Eligibility
- 18 years of age or above
- Good academic and disciplinary standing at Penn State
- 2.5 cumulative GPA or better at the time of application
- Sophomore standing or above at the start of the program
Program Description
Centrally located Amman is the ideal place to unravel intriguing Middle Eastern and international issues like Arab-Israeli relations, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, fundamentalism and politics, and more. Learn about all this and more, in a city that celebrates both a cosmopolitan outlook and its age-old souks, mosques, and monuments.
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 an archeological survey of Jordan 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.
Students take courses at CIEE in Amman in one of the older core neighborhoods. This creates plenty of opportunity to interact with community members, and offers easy access to a variety of academic and cultural institutions.
Content courses are taught by faculty from Amman universities or visiting foreign faculty with expertise and extensive experience in Jordan. Language courses are taught by experienced CIEE Amman language instructors under the guidance of Dr. Najeh Abu-Orabi, CIEE Amman Director of Arabic Language. Students enroll in one content course per four-week session, and can also take optional Communicative Colloquial Jordanian Arabic for one session.
Dates
Summer Session 1: mid May - mid June
Summer Session 2: mid June - late July
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 and modern sensibility. 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.