits Arabic-speaking host families for CIEE students in...

Najeh Abu Orabi

DIRECTOR OF ARABIC INSTRUCTION

Najeh Abu Orabi, Ph.D., a native of Jordan, has been challenging American students to master the Arabic language for more than a decade. In addition to leading the Arabic Language...

Get Started Steps

Get Started

Here’s what you need to do to take the next steps:

1

Start an Application 
You're one step closer to an amazing study abroad experience!

2

Connect With Your Campus Study Abroad Office 
Share your plans and confirm you're on track to meet all required steps to go abroad. 

3

Contact Us 
Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about applying to this program.

Request Info