Eligibility
- 18 years of age or above
- Good academic and disciplinary standing at Penn State
- 3.0 cumulative GPA or better at the time of application review
- Sophomore standing or above at the start of the program
- 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.
Program Description
The Advanced Arabic Language program provides students with a full immersion experience commensurate with their abilities and proficiency level. All courses are taught in Arabic and include both subject area content and language instruction. This approach enables students to develop a high level of proficiency in Arabic, and gain an in-depth understanding of important issues facing Jordan and the Middle East today.
Amman, the capital and most populous city of Jordan, is the country's economic, political and cultural center. The city's breathtaking skyline is continuously transformed with the entrance of new industry. Your fluency and confidence will soar as you study the history and literature of this area in classes taught in Arabic. Excursions and volunteer opportunities supplement the cultural immersion for those looking to truly advance their Arabic language skills.
Dates
Academic Year: early September - mid May
Fall: early September - mid December
Spring: late January - mid May
Refer to the program website for the specific dates, if available.
Location
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 gives spectacular views all around – and a fascinating look back to 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.
Education Abroad in Countries with a Penn State Restricted Travel Designation
In order to comply with Penn State’s International Travel Policy, students interested in studying abroad in countries that Penn State has designated as “restricted” for travel, a petition for a waiver must be submitted. Once a petition is complete, and if the student is approved for study on the program in question, the student may be asked to meet with the Director of Education Abroad and the petition will be reviewed by the Penn State International Restricted Travel Committee (IRTC). The necessary petition will be included in the online application process for this program. To see if your program is taking place in a restricted travel country, please visit the Penn State Global website.
Program Costs
Fall Costs
Spring Costs
Effective Spring 2024, Summer 2024, and Fall 2024: All Penn State undergraduate students participating in approved CIEE programs are guaranteed a discount, which will be applied to the billable subtotal listed on the program cost sheet. The guaranteed discounts are as follows:
- Students participating in a semester-long program (e.g., fall or spring) or the three-block Open Campus program are guaranteed a $2,500 discount.
- Students participating in the two-block Open Campus program are guaranteed a $1,250 discount.
- Students participating in a summer program are guaranteed a $500 discount.
Discount amounts listed here are valid for spring 2024, summer 2024, and fall 2024 terms only.
The cost of a program is based on Penn State tuition rates and partner institution fees. Due to the variety of locations and partner institutions, costs will vary depending on the program. Education Abroad works closely with our partners to ensure the most accurate cost estimates, however, fees can change quickly and without prior notice. Consult the cost sheets for your chosen program often and if you have any questions please contact your Education Abroad Adviser.
Scholarships
The Education Abroad Office awards a number of grants and scholarships to students who participate in an education abroad program through Penn State Global. The application for the scholarships awarded through the Education Abroad Office is included with your program application. Eligibility is based on academic merit and/or financial need. You must have a current FAFSA on file to be awarded. There are additional scholarship opportunities through our partner universities, Penn State Academic Departments, and other sources. To view a full list of scholarships, eligibility requirements, and deadlines visit Funding Study Abroad.
Program Specific Scholarships
| Scholarship |
Estimated Amounts |
Notes & Eligibility |
| CIEE & Penn State Scholarships |
$1,000 - $4,000 |
Students who apply to a CIEE program are automatically considered for a CIEE & Penn State Scholarship. A separate scholarship application is not required. |
| Global Access Initiative (GAIN) Travel Grants |
$750 - $2,000 |
Students who receive a federal Pell grant are guaranteed this award, which can be used toward the cost of airfare if the CIEE application is submitted by the deadline. Application submitted through CIEE. |
| CIEE Gilman Go Global Grant |
$1,000 - $2,500
|
Students who receive a federal Pell grant and show proof of application to the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship are guaranteed a grant. Application submitted through CIEE. |
Learn more about other CIEE scholarships by reviewing the Scholarships & Grants section of CIEE's website.
Student Aid
Penn State students who plan to study on a Penn State approved program can use most forms of financial aid towards the cost of the program. Exceptions include work-study awards and some athletic scholarships. If you have specific questions regarding your aid awards, contact the Penn State Office of Student Aid.
Withdrawal & Refund Policy
Withdrawal and refund details are dependent on the timing and reason for your withdrawal from a Penn State Education Abroad Program. For specific details and steps on how to withdraw, read the Education Abroad Policies.
After Commitment
Once a student has committed to a Penn State Education Abroad program, they are financially responsible for any fees incurred on their behalf. Therefore, if a student plans to withdraw from a program it is their responsibility to immediately notify the Education Abroad office, in writing; email is preferred.
Regardless of the timing or reason for the withdrawal, the student will be responsible for paying the Education Abroad Administrative Fees. Additional fees from the partner institution will be assessed according to their withdrawal and refund policies at the date of the withdrawal notice.
After the Start of the Program
If a student withdraws after the start of a program, any adjustment of Penn State tuition charges will be made according to the Tuition Adjustment Schedule as determined by the Office of the Bursar. Students may be responsible for up to 100% of program costs. In most cases, partial credit cannot be awarded for leaving a program before its successful completion.
For additional information on withdrawal policies, separate and apart from financial consequences, please consult the University Senate Policy on Withdrawal and Leave of Absence.
