Summer Middle East Studies
Unique Experiences
LEARN CONVERSATIONAL ARABIC
to help you connect with Jordanian people.
EXPLORE WORLD-FAMOUS TREASURES
like Petra, Jerash, or the Dead Sea.
DISCOVER CULTURAL TRADITIONS
with introductions to traditional cooking, dance, henna, calligraphy, soccer, films, and plays.
6,000
SPECTATOR CAPACITY AT THE ROMAN THEATER
2M+
VISITORS PER YEAR
280K+
UNIVERSITY STUDENTS
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.
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.
Program Blogs
Top 10 Arabic Slang Words & Phrases You Must Know
If you plan to study abroad in Jordan, you’ll want to pick up some of the country’s official language: Arabic. While English is widely spoken in the country, taking the... keep reading
Unveiling Jordan's Hidden Treasures: 5 Must-Visit Gems
By: Dorra Guermazi Jordan's landscape is a tapestry of awe-inspiring beauty and cultural heritage, where ancient wonders and natural marvels converge in harmony. While Petra and the Dead Sea are... keep reading
Have a Sweet Tooth? Jordan Has You Covered.
Jordanian cuisine is rich and diverse, and the country's desserts are no exception. From sweet and sticky pastries to delicate floral-infused cakes, Jordanian desserts are a must-try for any foodie... keep reading
HOUSING & MEALS
HOUSING
CIEE Amman offers various housing options, including homestays or shared apartments, located in neighborhoods with convenient access to the center of Amman. Homestays are situated in different parts of the city and vary in distance from CIEE Amman. Apartments are roughly 15 minutes from downtown and other lively parts of the city but are a bit further from CIEE Amman (around 45 minutes).
Standard Housing: Includes a single room at a homestay or a single or double-room apartment. Homestays boast a kitchen, living room, and bathroom shared with a host family. In some cases, a suitable homestay may not be available for every interested student and therefore some students will be placed in an apartment. Single-room apartments are modest in size, featuring fewer amenities and a charming kitchenette. Double-room apartments offer a shared larger living room, a shared bathroom, and a full-size kitchen.
A note: The default criterion to assign housing is first-come, first-served; however, other factors may also be considered. If we cannot accommodate your first housing choice, we'll let you know before you arrive. Non-standard housing options require an additional fee that can be found in the program Dates and Fees.
MEALS
Homestay: Students in homestays generally eat two meals a day with their families, and most meals on weekends.
Student Apartments: Students selecting the apartment option must budget for all meals, as they are not included in the program fee.
Academics
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.
Course Information
Course Notes
Communicative Arabic Language elective may be taken during one session only.
Summer Session I 2025
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 & 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
- CIEE STEM Scholarship
To be considered, submit the CIEE Scholarships & Grants application within your CIEE program application.
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 Summer Session I 2025 4 weeks | Application Due Deadline Passed | Start Date | End Date | Fees & Housing $4,750 |
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 | $3,350 ** |
| Housing | $900 *** |
| Insurance | $200 |
| Total Fees | $4,750 |
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.
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 | $100 † |
| International Airfare | $1,200 |
| Local Transportation | $500 |
| Books & Supplies | $75 |
| Visa Fees | $60 |
| Personal expenses | $150 †† |
| Other | $100 |
| Total Costs | $2,185 |
*non-refundable
**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.
††$100 emergency fund + cell phone expense + toiletries
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
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...
Jumana Tagqah
Administration & Finance Director
Jumana has been working with CIEE since 2010. She has a degree in English Literature and Political Science from the University of Jordan. Jumana runs all the admin and finances...
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...
Get Started
1
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.
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