CIEE Language and Culture Program in Amman, Jordan

  Jordan

Amman

Term: Academic Year, Fall, Spring 
Dates: Fall 17 weeks: late August-mid-December; Spring 17 weeks: late January-late May; Academic Year 34 weeks: late August-late May

Description: The Language and Culture program provides a rigorous and challenging academic program combined with in-country cultural experience and intensive Arabic language study. Students gain a greater understanding of the Middle East, with specific emphasis on the Jordanian perspective and experience

Academic Program
The CIEE Language and Culture program offers students a series of specially designed area studies courses in such fields as archaeology, economics, history, international relations, literature, politics, and religion. Area studies courses provide an overview of issues relevant to Jordan and the broader Middle East region. Although there is no language prerequisite, all students are required to take both Modern Standard Arabic and Colloquial Jordanian Arabic while in Amman.

Academic Culture
The program is academically rigorous and offers focused students an opportunity to make great strides in their language and overall knowledge of the region. Students attend Arabic language courses five days per week in the morning, while area studies courses are held in the afternoon. Area studies classes are relatively small, and lectures tend to be the method of teaching, however instructors welcome questions and discussion. Many of the professors that teach CIEE courses either received degrees in the United States or the United Kingdom, or participated in fellowships abroad and are thus familiar with Western methods of teaching.

The University of Jordans Language Center uses an immersion method for Arabic courses. With the objective of teaching the language holistically, the curriculum focuses on four skill areas: reading, writing, speaking, and comprehension. Grammar is taught within these four skills. CIEE students also have access to special Arabic tutoring sessions and weekly, colloquial practice sessions.

Highlights:

• Intensive language courses in modern standard and colloquial Jordanian Arabic
  
• Area studies courses in English; guest lecturers on political and cultural issues
  
• Local peer tutor program, target language clubs, and other special activities designed to enhance students language development on a daily basis
  
• Community involvement through volunteer opportunities and internships
  
• Field trips to important archaeological and natural sites in Jordan, including Petra, Wadi Rum, and Jerash

Culture
Cultural Activities and Field Trips
The academic program is supplemented with excursions to Jordans archaeological, historical, and natural wonders; a choice of day trips to archaeological sites across Jordan or hiking in some of the Kingdoms spectacular Nature Reserves; and overnight trips to Petra and Wadi Rum. Trips vary between the fall and spring semesters depending upon the weather. Resident staff keep students up-to- date on local cultural events, including films, concerts, and conferences.

Independent Travel
Students are encouraged to travel independently in Jordan during weekends and scheduled breaks. Any travel outside of Jordan requires the completion of the CIEE Amman Independent Travel Form and review of potential security or safety concerns by the CIEE Resident Director. Students must also sign an independent travel waiver and are expected to consult their home institution and emergency contacts on all independent travel outside of Jordan.

Immersion
Volunteering
A range of volunteer options are available to students, many involving helping others with their English language skills. Previously, students have volunteered with NGOs, a womens rights organization, educational institutions, and organizations in the for-profit sector. Volunteer service does not receive academic credit and is subject to availability. Placements are also made based on language skills.

Peer Language Tutors
CIEE recruits peer language tutors from the Department of Arabic at the University of Jordan. Students are encouraged to meet with their language partners for up to three hours per week to practice conversation, explore the University, and expand their understanding of the host culture.

Language Clubs
CIEE organizes a series of target language clubs that complement students instruction in the language. The clubs cover conversation, calligraphy, music, and culture.

Degree Level: Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Cost in US$: Please check the CIEE website for current program pricing

Experience Required: yes