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Is this program right for you?

This summer program is for students who have a strong interest in developing a solid foundation in Modern Standard Arabic and seek to begin or accelerate their language proficiency through an intensive language program. In addition to rigorous coursework in Modern Standard Arabic and Colloquial Jordanian Arabic, students participate in language club activities and program excursions designed to give them opportunities to apply their language skills and learn firsthand about Jordanian culture and society.

Program Snapshot

  • Intensive Arabic language training in Modern Standard Arabic and Colloquial Jordanian Arabic
  • Excursions to local and regional historical places of interest, including Jordan’s biblical sites, Roman heritage sites, and desert castles
  • Target Language Clubs to further language acquisition and help students develop core vocabulary and colloquial conversation skills
  • Peer Language Tutors to enhance language skills and offer insight into campus life

Subject Areas

  • Colloquial Jordanian Arabic Language
  • Cultural Studies
  • Culture (host country)
  • Language (host country)
  • Language, Literature, Culture (host country)
  • Modern Standard Arabic Language

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 socialization, and economic and political change, 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 next to a fully veiled woman using her laptop to study the Koran? What is so amazing about Jordan, however, is that this rapid change and melding of cultures and civilizations is actually a continuation of its own history. One needs only to visit the complex ruins of the Jerash metropolis or Petra—an ancient capital of global trade—to recognize that the transition Jordan is going though today is a continuation of its own heritage. By coming to Jordan, you will 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 an 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).

Other CIEE Staff
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.

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. She brings valuable knowledge about Amman and Jordan to CIEE, having previously worked for a tour company in Jordan. Ahmad Abu-Shaikha, Student Activities Coordinator, provides support to students on extra-curricular activities, such as excursions, peer tutors, clubs, volunteer opportunities, and University activities. Stewart Pierce-Gardner, Resident Coordinator-Student Services, received his B.A. in International Political Economy from Davidson College. As part of his academic focus on Middle Eastern and Development Studies, Stewart participated in the CIEE Amman Language and Culture program. Prior to joining CIEE, Pierce-Gardner served as Assistant to the Dean at the Yemen College of Middle Eastern Studies in Sana’a, Yemen. 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

summer: 7 semester/10.5 quarter hours

Eligibility Requirements

  • Overall GPA 2.75
  • 0–3 semesters of college-level Arabic or equivalent

Program Dates

Summer 20096/4/2009 - 7/18/2009
Summer 2010Available: 2/15/2010

Application Deadlines

Summer 20094/1/2009
Summer 20104/1/2010

Click here to check for deadline extensions.

Duration

Summer 20097 weeks
early June–mid-July
Summer 20107 weeks
early June–mid-July

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:

  • Summer 2009 $6,300
    The CIEE fee for 2009 includes an optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, tuition, housing, local transportation stipend, orientation, cultural activities, a field trip, host institution identity card, comprehensive student handbook, pre-departure advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits.

    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.

    Housing$1,200
    Medical Insurance$74
    Educational Costs (direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students; including $300 non-refundable Participation Confirmation Fee)$5,026
    Total$6,300

    The CIEE fee for 2009 includes an optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, tuition, housing, local transportation stipend, orientation, cultural activities, a field trip, host institution identity card, comprehensive student handbook, pre-departure advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits.



    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.

    Meals$600
    Personal Expenses$500
    Transportation (round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure)$1,500
    Books and Supplies$100
    Visa Fees$45
    Total$2,745


  • Summer 2010 Available 12/15/2009

    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.

    Available 12/15/2009



    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.

    Available 12/15/2009


Scholarship Information

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