CIEE College Study Abroad in Amman, Jordan

I spent an incredible 5 months with this program, and experienced so much of Jordan that I never would have without their excellent, hardworking staff. They make sure to expose you to as much local culture as possible, and work within your Arabic abilities, whatever they are. I especially recommend staying with a homestay--they have a solid network of extremely friendly, hospitable families for you to stay with. Many people ask me if it's safe, and I always say: much safer than the U.S.! People in Jordan are more welcoming than you'd believe, and the CIEE staff will make sure you get out and experience that welcoming. Trips to Petra, Wadi Rum, Ajloun--it's all included, and anywhere else you want to visit, you'll have support.

My experience with the study abroad program was both enjoyable and educational. I had a great time and learned a lot during my time abroad. The program provided me with valuable opportunities to explore a new culture, interact with people from different backgrounds, and expand my knowledge in various academic subjects.
However, one area where the program could have been improved is in terms of organization and planned activities. There were instances where the schedule seemed a bit disorganized, and it would have been helpful to have a clearer itinerary and more structured activities. This would have enhanced the overall experience and made it easier to make the most of our time abroad.
Additionally, the location of the apartments provided for the program was too far from the city center. This resulted in both a financial burden and a significant amount of time spent commuting. It would have been more convenient if the apartments were situated closer to the center, allowing for easier access to amenities, cultural sites, and social activities.
Overall, the study abroad program was a positive experience that allowed me to have fun, make new connections, and gain valuable knowledge.

I had a great time in Amman and with CIEE, I highly recommend it. Since the first few days of orientation, I knew I was going to have a great time. CIEE staff has been very supportive and has organized many events and activities, especially in the first period when it might be harder to adapt oneself to the culture. The classes were very interesting varying from language (Arabic and colloquial) to political science and international relations classes regarding the conflicts in the Middle East. I also had the opportunity to intern at a company in Amman, and in the free time to travel around the wonderful country.

I had a great time in this program. Firstly, all staff were incredible- empathetic, smart, helpful, and interested in building relationships with us. I achieved a level of Arabic proficiency I never would have had I not gone abroad. I got to see the most incredible historical and cultural sites in Jordan, and had the freedom to travel on my own or with friends. I also got to meet locals and get immersed in Amman. Another great feature of this program is that you can participate in an internship while there, which I did as well- it helped me gain experience working abroad and is a great thing to have on your resume. Overall, I would definitely recommend this program!

Studying abroad in Jordan was an excellent experience to visit a unique region and learn a lot about the politics of the Middle East and the Arabic language! I loved living in Amman, and the support offered by CIEE was a large contributor to that experience. As with any study abroad experience, there is a bit of culture shock when you first arrive, however I found many similarities emerged as I continued throughout the semester.

Studying abroad in Amman is different from the classic Europe study abroad experience. The social life is a bit quieter, but there are plenty of new nightlife experiences to try. The program can be relatively small, but I made some fantastic friends while studying there. Overall, it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to challenge yourself and push yourself out of your comfort zone. Exploring cafes, traveling to new countries, browsing through the markets (suuks) and finding your favorite sweets shop are all some of the day-to-day activities you may enjoy.

I also participated in the internship program. I worked at the University of Jordan in the Center for Strategic Studies. This was a great option to gain work experience in a foreign country and focus on topics I was interested in—particularly refugee settlement and integration in Jordan.

My favorite experience while studying abroad was spending the night in Wadi Rum. The orange sand in the desert was probably the most beautiful and unique landscape I had ever seen. We went on jeep rides through the sand dunes, hiked up a canyon to a small pool, ate amazing home-cooked food at the camp, and rode camels while the sun set on the evening. Following this trip, we continued down to Petra and saw one of the wonders of the world! I think everyone should check these locations off their bucket list at some point, and having these excursions covered by CIEE was an amazing opportunity.

I highly recommend this abroad experience and cannot wait to return to Amman in the future.

This is your standard study abroad program with classes and excursions. The academics weren't particularly challenging but nonetheless, I took interesting and informative classes. The excursions and cultural activities were all well planned and I enjoyed all of them. The staff was generally helpful and always supportive. I made lifelong friends and lived with a host family that became my home away from home.

I wish the program was in a larger space, as we had 60 students in one small floor of a building.

I couldn't recommend CIEE in Amman, Jordan enough, especially to students pursuing degrees in Arabic and/or Political Science. I initially chose CIEE over other programs because of the variety of transferrable classes it offers, the freedom of mobility students have within and beyond Jordan's borders, and the program's emphasis on organizing cultural experiences to better immerse students in the local lifestyle. The program itself not only met my expectations in all of these areas, but the staff and faculty also went above and beyond in their support, administration, and provision of engaging activities offered to students, which was a pleasant surprise. The Arabic professors are the best I've ever had in my three years of studying Arabic, and the relationships I have fostered with both the local and CIEE communities are some I'll retain for life. CIEE Amman knows what they're doing--they aim to serve their students well in every capacity to ensure an unforgettable semester full of personal and language growth.

All I can say is, "PACK YOU BAGS!"

My time in Amman with CIEE was amazing. In class, my instructors demonstrated obvious expertise in their subjects, and their teaching styles kept every day as entertaining as it was informative. Outside of class, cooking and mosaic classes, tours of the city, and the trip to Wadi Rum and Petra with CIEE were all incredible.

Beyond CIEE events, Jordan is full of things to see and do. My classmates and I went to Wadi Mujib, the Dead Sea, Mount Nebo, Madaba, and Jerash. We also found tons of shops and restaurants all over Amman where we ate our bodyweight in hummus and falafel. Also, for all of you coffee and tea lovers, the cafes in Amman will not disappoint.

The local people, the culture, the food, and everything in between made for an unforgettable experience. You're going to love Jordan!