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Is this program right for you?

This program is designed for students who already have a solid foundation in Modern Standard Arabic and seek to attain proficiency in the language. In addition to advanced language instruction in Modern Standard Arabic, students have equivalent instruction in Colloquial Jordanian Arabic. Elective classes in the target language emphasize different linguistic skill sets, such as reading comprehension, while offering a variety of subject matter. Students also receive training in cross-cultural communication to augment their advanced linguistic skills.

Program Snapshot

  • Opportunity to develop high levels of proficiency in Arabic language
  • Arabic language electives in history, culture, literature, media, and business communication; internship available for academic year students
  • Immersion into Jordanian life—homestay with Jordanian family, peer language tutors, and volunteer opportunities
  • Cultural activities such as visits to museums, theaters, and galleries; day excursions to famous archaeological sites; and an overnight trip to Petra

Subject Areas

  • Arabic & Middle Eastern Studies
  • Arabic Language
  • Business Communications
  • Colloquial Jordanian Arabic Language
  • Communications
  • Cultural Studies
  • Culture (host country)
  • History
  • Internship
  • Language (host country)
  • Language, Literature, Culture (host country)
  • Literature
  • Literature (host country)
  • Media Studies
  • Modern Standard Arabic Language

About Amman

Amman has a history that reaches back at least 5,000 years. Despite the ancient ruins that dominate the downtown skyline, much of the city only dates back to the 1970s. Draped over several hills, Amman is a study in contrasts. A traditional downtown souk (marketplace) is a taxi ride away from massive, American-style shopping malls. It is a very 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.

Where You'll Study

University of Jordan

Founded in 1962, the University of Jordan is the oldest public four-year institution of higher education in Jordan. The University has 13 academic faculties, 65 academic departments, and a diverse student body of nearly 35,000, including 1,800 international students. The CIEE Study Center is located opposite the main gate of the University and offers students a wide range of support, library, and advising services. CIEE has an additional office in the University of Jordan’s Language Center. CIEE students have access to all major campus facilities, including the library and campus computer labs. Classes are held throughout the University Campus.

Thoughts From Abroad

To say that Arabic is a critical language is an understatement. There is a push from almost every official direction to encourage young Americans to develop advanced proficiencies in Arabic in order to improve both our understanding of and ability to communicate with the Arab-Muslim world. Efforts to offer quality Arabic programs at American universities are blossoming all over the country. However, no classroom experience can compete with the opportunity to be immersed in a foreign language by living and studying in another country, and no language training is complete without culture.

As someone who has spent more than a decade studying Arabic in different venues, I can attest that language is best learned in its native milieu. Jordan offers a welcoming environment for advanced Arabic students to fully immerse themselves in the language and culture of the Middle East. CIEE draws upon the talented teaching staff at the University of Jordan in order to provide you a tailored immersion program.

— Allison Hodgkins, Resident Director

Staff Bios

A native of Maine, Allison Hodgkins has more than 10 years experience in the Middle East. Her research interests focus on peace and conflict in the region. Allison has lectured in departments of Political Science and International Studies, and previously served as Academic Director for a Peace and Conflict study abroad program in Palestine and Jordan. She is currently a Ph.D. candidate (ABD) in The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University, and holds M.A. in Public Affairs (Lyndon Baines Johnson School), Middle Eastern Studies (University of Texas at Austin), and a B.S. in Political Science (Bates College).

Director of Arabic Instruction
Dr. Najeh Abu-Orabi, CIEE Director of Arabic Instruction, manages the language component of the program in coordination with the University of Jordan. He has a Ph.D. in Arabic Language Curricula and Education Methods and an M.A. in Arabic Language. Dr. Abu-Orabi has also taught Arabic at the University of Virginia.

Other CIEE Staff
Rana Masri, Resident Coordinator, has five years of experience working with U.S. students and international programs in Jordan and supports the Resident Director in administrative matters. Stewart Pierce-Gardner, Resident Coordinator, received his B.A. from Davidson College and is a former CIEE Amman student. Ahmad Abu-Shaikha, Student Activities Coordinator, provides support to students on extra-curricular activities. CIEE also recruits CIEE Student Program Assistants—University of Jordan undergraduates who offer administrative support, general advice, and assistance to help students acclimate to life at the University of Jordan.

Recommended Credit

semester: 16 semester/24 quarter hours
academic year: 31 semester/46.5 quarter hours.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Overall GPA 3.0
  • 3.3 GPA in Modern Standard Arabic
  • 5 semesters of college-level Modern Standard Arabic or the equivalent

Program Dates

Fall 20098/23/2009 - 12/19/2009
Academic Year 2009-108/23/2009 - 5/14/2010
Spring 20101/17/2010 - 5/14/2010

Application Deadlines

Fall 20093/15/2009
Academic Year 2009-103/15/2009
Spring 201010/15/2009

Click here to check for deadline extensions.

Duration

Fall 200917 weeks
early September - mid-December
Academic Year 2009-1034 weeks
early September - mid-May
Spring 201017 weeks
late January - mid-May

CIEE Costs

CIEE program fees, inclusions, and estimated additional costs, are outlined below. Please note that CIEE reserves the right to adjust its fees in the event of significant change in exchange rates or other factors beyond its control. The actual cost of the programs may vary slightly for students from different institutions.

For comprehensive fee breakdowns and estimated additional costs, click the costs below:

  • Fall 2009 $13,500
    The CIEE program fee includes tuition, housing, most meals, optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, comprehensive orientation program, local transportation stipend, cultural activities, a field trip, host institution identity card, admission fees to host university events, immersion activities including language partners, a comprehensive student handbook, predeparture advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which includes insurance and other travel benefits.

    Program Fees

    This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time.

    Students required to study on CIEE programs through a School of Record will be charged a $340 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed below.

    Educational Costs (direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students; including $300 non-refundable Participation Confirmation Fee)$10,876
    Medical Insurance$74
    Housing and Most Meals$2,550
    Total$13,500

    The CIEE program fee includes tuition, housing, most meals, optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, comprehensive orientation program, local transportation stipend, cultural activities, a field trip, host institution identity card, admission fees to host university events, immersion activities including language partners, a comprehensive student handbook, predeparture advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which includes insurance and other travel benefits.



    Estimated Additional Costs

    The estimated additional costs indicated below are intended to assist students and parents in budgeting for those additional living and discretionary expenses not included in the program fee. Actual expenses will vary according to student interests and spending habits.

    Transportation (round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure)$1,700
    Personal Expenses$1,000
    Additional Meals$500
    Books and Supplies$300
    Visa Fees$45
    Total$3,545


  • Academic Year 2009-10 $24,300
    The CIEE program fee includes tuition, housing, most meals, optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, comprehensive orientation program, local transportation stipend, cultural activities, a field trip, host institution identity card, admission fees to host university events, immersion activities including language partners, a comprehensive student handbook, predeparture advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which includes insurance and other travel benefits.

    Program Fees

    This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time.

    Students required to study on CIEE programs through a School of Record will be charged a $340 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed below.

    Medical Insurance$74
    Educational Costs (direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students; including $300 non-refundable Participation Confirmation Fee)$19,126
    Housing and Most Meals$5,100
    Total$24,300

    The CIEE program fee includes tuition, housing, most meals, optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, comprehensive orientation program, local transportation stipend, cultural activities, a field trip, host institution identity card, admission fees to host university events, immersion activities including language partners, a comprehensive student handbook, predeparture advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which includes insurance and other travel benefits.



    Estimated Additional Costs

    The estimated additional costs indicated below are intended to assist students and parents in budgeting for those additional living and discretionary expenses not included in the program fee. Actual expenses will vary according to student interests and spending habits.

    Visa Fees$45
    Personal Expenses*$2,000
    Transportation (round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure)$1,700
    Additional Meals$1,000
    Books and Supplies$600
    Total$5,345

    *Students who plan to stay for the U.S. academic year should budget an additional $550 for the break between semesters, which covers the estimated cost of meals and some local travel.


  • Spring 2010 $13,700
    The CIEE program fee includes tuition, housing, most meals, optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, comprehensive orientation program, local transportation stipend, cultural activities, a field trip, host institution identity card, admission fees to host university events, immersion activities including language partners, a comprehensive student handbook, predeparture advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which includes insurance and other travel benefits.

    Program Fees

    This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time.

    Students required to study on CIEE programs through a School of Record will be charged a $340 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed below.

    Educational Costs (direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students; including $300 non-refundable Participant Confirmation Fee)$11,076
    Housing and most Meals$2,550
    Medical Insurance$74
    Total$13,700

    The CIEE program fee includes tuition, housing, most meals, optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, comprehensive orientation program, local transportation stipend, cultural activities, a field trip, host institution identity card, admission fees to host university events, immersion activities including language partners, a comprehensive student handbook, predeparture advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which includes insurance and other travel benefits.



    Estimated Additional Costs

    The estimated additional costs indicated below are intended to assist students and parents in budgeting for those additional living and discretionary expenses not included in the program fee. Actual expenses will vary according to student interests and spending habits.

    Transportation (round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure)$1,700
    Personal Expenses$1,000
    Additional Meals$500
    Books and Supplies$300
    Visa Fees$45
    Total$3,545


Scholarship Information

For a complete list of scholarships available, please vist our Scholarships section.