roman amphitheater at night in amman, jordan
Amman, Jordan

Semester in Amman

New for Spring 2025!

Study Program Part-Time Internship

Tentative Dates

-

19 weeks

Costs

Credit

12 - 18 semester hours

18 - 27 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

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Overview

Spend your semester living and learning in Amman, the charming capital of Jordan, where ancient history and modernity seamlessly blend together, creating the perfect backdrop for your studies. Designed for students from all academic backgrounds, the Semester in Amman program is the ideal chance to immerse yourself in Jordanian culture while earning credits toward your degree.

When class is in session, you’ll take courses in English at one of the top universities in the country; Princess Sumaya University for Technology (PSUT). The flexibility and diversity of courses here allows you to find a unique mix of coursework across topics like business, computer science, cyber security and engineering among others. You may also choose from PSUT courses, which may be combined with CIEE courses offered at CIEE Amman. Additionally, students with lower level of Arabic proficiency who are interested in learning Arabic can improve their language skills by taking CIEE-delivered language courses.

Outside the classroom, you’ll have every opportunity to participate in actively in Jordanian society. From exploring Amman’s bustling streets to its vibrant markets to its iconic ruins, you’ll enjoy the city’s captivating blend of tradition and innovation. Whether you're enjoying mint tea in a cafés, exploring vibrant souks, or indulging in delicious food, Amman promises you an unforgettable experience at every turn. Bonus: Diversify your study abroad adventure with optional credit-bearing internships (in English), language programs, cocurricular and extracurricular activities, and a series of exciting trips to cultural attractions.

Unique Experiences

Study on a Jordanian university campus

with a diverse range of business, IT, and engineering courses

Visit important archaeological and natural sites

such as Petra, Wadi Rum, the Dead Sea, Jerash, and several historical and biblical sites

Experience diverse cultures and traditions

while enjoying delicious food

3

UNDERGRADUATE SCHOOLS AT PSUT

280 K

UNIVERSITY STUDENTS (AND GROWING)

7

ORIGINAL HILLS FORM THE MAIN CITYSCAPE

Experience
  • amman students playing board games at an outdoor cafe
  • famous ruins amman jordan sunset
  • amman students play soccer together

Your Destination

Amman, the vibrant heart of Jordan, was built originally on seven hills and serves as a gateway to Jordan's rich heritage and stunning landscapes. In downtown Amman lies the Citadel, a majestic archaeological site that overlooks the city center. Here, you can also find the Roman Amphitheater, which is still used for musical performances.

Strolling downtown Amman, known as Al-Balad, reveals a vibrant mix of sights, sounds, smells, and flavors. The lively souks with their aromatic spices, colorful wares and delicious food offer an extraordinary experience!  

Beyond its ancient history and culinary delights, Amman boasts a lively arts scene, with galleries and cultural venues showcasing the creativity of local and international talents alike. Whether walking through its historic sites, enjoying its culinary delights, or immersing yourself in its cultural richness, Amman promises an unforgettable journey filled with discovery and wonder.

CIEE wants all our students to feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed while studying abroad. Local CIEE staff have provided details about conditions and cultural attitudes that students with specific identities might encounter in Amman. 

The Culture

amman woman floating the dead sea

Excursions & Activities

  • Enjoy a night in the breathtaking desert of Wadi Rum watching the stars and exploring the treasures of the Rose City of Petra the following day  
  • Take a day trip to historical site Madaba, famous for its Byzantine-era churches 
  • Float in the salty waters of the Dead Sea 
  • Hike in a Middle Eastern forest 
  • Visit the splendid ruins of Jerash 
amman students giving a presentation

Projects

Projects Internships: There are plenty of options to earn credit and beef up your resume with international experience in the Jordanian working market. A for-credit internship in English allows students the opportunity to have practical work experience in a company within a variety of industry sectors. In addition to the on-site business experience, students participating in an internship program have a weekly classroom component, which provides academic support to their practical experience. Students applying for an internship are required to submit additional materials during the course selection process.  

Directed Independent Research: Directed Independent Research is for qualified students who have demonstrated academic rigor and curiosity toward a particular research topic. To be accepted into this course, students must submit a structured proposal during course selection with topic of exploration, significance of research topic as it relates to Jordan, methodology, a literature review, and a schedule of research milestones. Upon research completion, students will present their findings to a panel of academics.

Program Blogs

From CIEE

Unveiling Jordan's Hidden Treasures: 5 Must-Visit Gems

By College Study Abroad Ambassador at CIEE

By: Dorra Guermazi Jordan's landscape is a tapestry of awe-inspiring beauty and cultural heritage, where ancient wonders and natural marvels converge in harmony. While Petra and the Dead Sea are... keep reading

Have a Sweet Tooth? Jordan Has You Covered.

By Elysse G.

Jordanian cuisine is rich and diverse, and the country's desserts are no exception. From sweet and sticky pastries to delicate floral-infused cakes, Jordanian desserts are a must-try for any foodie... keep reading

How to Pack Like a Pro

By Elysse G.

Studying abroad can be a life-changing experience, but it can also be overwhelming to pack for an extended stay in a foreign country. Here's a packing list for studying abroad... keep reading

Housing
Academics

Academics

Students can enroll in PSUT courses from the three schools that offer undergraduate courses in English:

In addition, students can select from CIEE offered courses in both Arabic language (Modern Standard Arabic or Colloquial) and area studies of the Middle East Studies.  

This way students can customize their studies in Amman while immersing themselves in campus life and the Jordanian culture. 

GPA

2.5

Additional Requirements

Please refer to the detailed Program Essential Eligibility Criteria.

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors.

Requirements

All Semester in Amman students take courses for 12-18 U.S. semester credits. Students enroll in 4-6 courses per semester, choosing from:  

  • CIEE courses  
  • Up to 2 courses taught in English or Arabic at Princess Sumaya University for Technology (PSUT)

Please Note:  

  • Students who want to take courses in Arabic at PSUT will need to be at Advanced Mid-level based on ACTFL standards. Student level is determined based on ACTFL and by an Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) conducted online prior to arrival by the Director of Arabic Instruction.  
  • The PSUT calendar does not align with the CIEE calendar; students choosing to take PSUT courses will have to stay in Amman approximately 4 weeks after the CIEE semester ends. CIEE will cover housing during this period.  
  • There is a commute of about 10-20 minutes between the PSUT campus and the CIEE Center.   

Program Credit

12-18 U.S. semester credits/18-27 quarter credits 

Course Credit

  • CIEE Courses: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 45 contact hours  
  • CIEE Internship: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 15 seminar hours, 100-120 internship placement hours 
  • CIEE Directed Independent Research: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 15 contact hours, 100-120 research hours 
  • PSUT Courses: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 48 contact hours 

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors.

Academic Culture

CIEE courses are scheduled Sunday through Thursday. Students should expect to have daily homework assignments and continuous assessment. Class attendance is mandatory, and absences affect final grades. CIEE courses are designed to follow U.S. academic culture and standards.

In general, Jordanian pedagogical teaching approach is more formal and professor centered, seen as the instructor mainly leading the lectures and facilitating the course discussions. The presence of international students in local courses is highly valued by instructors as they see it as an opportunity to present foreign perspectives to the local audience. Arabic might be used in the classroom.  

Classes at PSUT are typically scheduled Sunday through Thursday and taught in person but there are some hybrid courses that are taught at PSUT. Most courses have a first, mid-term and a final exam, some courses will require the submission of reports, research and/or homework. Students should expect to receive minimal feedback from professors.  

To avoid falling behind, students should not plan personal travel out of Amman when classes are in session and plan trips for the long weekends.    

Class Format

Courses taught at the CIEE Center are typically for CIEE students only. Host Institution classes include both local and international students. A typical class schedule includes a combination of both CIEE and Host Institution-administered classes, and will span from Sunday to Thursday. Classes at both CIEE and Host Institution meet 1-3 times per week, for anywhere from 1-3 hours per class session, depending on the course. Attendance in CIEE classes is strictly enforced, both for classes and required co-curricular excursions. CIEE course instruction is supported and augmented online by CIEE’s learning management system, Canvas.

Grading

CIEE reports all final course grades to students’ home institutions using a U.S. letter grade equivalent scale of A-F. For CIEE-administered courses, students’ grades are based on attendance, class participation, homework, project work, presentations, and midterm and final examinations. Learning outcomes assessment is continuous through personal reflections, evaluation feedback, self-assessment, and requirements as set out in course syllabi. Host Institution courses are graded using a 20-point grading scale, and primary assessments may be held as either oral or written examinations, and final exams are typically worth 50-70% of the final grade for the course. Attendance is compulsory in Host Institution classes. Students must attend a minimum of 80% of all class sessions to be permitted to sit for the final exam.

CIEE reports final grades for host institution courses using recommended U.S. letter grade equivalencies, following a predetermined grade conversion scale. 

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors.

Language of Instruction

English and/or Arabic

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors.

Courses

Course Information

Course Information:

  • Students who want to take courses in Arabic at PSUT will need to be at Advanced Mid-level based on ACTFL standards. Student level is determined based on ACTFL and by an Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) conducted online prior to arrival by the Director of Arabic Instruction.  
  • The PSUT calendar does not align with the CIEE calendar; students choosing to take PSUT courses will have to stay in Amman approximately 4 weeks after the CIEE semester ends. CIEE will cover housing during this period.  
  • There is a commute of about 10-20 minutes between the PSUT campus and the CIEE Center.   

Academic Projects

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Communication, Journalism, and Media

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Languages and Cultural Studies

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Natural Resources, Conservation, and the Environment

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Social Sciences

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Princess Sumaya University for Technology (PSUT)  

Undergraduate courses are available from the following schools:   

Not all courses listed are offered every semester, and some courses have prerequisites. The final list of courses is made available during the course enrollment process on-site. 

Note: This course listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between CIEE and any applicant, student, institution, or other party. The courses, as described, may be subject to change as a result of ongoing curricular revisions, assignment of lecturers and teaching staff, and program development. Courses may be canceled due to insufficient enrollment.
"(GI)" denotes courses that originated at CIEE's Global Institutes and that are offered at multiple CIEE sites.

Dates & Fees

Dates & Fees

You get more for every dollar when you study abroad with CIEE, because our high-quality programs include everything from excursions to insurance. There are no hidden charges, and no disappointing surprises when you arrive.

Program

Application Due

Start Date

End Date

Fees & Housing

Program Spring 2025 19 weeks Start Date * End Date * Fees & Housing $19,950

*Dates for this program are provided as tentative dates. Please consult with your study abroad advisor to confirm dates before purchasing your flights.

To help you budget, keep in mind that students are responsible for the cost of international airfare, local transportation, books and supplies, visas, and personal expenses. In addition, your college or university may charge additional fees for study abroad, or may require you to receive a transcript via CIEE's School of Record, which carries an additional fee of $500.

Program Fees

CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.

Participation Confirmation = $300*

Educational Costs = $16,206**

Housing = $3,250***

Insurance = $194

Total Fees = $19,950

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

Meals not included in program fee = $665

International Airfare = $1,200††

Local Transportation = $1,200

Books & Supplies = $150

Visa Fees = $60

Personal expenses = $330†††

Total Costs = $3,605

Financial Aid

CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

*non-refundable fee

**direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

***Housing fees listed are for financial aid purposes only and should not be considered a basis for calculation of refunds.

For students in homestays, families provide 2 meals a day. For students in apartments, you should budget approx. $420 per month for groceries if you plan on making your own meals, and more if you plan on eating out regularly.

††round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure

†††$100 emergency fund + cell phone expense + toiletries

What's Included

Tuition

Housing

Pre-departure Advising

Advising before you depart to set goals and answer questions

Optional on-site airport meet-and-greet

Orientation

Introduction to your program plus practical information about living in your host city

On-site Staff

Full-time program leadership and support in your city

Cultural and/or Co-curricular Activities

Excursions and/or Study Tours

Travel Protection

CIEE iNext travel protection

24/7 emergency on-site support

Staff

Our Staff

Zein Nsheiwat

DIRECTOR

Zein Nsheiwat has been working in the field of study abroad and cross-cultural education since 2007 and completed a MBA in 2022 at TAGUCI in Amman, Jordan. She has worked...

Samir Issa

HOUSING AND LOGISTICS COORDINATOR

Samir started working with CIEE in 2019. Besides supporting the students’ cultural engagements. Samir manages all aspects of the housing program, and recruits Arabic-speaking host families for CIEE students in...

Najeh Abu Orabi

DIRECTOR OF ARABIC INSTRUCTION

Najeh Abu Orabi, Ph.D., a native of Jordan, has been challenging American students to master the Arabic language for more than a decade. In addition to leading the Arabic Language...

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