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

Program Snapshot

  • Intensive language courses in modern standard and colloquial Jordanian Arabic
  • Area studies courses in English; guest lecturers on political and cultural issues
  • Local peer tutor program, target language clubs, and other special activities designed to enhance students’ language development on a daily basis
  • Community involvement through volunteer opportunities and internships
  • Field trips to important archaeological and natural sites in Jordan, including Petra, Wadi Rum, and Jerash

Subject Areas

  • Anthropology
  • Arabic Language
  • Archaeology
  • Art History
  • Colloquial Jordanian Arabic Language
  • Communications
  • Cultural Studies
  • Culture (host country)
  • Economics
  • History
  • International Relations
  • Internship
  • Language (host country)
  • Language, Literature, Culture (host country)
  • Literature
  • Modern Standard Arabic Language
  • Political Science
  • Religion
  • Theology

About Amman

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.

Where You'll Study

University of Jordan

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.

Thoughts From Abroad

Positioned at the crossroads of globalization and ancient tradition, Jordan is a textbook example of the challenges a society faces as it endeavors to modernize without losing its own cultural heritage. In the past two decades, Jordan has undergone rapid social, economic, and political change, which is evident in the ever-expanding boundaries of Amman, its capital city. Where else in the world can you surf the Internet at a mall wireless hot spot seated next to a fully veiled woman using her laptop to study the Koran? However, what is so amazing about Jordan is that this rapid change and melding of cultures and civilizations is actually a continuation of its own history. One need only visit the complex ruins of the Jerash metropolis or Petra—an ancient capital of global trade—to recognize that the transition Jordan is going through today is a continuation of its own heritage. By coming to Jordan, you actually become part of Jordan’s legacy of both continuity and change.

— Allison Hodgkins, Resident Director

Staff Bios

A native of Maine, Allison Hodgkins has more than 10 years experience in the Middle East. Her research interests focus on peace and conflict in the region. Allison has lectured in departments of Political Science and International Studies, and previously served as Academic Director for a Peace and Conflict study abroad program in Palestine and Jordan. She is currently a Ph.D. candidate (ABD) in The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University, and holds M.A. in Public Affairs (Lyndon Baines Johnson School), Middle Eastern Studies (University of Texas at Austin), and a B.S. in Political Science (Bates College).

Director of Arabic Instruction
Dr. Najeh Abu-Orabi, CIEE Director of Arabic Instruction, manages the language component of the program in coordination with the University of 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.

Other CIEE Staff
Rana Masri, Resident Coordinator, has five years of experience working with U.S. students and international programs in Jordan and supports the Resident Director in administrative matters. Stewart Pierce-Gardner, Resident Coordinator, received his B.A. from Davidson College and is a former CIEE Amman student. Ahmad Abu-Shaikha, Student Activities Coordinator, provides support to students on extra-curricular activities. CIEE also recruits CIEE Student Program Assistants—University of Jordan undergraduates who offer administrative support, general advice, and assistance to help students acclimate to life at the University of Jordan.

Recommended Credit

semester: 15 semester/22 quarter hours
academic year: 30 semester/45 quarter hours

Eligibility Requirements

  • Overall GPA 2.75

Program Dates

Fall 20098/31/2009 - 12/19/2009
Academic Year 2009-108/31/2009 - 5/21/2010
Spring 20101/25/2010 - 5/21/2010

Application Deadlines

Fall 20093/15/2009
Academic Year 2009-103/15/2009
Spring 201010/15/2009

Click here to check for deadline extensions.

Duration

Fall 200917 weeks
late August - mid-December
Academic Year 2009-1034 weeks
late August - late May
Spring 201017 weeks
late January - late May

CIEE Costs

CIEE program fees, inclusions, and estimated additional costs, are outlined below. Please note that CIEE reserves the right to adjust its fees in the event of significant change in exchange rates or other factors beyond its control. The actual cost of the programs may vary slightly for students from different institutions.

For comprehensive fee breakdowns and estimated additional costs, click the costs below:

  • Fall 2009 $13,500
    The CIEE program fee includes tuition, housing, most meals (homestay option), optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, comprehensive orientation program, local transportation stipend, cultural activities, a field trip, host institution identity card, admission fees to host university events, immersion activities including language partners, a comprehensive student handbook, predeparture advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which includes insurance and other travel benefits.*Meals are not included for students in apartments.

    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 below.

    Educational Costs (direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students; including $300 non-refundable Participation Confirmation Fee)$10,876
    Housing and Most Meals (homestay option)*$2,550
    Medical Insurance$74
    Total$13,500

    The CIEE program fee includes tuition, housing, most meals (homestay option), optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, comprehensive orientation program, local transportation stipend, cultural activities, a field trip, host institution identity card, admission fees to host university events, immersion activities including language partners, a comprehensive student handbook, predeparture advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which includes insurance and other travel benefits.*Meals are not included for students in apartments.



    Estimated Additional Costs

    The estimated additional costs indicated below 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.

    Additional Meals (homestay option)**$500
    Transportation (round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure)$1,700
    Personal Expenses$1,000
    Books and Supplies$300
    Visa Fees$45
    Total$3,545

    **Students in apartments should budget $800 for meals.


  • Academic Year 2009-10 $24,300
    The CIEE program fee includes tuition, housing, most meals (homestay option), optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, comprehensive orientation program, local transportation stipend, cultural activities, a field trip, host institution identity card, admission fees to host university events, immersion activities including language partners, a comprehensive student handbook, predeparture advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which includes insurance and other travel benefits.*Meals are not included for students in apartments.

    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 below.

    Educational Costs (direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students; including $300 non-refundable Participation Confirmation Fee)$19,126
    Medical Insurance$74
    Housing and Most Meals (homestay option)*$5,100
    Total$24,300

    The CIEE program fee includes tuition, housing, most meals (homestay option), optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, comprehensive orientation program, local transportation stipend, cultural activities, a field trip, host institution identity card, admission fees to host university events, immersion activities including language partners, a comprehensive student handbook, predeparture advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which includes insurance and other travel benefits.*Meals are not included for students in apartments.



    Estimated Additional Costs

    The estimated additional costs indicated below 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.

    Additional Meals (homestay option)***$1,000
    Transportation (round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure)$1,700
    Personal Expenses**$2,000
    Books and Supplies$600
    Visa Fees$45
    Total$5,345

    **Students who plan to stay for the U.S. academic year should budget an additional $550 for the break between semesters, which covers the estimated cost of meals and some local travel.

    ***Students in apartments should budget $1600 for meals.


  • Spring 2010 $13,700
    The CIEE program fee includes tuition, housing, most meals (homestay option), optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, comprehensive orientation program, local transportation stipend, cultural activities, a field trip, host institution identity card, admission fees to host university events, immersion activities including language partners, a comprehensive student handbook, predeparture advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which includes insurance and other travel benefits.*Meals are not included for students in apartments.

    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 below.

    Educational Costs (direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students; including $300 non-refundable Participation Confirmation Fee)$11,076
    Housing and most meals (homestay option)*$2,550
    Medical Insurance$74
    Total$13,700

    The CIEE program fee includes tuition, housing, most meals (homestay option), optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, comprehensive orientation program, local transportation stipend, cultural activities, a field trip, host institution identity card, admission fees to host university events, immersion activities including language partners, a comprehensive student handbook, predeparture advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which includes insurance and other travel benefits.*Meals are not included for students in apartments.



    Estimated Additional Costs

    The estimated additional costs indicated below 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.

    Books and Supplies$300
    Visa Fees$45
    Transportation (round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure)$1,700
    Personal Expenses$1,000
    Additional Meals (homestay option)**$500
    Total$3,545

    **Students in apartments should budget $1200 for meals.


Scholarship Information

For a complete list of scholarships available, please vist our Scholarships section.