SIT Study Abroad: Jordan - Geopolitics, International Relations, and the Future of the Middle East
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Study the complex history and politics of the Middle East and learn about efforts to promote peace and global security in Jordan’s capital, Amman.The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan has long played a pivotal role in the geopolitics and international r... read more
All Reviews
I found a newfound respect for people who live differently from me and a drive to learn more about the regional history and current political situation, which affect the people that I met on a daily basis. I also believe that my internship was not only educational, but the most impactful experience that I have (or may ever have)... Emma W - Southern Methodist University View Entire Review
I learned so much about Jordan and the region at large on this program, and made so many connections that I will value for the rest of my life. I am a more well-rounded and open-minded person after my experience in Jordan, and I even learned a bit of a completely new language to me including a whole new alphabet! I wholeheartedl... Elizabeth B - Brandeis University View Entire Review
Not only did I learn so much about Jordan and the program theme, but I made incredible friends through this experience! Study abroad was absolutely worthwhile and I would go back to Jordan in a heartbeat. Elaine Z - Rice University View Entire Review
This experience was definitely worthwhile. I would encourage students wanting an immersive experience and who are interested in international relations to consider this program. Emma B - University of Denver View Entire Review
In terms of academics, I learned a great deal about Jordan and the MENA region in terms of political, social, and cultural dynamics. I gained insights from some of Jordan's top thinkers and policymakers, and learned how to negotiate some of these issues with my own skills. My Arabic improved, especially functional/survival use t... Nora - Kenyon College View Entire Review
My experience was definitely worth it because as a Middle Eastern Studies major, my time abroad definitely brought me closer to my studies and allowed me to see a lot of the phenomena I had studied as well as talk to actual Jordanians about a lot of issues. A student - University of San Francisco View Entire Review
Language, independence, confidence etc. All worth it! A student - Occidental College View Entire Review

I gained a better understanding of the culture and lifestyle in Amman as well as multiple archaeology contacts for when I return Kylie Dillinger - University of Denver View Entire Review

I think the main thing that I gained from my experience was confidence. It is scary to go somewhere new, with a language you don't fully understand, a new culture, and live with a host family that you know nothing about before arriving. BUT after doing all those things and having a good time it makes me a lot more confident in w... Thalia G - Colorado State University View Entire Review
I learned that humans are all much more similar than we think no matter how different a culture, religion, government, food, environment, music, or even history is compared with another. On a human level, we are all connected and can find empathy in that reality once we really experience and understand it. In an ever-changing... Dulcie H - Denison University View Entire Review
I gained experience of doing research, which is a good set up for people like my who seek to pursue a career in research and academia. Jeromel L - Harvard University View Entire Review
I had never spent so much time out of the country in one place, so I had never been able to engage with another culture on that same level. Every day I was pushing myself outside of my comfort zone, learning, and enjoying a country that has grown very dear to my heart. It was challenging in many regards, but I needed that push, ... Alexa D - Emory University View Entire Review
I knew nothing about Middle Eastern culture except for the stereotypes Americans have towards Islamic culture. I wanted to change that. I want to dispel those stereotypes and gain a true understanding of the Middle East, and the best way to do so is by going there. My time in the SIT Geopolitics program was the perfect gateway t... Samara - University of Oregon View Entire Review
I really cannot summarize what I gained and learned while in Jordan in just a paragraph. What I can say, though, is that I left the country being a different person. The insight I earned on countless topics, the invaluable cultural interactions, the experience of being immersed in such a particular country... It was definitely w... Raul T - Rollins College View Entire Review
I gained a more nuanced understanding of the region's politics, people and language. You do not simply learn, you experience it. Tracey Spaugh - University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill View Entire Review
About
The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan has long played a pivotal role in the geopolitics and international relations of the Middle East. Today, it is a moderate Arab state confronting modernization and the effects of regional conflicts, such as the latest refugee crisis. From the modern capital, Amman, become acquainted with the traditional values of a country with history dating back to ancient times while delving into regional politics and social change. In addition to Petra, Wadi Rum, and Mount Nebo, you’ll visit Istanbul, Turkey, and learn the extent to which Turkey is influencing the future political arena of the Middle East. Throughout the semester, you’ll improve your Arabic language skills through customized lessons in a field-based setting and participation in highly interactive conversations about the sites and communities you visit.
Program Type(s):
Study AbroadProgram Length(s):
- Spring
Instruction Language(s):
- Arabic
- English
Relevant Study Subject(s):
- Near Eastern Studies, Middle Eastern Studies
- Arabic Language and Literature
- Political Science and Government
- History
Minimum GPA:
2.5Website
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SIT Study Abroad Scholarships
SIT Study Abroad is committed to increasing access to international education and to ensuring you have the information you need to successfully access funding for your study abroad program with us. SIT has awarded an average of over $1.3 million in scholarships and grants to SIT Study Abroad students in the past three years. We encourage all qualified students to apply for our need-based scholarships. SIT scholarships are not available for online courses or virtual internships. Your scholarship application is created when you select your interest in SIT need-based scholarships when asked in the drop-down section of your SIT Study Abroad program application. Your application is then reviewed separately, on a rolling basis, when complete. For a list of available scholarships and grants, click here.
$500 - $5000