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CIEE: Amman, Middle East Studies (Outgoing Program)

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Fact Sheet:
Fact Sheet:
Click here for a definition of this term Education Abroad Adviser: Sara Paliga Click here for a definition of this term Housing: Apartment, Homestay
Click here for a definition of this term Minimum GPA: 2.5 Click here for a definition of this term Class Standing: 2 - Sophomore
Click here for a definition of this term Graduate/Undergraduate: School of International Affairs, Undergraduate Type of Program: Study Center
Click here for a definition of this term Language of Instruction: Arabic, English Click here for a definition of this term Language Requirement: 0 semesters
Click here for a definition of this term Internship Available: Yes Click here for a definition of this term Program-Specific Scholarships: CIEE-PSU Scholarship
Click here for a definition of this term Fields of Study: Arabic, Communications, Economics, Environmental Studies, Global Studies, Internship, Media Studies, Political Science, Religious Studies, Sustainability
Program Description:

Overview

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 review
  • Sophomore standing or above at the start of the program 
  • Demonstrated interest in the Middle East and Arabic language through coursework and statement of purpose

Program Description 

Since ancient time, the Middle East has always been active in the world landscape connecting East and West and is still relevant to the current world political landscape.
In Jordan, you will have the opportunity to study and learn the intricacies of the region’s modern history and Jordan’s role in regional politics as well as build your linguistic capabilities of the Arabic language; both Modern Standard and Colloquial. The CIEE program in Amman is dedicated to educate and expand your knowledge of the local language, history and culture. In addition to the academic curriculum, opportunities to practice Arabic and experience the local culture are an essential component of our program. This is in parallel with in-depth, on-the-ground understanding of Middle Eastern policies and politics as nowhere else in the world. In our program, you will personally meet individuals key to the web that makes up the social fabric of Jordanian society that include diplomats to government officials to members of the growing private sector, in addition to Jordanian students and families.

CIEE Amman offers study abroad students a series of specially designed area-studies courses in fields such as economics, history, international relations, environment, literature, politics, regional diplomacy, and religion. Area studies courses provide an overview of issues relevant to Jordan and the broader Middle East region. One of these courses can be an internship at a local government agency, international organization, national organization, or business. Although there is no language prerequisite, all students are required to take both Modern Standard Arabic and Colloquial Jordanian Arabic while in Amman.

Students also have the option of taking one course from a pre-approved selection at Princess Sumaya University for Technology (PSUT). Please note: If you opt to register for a course at PSUT, the end of term will be approximately two weeks after the CIEE program ends.

Dates

Fall: early September - mid December
Spring: late January - mid May

Refer to the program website for the specific dates, if available. 

Location

Amman has an ancient history and a diverse, vibrant modernity. It is an accessible, cosmopolitan city with numerous museums, art galleries, theaters, and cinemas . With its reputation for security and hospitality, Amman is home to inhabitants from all over the Middle East. The city provides a safe and stable environment for students to learn about the region.

You will have every opportunity to immerse yourself in Jordanian culture. Special guest lectures by government officials, diplomats, and local experts enrich the academic program. You are encouraged to use your Arabic language skills in everyday settings. This fosters Arabic language proficiency and a better understanding of Jordanian society. CIEE also coordinates a series of local site visits and cultural activities. Resident staff will help keep you up to date on local cultural events, such as conferences, films, and concerts.

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.

Academics

Available Fields of Study

Arabic, Communications, Economics, Environmental Studies, Global Studies, Internship, Media Studies, Political Science, Religious Studies, Sustainability

Course Listings

To find courses on the CIEE Middle East Studies program, follow the instructions on the host program page.

To see what Penn State students have previously taken on this program, see the Historical Course List, which is meant to be a guide as to what courses might be available and how they might transfer to Penn State. Courses listed here may not be offered during the semester you attend the program and the credit amount or course title may have changed. 

Note: You are not limited to choosing classes on the program Historical Course List. You should consult the full list of courses on the host program page before choosing a program.

Course Selection

To find appropriate courses that will fit into your degree requirements, you will need to work with your academic adviser. Suggested tips:
  • Research courses available on your program
  • Meet with your academic adviser to discuss potential courses abroad and your degree requirements 
  • Keep in mind that courses abroad may change or may be unavailable for your selected term, so you will need to discuss possible back-up course options
  • To register for courses on this program you will work with your host program
All students are required to enroll in a 9 credits of Modern Standard and Colloquial Jordanian Arabic courses at the appropriate level. In addition to the required Arabic courses, all students choose two or three additional elective courses, one of which can be an internship.

Internships

Internships are for academic credit and are not paid. In the past, students have interned at Eco-Peace, the Collateral Repair Project, the Business Development Center, the American Chamber of Commerce in Jordan, the Jesuit Refugee Service, and USAID. The experience of working at an internship combined with your studies in Jordan, will offer you unique insight to Jordanian social structure.

Academic Policies

  • You must enroll in a minimum number of 15 credits and a maximum number of 18 credits 
  • You cannot take any courses abroad on a Pass/Fail basis
  • World Campus courses should not be taken in addition to or as a substitute for courses offered abroad
  • You may not take sport or physical activity courses (e.g. sailing, bowling, yoga, etc.) abroad
  • If you are studying abroad in your final semester at Penn State, please note that Penn State may not receive your grades in time for graduation 

Course Equivalency Process

In order for courses from abroad to appear on your Penn State transcript, each course must be given a course equivalency. Please visit the Academics section of the Penn State Global website for information on the course equivalency process.  

Courses can be submitted for course equivalency before, during, or after the education abroad program, however, you should begin this process as soon as possible as it can take on average 2-4 months or more for courses to receive a Penn State course number. In some cases, it can be difficult to obtain syllabi from abroad before the start of the term, but when possible, courses can be submitted for review before departure. Talk to your Education Abroad Adviser about requesting syllabi.

Grade and Credit Conversion Scale

Grades and credit conversions from your host institution cannot be changed. They will be converted to Penn State credits and grades based on the following scales:
 
Grade Conversion Scale
Host Institution Grade Penn State Grade
 A  A
 A-  A-
 B+  B+
 B  B
 B  B-
 C+  C+
 C  C
 D  D
 F  F
 
Credit Conversion Scale
Host Institution Credit Penn State Credit
 3 Credits  3 Credits

Housing and Meals

Housing

Housing is guaranteed and included in the program. Study Abroad students have the option of living with a Jordanian host family or in an apartment with other CIEE program participants. Homestay placements are made on the basis of 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 curfews, limits on guests, and decorum. Apartments have limits on visitors and quiet hours for safety purposes and deference to local norms. Students receive some meals during orientation and during CIEE-sponsored excursions.

Independent housing is not permitted on this program. There will be no exceptions. 

Meals

Students in homestays generally eat two meals a day with their families and most meals on the weekends. Students are responsible for weekly lunches. Students selecting the apartment option need to budget for all meals, as they are not included in the program fee. For students planning to stay for the academic year, meals between the fall and spring semesters are not included in the program fee unless they continue to reside with their homestay family.

Costs and Funding

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.
 

Life Abroad

General Information 

Studying abroad can be one of the most exciting and transformative experiences of your college career. It is an opportunity to develop independence, build cross-cultural competencies, grow as a person, and enhance your academic program. Entering a new culture can be challenging for everyone. You may ask yourself: is this the right country for me? What are their cultural norms? How will my identity be perceived there? What can I do to prepare for this experience? What will my daily life be like? Below are resources to help you answer these questions.

Accessibility 

Penn State Education Abroad works closely with campus resources and our partner institutions around the world to ensure that students of all abilities reach their goal of studying abroad. While we cannot guarantee the accessibility of all program sites and locations, specific accommodations may be arranged on an individual basis. If you have accommodation needs or further questions please consult with the Student Disability Resources office and your Education Abroad Adviser. Additional resources are available through the Penn State Global Website. Disability information will not be used during the admissions process, but rather is meant to provide students with resources to help in planning a successful experience abroad.

Gender and LGBTQA

There are dramatic and subtle differences in how gender, identity, sexual expression, and sexual health are perceived in different countries. Before going abroad, it is important that you research the specific country or countries you will be visiting and have a full understanding of their cultural norms. Below are some resources to help you with that research and provide guidance for your life abroad.

Race, Ethnicity, and Faith

When choosing a study abroad location and preparing for your travels, you will want to be mindful of how your experience will be different than what you are used to in the United States. Your racial, ethnic, and spiritual identities may be interacted with and labeled by others differently than what you expect. Here are resources to help you prepare for these differences.

Non-U.S. Citizens

It is possible for non-U.S. Citizens to study abroad through Penn State. To do so successfully, you must plan early because this process may involve obtaining visas and other governmental procedures. Check with your DISSA Adviser prior to committing to a study abroad program and speak with your Education Abroad Adviser for specific information on the host country. If you plan on traveling to other countries during your study abroad experience, you will need to research and make plans to adhere to immigration policies for all of the countries that you plan to travel to and through. You are responsible for applying for visas for all applicable countries on your own. Advisers in the Education Abroad office cannot apply for your visa for you. Additional information may be available through your country's embassy and the consulate for your study abroad country.
 

Next Steps

Steps to Study Abroad

The planning stages outlined on the Penn State Global website will help you have the best study abroad experience possible. We recommend that you begin this process at least one year prior to the semester you plan on studying abroad. Visit the Steps to Study Abroad section of the Penn State Global website. 

How to Apply

Click the “Apply Now” button on this page to get started!

Application procedures can vary by program. Students should consult the application instructions available within each application. For more information, see the Application Process section of the Penn State Global website. 

Deadlines

You must apply to this program by the Penn State deadline. For a list of deadlines visit the Application Process page of the Penn State Global website.

Contact Education Abroad 

If you have general questions about Education Abroad opportunities at Penn State, please email EducationAbroad@psu.edu.

Peer Advisers

Education Abroad Peer Advisers are Penn State study abroad returnees who advise students on education abroad opportunities at Penn State. Each Peer Adviser can explain program options, give an overview of the study abroad process, as well as provide information about their experience abroad. Peer Advisers have walk-in hours in Boucke Building during the fall and spring semester when classes are in session. For more information, visit the Education Abroad Peer Adviser website. 

Education Abroad Advisers 

Education Abroad Advisers can provide information about courses, support services, application processes, housing details, program costs, cultural expectations, pre-departure requirements, and much more. Education Abroad Advisers have two types of meetings - scheduled appointments and walk-ins. For more information about how to meet with an Education Abroad Adviser, please visit the Penn State Global website. 

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For information about upcoming events, scholarship opportunities, deadlines, and much more visit the Penn State Global Events Calendar and follow us on social media!
 


Dates / Deadlines:
Dates / Deadlines:
Term Year App Deadline Decision Date Start Date End Date
Spring 2023 09/10/2022
** 		Rolling Admission 01/29/2023 05/19/2023
NOTE: Start date marks arrival in host country. End date marks departure from program housing.
Fall 2023 03/01/2023
03/11/2023 08/27/2023 12/15/2023
Spring 2024 09/10/2023
** 		Rolling Admission TBA TBA

** Indicates rolling admission application process. Students will be immediately notified of acceptance into this program and be able to complete post-decision materials prior to the term's application deadline.

Indicates that deadline has passed