Program Overview
Program Overview
Come discover Jordan and advance your Arabic language skills in an environment of complete cultural and linguistic immersion.
In Amman, you’ll find challenging coursework – led by dedicated, native speaking faculty – which allows highly-focused students with an advanced background in Modern Standard Arabic to achieve high levels of proficiency in reading, writing, and oral comprehension. And with homestays, peer language tutors, volunteer opportunities, and cultural activities and excursions, you’ll enjoy a unique and truly immersive intercultural experience in Jordanian.
Study abroad in Jordan and you will:
- Develop high levels of proficiency in Arabic language
- Enroll in Arabic language subject courses on history, culture, literature, media, and business communication
- Work with a faculty mentor and develop Arabic writing skills through an advanced writing and research course
- Visit museums, theaters, and galleries, take day excursions to famous archaeological sites, and an overnight trip to Petra
- Innovative mid-semester Arabic language rural retreat
The CIEE Difference
The CIEE Difference
Coursework
Challenge yourself by enrolling in a variety of courses taught entirely in Arabic. Improve your technical writing and public speaking with business communication; study contemporary Arabic literature or poetry; explore Arab media or an introduction to Islam.
Excursions
Visit Jordan’s archaeological, historical, and natural wonders, including Petra—all with Arabic speaking guides. You will have a mid-semester “rural retreat” at a location in the Jordan Valley, and in addition to continuing classes with your instructors, you’ll partake in community service activities in the local communities.
Dates, Deadlines & Fees
Dates, Deadlines & Fees
We want to make sure you get the most out of your experience when you study abroad with CIEE, which is why we offer the most inclusions in our fees.
- Tuition and housing
- Pre-departure advising and optional on-site airport meet and greet
- Full-time program leadership and support
- Field trips and cultural activities
- CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits
Please note, program dates are subject to change. Please contact your CIEE Study Abroad Advisor before purchasing airfare. Click the
button to view more detailed information about dates and fees as well as estimated additional costs. Please talk with your University Study Abroad Advisor about additional fees that may be charged by your home institution when participating in a program abroad.
Application Due
Start Date
End Date
Costs
Fall 2014
03/15/2014
TBA
TBA
$16,850
Program Date Notes
Program Fees
In addition to the items outlined below, the CIEE program fee includes an optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local transportation stipend, immersion activities including language partners, a comprehensive sutdent handbook, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits.
Participation Confirmation *
$300
Educational Costs **
$13,848
This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time.
Students required to study on CIEE programs through a School of Record will be charged a $340 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed.
* non-refundable
** direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students
*** includes two meals per day during the week, and most weekend meals.
Estimated Additional Costs
Meals not included in program fee
$500
International Airfare *
$1,675
The estimated additional costs indicated are intended to assist students and parents in budgeting for those additional living and discretionary expenses not included in the program fee. Actual expenses will vary according to student interests and spending habits.
* round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure
Spring 2014 (17 wks)
10/15/2013
01/19/2014
05/15/2014
$16,850
Program Date Notes
Program Fees
In addition to the items outlined below, the CIEE program fee includes an optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local transportation stipend, immersion activities including language partners, a comprehensive sutdent handbook, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits.
Participation Confirmation *
$300
Educational Costs **
$13,848
This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time.
Students required to study on CIEE programs through a School of Record will be charged a $340 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed.
* non-refundable
** direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students
*** includes two meals per day during the week, and most weekend meals.
Estimated Additional Costs
Meals not included in program fee
$500
International Airfare *
$1,675
The estimated additional costs indicated are intended to assist students and parents in budgeting for those additional living and discretionary expenses not included in the program fee. Actual expenses will vary according to student interests and spending habits.
* round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure
Spring 2015
10/15/2014
TBA
TBA
Program Date Notes
Program Fees
This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time.
Students required to study on CIEE programs through a School of Record will be charged a $340 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed.
Estimated Additional Costs
The estimated additional costs indicated are intended to assist students and parents in budgeting for those additional living and discretionary expenses not included in the program fee. Actual expenses will vary according to student interests and spending habits.
Academic year 2014-2015
03/15/2014
TBA
TBA
$32,000
Program Date Notes
Program Fees
In addition to the items outlined below, the CIEE program fee includes an optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local transportation stipend, immersion activities including language partners, a comprehensive sutdent handbook, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits.
Participation Confirmation *
$300
Educational Costs **
$26,398
This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time.
Students required to study on CIEE programs through a School of Record will be charged a $340 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed.
* non-refundable
** direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students
*** includes two meals per day during the week, and most weekend meals.
Estimated Additional Costs
Meals not included in program fee
$1,000
International Airfare *
$1,675
Expenses during break **
$550
The estimated additional costs indicated are intended to assist students and parents in budgeting for those additional living and discretionary expenses not included in the program fee. Actual expenses will vary according to student interests and spending habits.
* round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure
** academic year students are responsible for all meals during the break between semesters, unless staying on at the homestay during this time
Eligibility
Eligibility
- Overall GPA 3.0
- 3.3 GPA in Modern Standard Arabic
- 5 semesters of college-level Modern Standard Arabic or equivalent
- Ability to pass an on-site proficiency exam targeting mastery of the concepts covered in the Al-Kitaab series through the second book in the series and oral proficiency at the intermediate mid to intermediate hi level on the ACTFL scale.
Recommended:
- Completion of Al-Kitaab II (minimum). Students using other curriculum should inquire with CIEE during the application process.
- Intermediate-Mid or above on Oral Proficiency Interview. CIEE staff will conduct Skype interviews during the application process.
Recommended Credit
Recommended Credit
Total recommended credit for the semester is 15-18 semester/22.5-27 quarter hours
Course contact hours are 42 hours and recommended credit is 3 semester/4.5 quarter hours per course, unless otherwise indicated.
Program Requirements
Program Requirements
Students take Advanced Modern Standard Arabic, Advanced Topics in Arabic Conversation, Arabic Writing and Research, and one subject course in literature, history, religion, media, or business communication. All subject courses are taught in Arabic. Enrollment in certain subject courses may require a higher level of proficiency than others.
Students must demonstrate mastery of the subject material included in the popular al-Kitaab series through book II or its equivalent on-site language placement exam taken during orientation. Students failing to meet the equivalency will have one opportunity to retake the placement exam. Students failing to demonstrate equivalency on their second attemp can be automatically enrolled in the CIEE Amman Language and Culture program. Confirmed students are also asked to complete an online oral interview with CIEE Arabic Language staff in Jordan as part of the pre-departure process.
About the City
About The City
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.
Meet The Staff
Meet The Staff
Najeh Abu Orabi
Dr. Najeh Abu-Orabi, a native of Jordan, has been challenging American students to master the Arabic language for over a decade. In addition to leading the Arabic Langauge program, Dr. Abu Orabi manages the Arabic language curriculum for CIEE in Jordan. He has a Ph.D. in Arabic Language Curricula and Education Methods and an M.A. in Arabic Language. Dr. Abu-Orabi has also taught Arabic at the University of Virginia and is a certified ACTFL OPI tester. For the Arabic Language program, Dr, AbuOrabi works with a special team of instructors all with advanced degrees in Arabic language and literature and extensive experience teaching Arabic as a foreign language to international students and are trained in ACTFL standards.
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Ahmad Abu Shaikha
Ahmad AbuShaikha, a graudate of Hashmiyah University in Cultural Resources Management, has been working with CIEE for four years on excursions, volunteer opportunities and activities.
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Zeina Alkaraki
Zeina al Karaki joined CIEE Amman as a new Resident Coordinator in 2012. Zeina received a Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistantship and taught Arabic as a Foreign Language at Valdosta State University, Georgia. She earned her M.Ed in Educational Leadership from University of Cincinnati, where she also taught Arabic for two years. Zeina also worked with the National Center for Human Rights (NCHR) in Amman within the NCHR Capacity building project.
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Rana Al-Masri
Rana Masri is a ten year veteran of international education in Amman. She manages all aspects of the housing program in Jordan, in addition to advising students on intercultural adjustment and cultural activities in Amman and recruiting Arabic speaking host families for CIEE students in Jordan.
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Stephen Bush
Stephen Bush, Student Services Director, received his M.A. in Middle Eastern Studies from the University of Texas at Austin, where he also worked as an Arabic teaching assistant. Stephen completed his undergraduate studies at Westmont College, during which he studied abroad in Egypt and travelled to Syria, Lebanon, Tunisia, and Morocco. His study abroad experience inspired him to return to Egypt and the Palestinian Territories where he worked for several years as a volunteer and teacher. Stephen developed advanced Arabic proficiency while living in the region and in 2010 he completed a summer fellowship with the Center for Arabic Study Abroad (CASA) at the American University in Cairo.
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Elena Corbett
Dr. Elena Corbett joined CIEE in August 2012 as the new CIEE Amman Resident Director. She holds a Ph.D. from the Department of Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations at the University of Chicago. She has taught a range of courses in Middle East History, Islamic Civilization, and Arabic, most recently at Penn State University Erie and the U.S. Naval Academy, where she was also the Academic Programs Coordinator for the Center for Middle East and Islamic Studies.
Elena has designed and administered several study abroad opportunities for American students in Jordan, including the inaugural year of the Critical Language Scholarship program in 2006. A specialist in the history of the modern Middle East with a background in Islamic archaeology, Elena’s research focuses on 19th-20th century intellectual history, and notions of communal identity in Jordan as based on engagement with archaeology and cultural heritage.
She has published her work in Studies in Ethnicity and Nationalism, Middle Eastern Studies, and is completing a book manuscript. Elena has spent many years living and working in Jordan, where the chance to participate on an archaeological dig brought her on her first study abroad experience as an undergraduate student.
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Where You'll Study
Where You'll Study
Princess Sumaya University of Technology (PSUT)
PSUT is the only private and nonprofit university in Jordan and is known as a center of educational excellence both in the country and the surrounding region. The institution’s strong connections with a variety of public- and private-sector organizations will allow students to take advantage of internship, independent research, and community engagement opportunities, and the wide range of English-taught courses will enable CIEE to continue to grow new direct enrollment options in the future.
Housing & Meals
Housing & Meals
Students are housed in Arabic-speaking homestays from a wide spectrum of Jordanian society. Homestays require students to make adjustments in terms of personal privacy, social habits, and other social norms. Students normally have breakfast and a main meal with the families during the week and may have all meals with them on the weekends. Students are responsible for weekday lunches. Meals are provided on excursions.
Orientations
Orientations
You'll begin your study abroad experience in Amman even before leaving home by participating 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 you time to ask questions before leaving home. The online orientation allows you to connect with others in the group, reflect on what you 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 you understand more about the program and site, as well as your goals for the program, so that you'll arrive to the program well-informed and return home having made significant progress towards those goals.
Internet
Internet
You are encouraged to bring wireless-enabled laptops. Internet cafés are also a convenient and inexpensive option.
Culture
Culture
The academic program is supplemented with excursions to Jordan’s archaeological, historical, and natural wonders, including Petra—all with Arabic speaking guides. You will have a mid-semester “rural retreat,” at a location in the Jordan Valley where students and their instructors continue classes in addition to community service activities in the local communities. You'll also have the opportunity to participate in special outings to social and cultural events—films, lectures, and exhibits—in the target language.
Independent Travel
You are encouraged to travel independently in Jordan during weekends and scheduled breaks. Any travel outside of Jordan requires the completion of the CIEE Amman Independent Travel Form and a review of potential security or safety concerns by the CIEE resident director. You must also sign an independent travel waiver, and are expected to inform your home institution and emergency contacts on all independent travel outside of Jordan.
Immersion
Volunteering
A range of volunteer options are 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.
Language
All courses are taught in Arabic.
Academics
Academics
The Arabic Language program is designed to provide 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 a better understanding of important issues facing Jordan and the Middle East today. Students are tested at the beginning of the program, and again at its conclusion, to document their language acquisition during their studies here. Final program eligibility and course placement are determined by the on-site placement exam.
Academic Culture
The program is academically and linguistically challenging and requires a solid commitment on the part of students. Classes are small, often taught tutorial style, and require discipline and sustained effort both in and outside of the classroom. Instructors are native Arabic speakers who are trained in their fields and in teaching Arabic language.
Nature of Classes
Participants take classes with other CIEE students only.
CIEE Community Language Commitment
Students take part in the CIEE Community Language Commitment by speaking Arabic at all times (except in emergencies). This fosters a learning community that contributes to both Arabic language proficiency and understanding of Jordanian society. Keeping the language commitment is a vital component of student language acquisition during the semester that should be thoroughly considered prior to application.
Grading System
Grades (A–F with pluses and minuses, converted from a 100 point scale) are assigned based on mid-term and final exams, and depending on the course, additional assignments such as a research paper or a class presentation. Attendance and class participation are also incorporated into the final grade for the program courses. Class attendance is mandatory in all CIEE classes.
Language of Instruction
Arabic
Course Description
Course Description
All Courses
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 cancelled due to insufficient enrollment.
CIEE Study Center Syllabi
To view the most recent syllabi for courses taught by CIEE at our Study Centers, visit our syllabi site.
Required CIEE Language Courses
ARAB 3005 AMAL—Advanced Topics in Arabic Conversation I
ARAB 3006 AMAL—Advanced Topics in Arabic Conversation II
Using popular media such as television and radio, students build their vocabulary and conversation skills by discussing current events relevant to contemporary Jordanian society in colloquial Jordanian Arabic. The course also involves field visits and focus-group style sessions with Jordanians to expand students’ ability to converse in the local dialect. The course content changes each semester to accommodate academic year students. Contact hours: 60. Recommended credit: four semester/six quarter hours.
ARAB 4001 AMAL Advanced Modern Standard Arabic I
ARAB 4002 AMAL Advanced Modern Standard Arabic II
In groups of five or six, students build on their existing foundation in Modern Standard Arabic within a tutorial setting. Instruction focuses on building advanced reading and comprehension skills and finer points of Arabic grammar. As part of the tutorial, students must undertake a significant research project in Arabic on a topic of their choosing. Each student works with their instructor and a faculty mentor on the completion of this project. Tutorials begin after an intensive orientation. Contact hours: 140. Recommended credit: 6 semester/9 quarter hours.
ARAB 4010 AMAL
Arabic Writing and Research
The course is designed to improve students’ Arabic writing, research, and argumentative skills through mentored completion of a final research paper in Modern Standard Arabic that is presented and defended before a panel of faculty at the end of term. Goals include improving fluency in reading and writing Modern Standard Arabic, enhancing accuracy of morphology and syntax, practicing oral presentation skills, and successfully writing papers according to standards expected for introductory courses at Jordanian universities. The program also demonstrates student’s successful attainment of advanced levels of proficiency in writing. All program participants are required to attend their peer’s oral defenses at the end of term. Course consists of 15 hours of individual mentoring, 20 hours of group instruction on research methods and formal writing and 100 hours of independent student work. Recommended credit: 3 semester/4.5 quarter hours.
CIEE Arabic Subject Courses
BUSI 3001 AMAL/COMM 3002 AMAL/ARAB 4003 AMAL
Business Communication
This course prepares students for different forms of professional communication in the Arab world and emphasizes both technical writing and public speaking. Types of technical writing covered include formal letters of introduction, press statements, product descriptions, project proposals, and government application forms. Students also practice making formal and informal introductions, short presentations, and official addresses.
HIST 3001 AMAL/ARAB 4006 AMAL
Introduction to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan
This course provides a general introduction to the history of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan from the period of the Great Arab Revolt to the accession of King Abdullah. The course also covers the geography and demography of the Kingdom, with a special emphasis on the role of the different Bedouin tribes in Jordanian national identity. Placement is by permission of the CIEE Director of Arabic Instruction based on proficiency.
COMM 3003 AMAL/ARAB 4004 AMAL
Contemporary Arab Media
This course emphasizes reading and critiquing Arab print and broadcast media. Students read daily papers and watch news broadcasts in Arabic. This exposes students to the particular patterns of journalistic Arabic and offers insight into the role of media in the Arab world. The course also includes site visits to Jordanian television and radio stations and to newspaper editorial offices. Placement requires permission of the Director of Arabic Instruction and is based on student proficiency level.
LITT 3001 AMAL/ARAB 4005 AMAL
Readings in Contemporary Arab Literature
This course provides an introduction to contemporary Arabic literature. Students read and critique short stories, novels, and poetry in Arabic. Sample of writers include: Mahmoud Darwish, Fedwa Touqan, Jibran Khalil Jibran, Neguib Mahfouz, Nawal El-Saadawi, and Ghassan Kanafani. This course requires a higher level of reading proficiency and students must obtain the permission of the CIEE Director of Arabic Instruction to enroll in this course.
LITT 3002/ARAB 4007 AMAL
Arabic Poetry
Students who have completed LITT 3001 AMAL, or have demonstrated a high reading proficiency, may enroll in this course, which entails a survey of the major periods and genres of Arabic poetry. Because this course requires advanced proficiency, enrollment is only at the permission of the CIEE Director of Arabic Instruction.
RELI 3001 AMAL
Introduction to Islam
This course provides an introduction to history, basic practices, and core principles of the Islamic faith. It includes readings from the Holy Koran as well as the Old and New Testaments. Placement requires permission of the Director of Arabic Instruction and is based on student proficiency level.
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