student with camel desert middle east
Amman, Jordan

Summer Arabic Language

Study Program

Dates

-

9 weeks

Costs

Credit

10 semester hours

15 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Contact Us

Overview

Put your learning of Arabic on fast-forward in the heart of Amman. It doesn't matter how much Arabic you know; this intensive program covers all levels of Arabic language in a city where spectacular Roman ruins share the landscape with Westernized districts dotted with cafés and galleries. Build upon your language skills by conversing in homes, workplaces, and among new friends to increase your understanding of Jordanian society day by day. From Amman's maze-like downtown to the exotic souks, minarets, mosques, and coffeehouses you'll explore within its city limits during cultural activities and excursions, you'll experience the Middle East firsthand in this unforgettable summer intensive Arabic program.

Unique Experiences

TRAVEL TO PETRA

a world-famous archaeological site and one of the New 7 Wonders of the World

STEP BACK CENTURIES

with a visit to awesome sites like the Roman Theatre

LEARN TO PREPARE

tasty Middle Eastern dishes like “Magloubeh” and other local specialties

6,000

SPECTATOR CAPACITY AT THE ROMAN THEATER

280K+

UNIVERSITY STUDENTS (AND GROWING)

7

HILLS FORM THE MAIN CITYSCAPE

Experience
  • amman jordan flower view city
  • students play sports outdoors jordan

Your Destination

Despite its famous ruins, the capital of Jordan has plenty of cosmopolitan character. One minute you’re atop the highest of Amman’s seven foremost hills, where the ancient citadel offers spectacular views all around – and a fascinating look back to the Bronze Age. Later the same day, you’re window shopping on trendy Rainbow Street after a tasty meal at a restaurant with sidewalk tables. Wherever you are, you’ll see why Amman has a well-earned reputation for hospitality. CIEE wants all our students to feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed while studying abroad. Local CIEE staff have provided details about conditions and cultural attitudes that students with specific identities might encounter in Amman.

CIEE wants all our students to feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed while studying abroad. Local CIEE staff have provided details about conditions and cultural attitudes that students with specific identities might encounter in Amman.

The Culture

food making tutorial amman study abroad

EXCURSIONS & ACTIVITIES

  • Deepen your understanding of Jordanian cultural with visits to museums, archeological treasures, and cultural sites. 
  • Explore beyond the city with day trips to noted historical sites, such as Madaba, famous for its Byzantine-era churches. 
  • Travel to Petra – an ancient city elaborately carved into stony cliffs.  
  • Learn and unwind with films, concerts, conferences, and many more local activities. 
students abroad amman ride bus

LANGUAGE IMMERSION

  • As you gain proficiency in Arabic, you’ll be encouraged to practice in everyday settings, from getting coffee to visiting a market and meeting locals.  
  • Converse with Peer Language and Cultural Assistants, Jordanian students eager to help you practice your skills.  
  • Opt to live with a host family for additional opportunities of intercultural learning.  

Program Blogs

Survival Guide For a Summer in Amman, Jordan

By Nadia T.

Part One: Housing Abroad Hello everyone, if you’ve reached my blog you’re either enrolled in a study abroad trip to Amman, Jordan (or perhaps contemplating it). Whatever the case, welcome... keep reading

Living From My Backpack: A Guide to Items I Never Go Without

By Alexa B.

Hello, all! Today I will be going over 5 things that NEVER leave my side here in Jordan, and I believe that these can be made applicable to most study... keep reading

From CIEE

Summer 2017 Amman Arabic Language Program

By CIEE Amman at CIEE

Wadi Rum : The Surreal Experience Although all of the weekend excursions in Jordan have been incredibly insightful, unique, and thought provoking, my personal favorite was the overnight trip to... keep reading

What People are Saying

  • "The whole CIEE team from staff to professors conduct themselves very professionally and are student oriented 100 percent. I really love and appreciate this great learning experience and I thank everyone in CIEE for helping me grow as a human being in this beautiful and special learning journey."

    Gloria R., The University of Texas at El Paso

  • "The staff is amazing and extremely helpful. I learned so much more than I ever could have in the states."

    Chelsea L., Florida State University

  • "The course work was intensive but very useful. It was truly amazing to watch my language skills develop so quickly. I would recommend CIEE to anyone looking to solidify and expand their language comprehension and have a rare global educational experience."

    Hannah S., James Madison University

  • "It was an amazing program with amazing staff"

    Tierney H., University of Wisconsin-Madison

Housing
Academics

Academics

This intensive eight-week summer program allows students to advance their Arabic language skills while immersing themselves in Jordanian culture. All students are required to take both Modern Standard Arabic and Colloquial Jordanian Arabic, following an on-site placement exam during orientation. Language courses are taught by experienced CIEE Amman language instructors. In-class work is augmented with co-curricular visits to the city’s rich variety of cultural institutions and organizations relevant to the course offerings. 

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

2.5

Language Requirements

There are no specific language requirements for this program.

Additional Requirements

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

Students enroll in two Arabic language courses at the appropriate level 

  • Intensive Modern Standard Arabic 
  • Colloquial Jordanian Arabic

Program Credit

Total credit: 10 U.S. semester/15 quarter credits
 

Course Credit

CIEE courses: 3 – 7 U.S. semester/ 4.5 – 10.5 quarter credits; 45 – 105 contact 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

This is an intensive program. Expect to have classes in the morning and afternoon all week, Sunday through Thursday. Attendance is mandatory. Students are expected to participate fully and complete all assignments.
 

Class Format

Students take classes only with CIEE students and are taught by Jordanian instructors. The classroom environment is more formal than in the United States.
 

Grading

Students are graded on a 100-point scale, based on quizzes, homework, presentations and a final exam. Participation and attendance are also important factors.

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

Summer 2024

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
  • CIEE Stem Scholarship

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 Summer 2024 9 weeks Start Date End Date Fees & Housing $9,250

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 = $6,933**

Housing = $1,820

Insurance = $197

Total Fees = $9,250

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 = $225

International Airfare = $1,200††

Local Transportation = $900

Books & Supplies = $100

Visa Fees = $60

Potential travel to consulate for visa = $20†††

Personal expenses = $195

Other = $30††††

Total Costs = $2,730

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

†††To extend ones visa while in Jordan

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

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