Study Abroad Programs in Jordan

Despite its small size, Jordan offers a large amount of interesting and unique things to do and see as a study abroad destination. Located at the center of Egypt and Mesopotamia, this country served as a crossroads, and has maintained cultural influences from both great civilizations.

Students who study abroad in Jordan will have the opportunity to see religion and modernity collide: ride a camel, float in the Dead Sea, visit ancient ruins in the city of Petra. Despite the number of historical and Biblical sights, students who thrive on energy won’t be bored - Jordan is home to a few modern cities, chock full of fun by day or night. Nestled between Israel, the Dead Sea, Syria, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia, students in Jordan should take advantage of traveling around the region on their free weekends.

Amman: Amman is a great destination for students who wish to study abroad in Jordan because it is a modern city surrounded by history. One can observe ancient Roman ruins by day, and take a stroll down rainbow road, a street full of movie theaters, restaurants and shops, by night. Amman is bustling and crowded with over one and a half million people living in it, so students who study abroad here will never find themselves running out of things to do and see.

Irbid: There are many schools and universities in Irbid, so students who study abroad here will find themselves surrounded by other scholars. Irbid is a great place to get to know the culture of Jordan and is home to the Museum of Jordanian Heritage as well as the Irbid Archaeological Museum and the Natural History Museum. Irbid is located a short drive from other smaller cities like Ajlun and Pella which are home to many fascinating historical sights.

Going abroad is a huge and exciting life change so you will definitely want to pick the program that best suits you! Make sure to pay attention to the programs language requirements and housing options, as well as the universities that the programs are connected with.

Language: Students who study abroad in Jordan do not need to worry about a language barrier because English is spoken by almost everyone. Although Arabic is the native language of Jordan, many universities will teach classes in English for international students. Despite the fact that speaking a language barrier may not be a strong issue, students who travel to Jordan should still consider studying Arabic. Speaking the native language will help students become more easily assimilated into the Jordanian culture. Programs such as SIT’s Modernization and Social Change gives students the opportunity to reflect on Jordan’s current social issues while also studying Arabic.

Housing: Students who study abroad in Jordan do not need to worry about a language barrier because English is spoken by almost everyone. Although Arabic is the native language of Jordan, many universities will teach classes in English for international students. Despite the fact that speaking a language barrier may not be a strong issue, students who travel to Jordan should still consider studying Arabic.

Speaking the native language will help students become more easily assimilated into the Jordanian culture. Programs such as SIT’s Modernization and Social Change gives students the opportunity to reflect on Jordan’s current social issues while also studying Arabic.

Student Visas for Jordan

Students must apply for a student visa through the Jordanian government once they have arrived in the country. Jordan does not allow people who have HIV/AIDS into the country, so students must submit a blood test before entering the country. Finally, students need to have with them a passport that does not expire until over six months post-departure from Jordan. Be sure to check out all of the details and requirements here.

Many people cannot afford to go abroad without scholarships, so it’s definitely a good idea to apply! Many abroad programs themselves offer scholarships to students traveling abroad.

• CIEE, for example, awards over $1 million dollars in scholarships to students hoping to study abroad.
• The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship is another great scholarship to apply for. It offers to give scholarship to select US undergraduate students who wish to study abroad.
• More Study Abroad Grants and Scholarships

Contributed by Maxine Sharf