Amman
Amman, Jordan

Advanced Arabic Language

Study Program

Dates

-

14 weeks

Costs

Credit

16 semester hours

24 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

Apply Now

Request Information

Dates

-

36 weeks

Costs

Credit

16 semester hours

24 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

Apply Now

Request Information

Dates

-

15 weeks

Costs

Credit

16 semester hours

24 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Tentative Dates

-

14 weeks

Credit

16 semester hours

24 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Overview

Your Advanced Arabic Language program in Amman lasts 14 weeks and is designed for students with advanced Arabic language skills. You will choose from CIEE courses taught entirely in Arabic at CIEE Amman. Enhance your experience with co-curricular and extracurricular activities while immersing yourself in Jordanian culture. Live and learn in Amman!

Unique Experiences

Build on Your Skills

to improve your Arabic language proficiency

Sleep in Tents

in the desert while exploring the natural wonders of the region

\

Enjoy Films, Lectures, and Exhibits

all in the target language of Arabic

Experience
  • Amman

Your Destination

Amman is Jordan’s cosmopolitan capital, known for its rich cultural heritage and dynamic blend of ancient and modern influences. With its historic sites, lively souks, thriving café culture, and vibrant arts scene, the city offers an ideal environment for advanced Arabic language immersion. Whether you're refining your skills through daily interactions or engaging deeply with local culture, Amman is the perfect place to study abroad.

volunteers abroad amman jordan passing line

Program Highlights

  • Academic Course: Take CIEE courses in Arabic at the CIEE Center.
  • Immersive Experiences: Participate in activities, excursions, study tours, volunteer work, and more that showcase your host city's culture, values, and local art, film, music, cuisine, and sports scenes.
petra excursion study abroad amman ciee

Excursions & Activities

CIEE’s excursions and cultural activities in Amman will open doors for you to explore Jordan’s rich diversity, language, culture, history, and timeless beauty in ways that will enhance your time abroad.    

Samples of past excursions and activities:

  • Explore biblical Jordan where you’ll explore ancient sites steeped in history
  • Visit one of the New Wonders of the World, Petra (known as the Rose City), and marvel at its ancient rock-cut architecture and stunning desert landscapes
  • Hike through the forests of northern Jordan, where you'll explore serene landscapes, diverse flora, and tranquil nature reserves

Please note: Activities are based on past programs and subject to change at CIEE's discretion to adapt to local circumstances and participant feedback. Our goal when arranging activities is always to enhance your experience.

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

BEST FOOD TO EAT IN AMMAN 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... 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

CIEE Amman: Study in a student-friendly neighborhood nestled in a traditional area of the city, offering a unique and special opportunity to interact with locals. CIEE Amman boasts three main classrooms, a library, a study space, a reception area, and public computers students can use as needed.  

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.

Immigration/Entry Requirements

Visa Required: Yes. Students can choose to apply online in advance, or upon arrival at Queen Alia International Airport.

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. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

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. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

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 CIEE 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 engagement 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. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

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. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Courses

Course Information

Academic Projects

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Communication, Journalism, and Media

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Languages and Cultural Studies

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Social Sciences

Course
Language
Semester Credit

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

Social Sciences

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 Fall 2025 14 weeks Application Due Deadline Passed Start Date End Date Fees & Housing $19,950
Program Academic year 2025-2026 36 weeks Application Due Deadline Passed Start Date End Date Fees & Housing $37,000
Program Spring 2026 15 weeks Start Date End Date Fees & Housing $17,950
Program Fall 2026 14 weeks Start Date * End Date *

*Dates for this program are provided as tentative dates. Please consult with your study abroad advisor to confirm dates before purchasing your flights.

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 $16,206 **
Housing $3,250 ***
Insurance $194
Total Fees $19,950

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

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 $100
Visa Fees $60
Personal expenses $285 †††
Total Costs $3,405

*non-refundable fee

**direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

***Housing fees listed are for financial aid purposes only and should not be considered a basis for calculation of refunds.

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 $30,006 **
Housing $6,500 ***
Insurance $194
Total Fees $37,000

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

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 $100
Visa Fees $60
Personal expenses $285 †††
Total Costs $3,405

*non-refundable fee

**direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

***Housing fees listed are for financial aid purposes only and should not be considered a basis for calculation of refunds.

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 $14,206 **
Housing $3,250 ***
Insurance $194
Total Fees $17,950

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

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 $100
Visa Fees $60
Personal expenses $285 †††
Total Costs $3,405

*non-refundable fee

**direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

***Housing fees listed are for financial aid purposes only and should not be considered a basis for calculation of refunds.

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.

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

Estimated Costs

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

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

Center Director

Zein Nsheiwat has been working in the field of study abroad and cross-cultural education since 2007 and completed an 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