Information for term Summer Middle East Studies
Application deadline, and cost information.
Overview
Click to OpenCentrally located, Amman is the ideal place to unravel intriguing Middle Eastern and international issues like Arab-Israeli relations, regional conflicts, politics, international relations, environment, and more. Get a grasp of the region through studying and living in a cosmopolitan city that celebrates history and modern life. Courses are taught in English by CIEE faculty at CIEE Amman and complemented with immersive co-curricular activities designed to increase intercultural understanding.
Unique Experiences
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Learn conversational Arabic
to help you connect with Jordanian people.
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Explore world-famous treasures
like Petra, Wadi Rum, Jerash, or the Dead Sea.
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Discover cultural traditions
with introductions to traditional cooking, dance, henna, calligraphy, soccer, films, and plays.
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spectator capacity at the Roman Theater
6,000 -
visitors per year
2M+ -
university students
280K+
Location & Culture
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Your Destination
Despite its famous ruins, the capital of Jordan has plenty of cosmopolitan character and modern sensibility. 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.
The Culture

EXCURSIONS & ACTIVITIES
- Session 1 day trip: Explore Petra, an ancient city elaborately carved in stony cliffs.
- Session 2 day trip: Visit Petra or participate in a hiking trip that combines outdoor adventure and archeological heritage.
- Day trip possibilities: Biblical Jordan, including Madaba Plains (the biblical lands of Moab), Mt. Nebo, and the city of Madaba; and a Dead Sea trip.
- Visit iconic mosques, museums, and cafes.
- Guest speakers illuminate a range of issues, from the contemporary music scene to race and identity in Jordan.
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 20-40 -minute commute to CIEE Amman Center.
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 2 or 3 bedrooms per apartment. Each student will have their own bedroom with 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 rigorous summer program is designed to help students learn about the history, culture, and politics of Jordan and the Middle East with content courses taught in English. From a study of foreign policies in the Middle East to an exploration of the Palestinian conflict, students gain insights into the history and culture of this complex region. Students can also opt to learn colloquial Jordanian Arabic, making it easier to connect with the people of Jordan and learn about their way of life. 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.
Content courses are taught by faculty from Jordanian universities, experts in their fields or visiting foreign faculty with expertise and extensive experience in Jordan. Language courses are taught by experienced CIEE Amman language instructors.
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 one content course per four-week session
Program Credit
Total credit: 3 – 4 per session U.S. semester/4.5 – 6 per session quarter credits
Course Credit
- CIEE content course: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 45 contact hours
- CIEE Communicative Language course: 1 U.S. semester/1.5 quarter credits
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
Attendance is mandatory. Students should expect a more formal classroom environment and work more independently than they are used to in the United States.
Class Format
Students take classes only with CIEE students. The classroom environment tends to be more formal than in the United States.
Grading
Students are given grades from A-F on a 100-point scale, based on the results of a mid-term and final, and possibly a paper or class presentation. Participation and attendance also factor heavily into grades.
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
English, 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
Course Notes
Communicative Arabic Language elective may be taken during one session only.
Summer 2023 CIEE Courses
Click to OpenSummer Session I
Summer Session II
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
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 Session I 2023 4 weeks | Deadline Passed | May 15, 2023 | Jun 12, 2023 |
$4,450
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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 = $3,258 ** Housing = $695 *** Insurance = $197 Total Fees = $4,450Estimated 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 = $600 International Airfare = $1,200 Local Transportation = $500 Books & Supplies = $75 Visa Fees = $60 Personal expenses = $300 Other = $100 Total Estimated Costs = $2,835Financial 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. |
Summer Session I and II 2023 8 weeks | Deadline Passed | May 15, 2023 | Jul 10, 2023 |
$8,010
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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 = $6,123 ** Housing = $1,390 *** Insurance = $197 Total Fees = $8,010Estimated 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 = $1,000 Books & Supplies = $150 Visa Fees = $120 Potential travel to consulate for visa = $20 Personal expenses = $600 Other = $100 Total Estimated Costs = $4,390Financial 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. |
Summer Session II 2023 4 weeks | Deadline Passed | Jun 12, 2023 | Jul 10, 2023 |
$4,450
Click to Close
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 = $3,258 ** Housing = $695 *** Insurance = $197 Total Fees = $4,450Estimated 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 = $600 International Airfare = $1,200 Local Transportation = $500 Books & Supplies = $75 Visa Fees = $60 Personal expenses = $300 Other = $100 Total Estimated Costs = $2,835Financial 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. |
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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Jumana Tagqah
Administration & Finance Director
Jumana has been working with CIEE since 2010. She has a degree in Business Administration and Political Science from the University of 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.
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.