Information for term Summer Arabic Language
Application deadline, and cost information.
Overview
Click to OpenPut 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.
Follow our Travels:
Unique Experiences
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Travel to Petra
a world-famous archaeological site and one of the New 7 Wonders of the World
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Step back centuries
with a visit to awesome sites like the Roman Theatre
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Learn to prepare
tasty Middle Eastern dishes like “Magloubeh” and other local specialties
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hills form the main cityscape
7 -
spectator capacity at the Roman Theater
6,000 -
university students (and growing)
280K+
Location & Culture
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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.

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.

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
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Daily Life
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HOUSING
Study abroad students have the option of living with a Jordanian host family or in an apartment with other CIEE program participants. All housing options are between 20 and 40 -minute commute to CIEE Amman.
Homestays: Placements are based on compatibility between families and students, and in some cases, a suitable homestay may not be available for every interested student. All CIEE housing options in Jordan require students to make adjustments to the host culture, including abiding by curfews, limits on guests, and respectful etiquette.
Student Apartments: Apartments are shared with other CIEE students and have two or three bedrooms per apartment. Each student will have their own bedroom with a shared common space/living room, kitchen, and bathroom. The apartments are equipped with basic home appliances, including a stove, fridge, microwave, and washing machine. CIEE apartments have limits on visitors and quiet hours for safety purposes and deference to local norms.
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MEALS
Homestay: Students in homestays generally eat breakfast and dinner with their families and most meals on the weekends. Students are responsible for their lunches.
Student Apartments: Students selecting the apartment option need to budget for all meals, as they are not included in the program fee.
Amman, Jordan Where You'll Study
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A
CIEE AMMAN
Based in a traditional neighborhood, this location offers students plenty of opportunities to interact with local residents and navigate to key institutions and sites with ease.
Academics
Click to OpenAcademics
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 Prerequisites
There are no specific language requirements for this program.
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.
Program 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
Click to OpenCourse Information
Summer 2023 CIEE Courses
Click to OpenNote: 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
Click to OpenScholarships & 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
- CIEE Stem Scholarship
To be considered, submit the CIEE Scholarships & Grants application within your CIEE program application. Learn more at the Scholarships & Grants section of our website.
See more scholarship infoDates & Fees
Click to OpenDates & 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 |
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Summer 2023 9 weeks | Deadline Passed | May 28, 2023 | Jul 29, 2023 |
$8,750
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Program FeesCIEE 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 insurance with benefits. Participation Confirmation = $300 * Educational Costs = $6,863 ** Housing = $1,390 *** Insurance = $197 Total Fees = $8,750Estimated CostsStudents are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration. Meals not included in program fee = $1,200 † International Airfare = $1,200 †† Local Transportation = $600 Books & Supplies = $100 Visa Fees = $60 Potential travel to consulate for visa = $20 ††† Personal expenses = $500 †††† Other = $30 ††††† Total Estimated Costs = $3,710Financial AidCIEE 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. 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 by their US home institution to study abroad via CIEE's School of Record will be charged a $500 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed. * non-refundable ** direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students *** includes two meals a day (breakfast and one hot meal) for students in homestays; meals are not included for students in apartments † for students in apartments; homestay students should budget $800 for meals †† Round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure ††† To extend ones visa while in Jordan †††† If you are planning an independent study then budget more for that depending on your plans ††††† Covid test fees for entry to the US |
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.
Looking for funding?
What's Included
Click to OpenWhat's Included
Our Staff
Click to OpenOur Staff
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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.
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Samir Issa
Housing and Logistics Coordinator
Samir manages all aspects of the housing program, and recruits Arabic-speaking host families for CIEE students in Jordan.
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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.
Get Started
Here's what you need to do to take the next steps:-
1
START AN APPLICATION
Apply Now
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.