The Experiment: Jordan: Arabic Language & The Middle East

The trip to Jordan was one of the most fun experiences of my life. On the trip, we did many different things ranging from learning Arabic in class to listening to lectures surrounding the geopolitics of the Middle East and Jordan. We also visited famous sites in Jordan like Jarash (an ancient Roman city), Petra, Wadi Rum, and Aqaba. However, the best part of the program in my opinion was the homestay. Interacting and hanging out with my homestay family taught me more about the culture and the people than any lecture or lesson did. Additionally, it was moments like hanging out with my host brothers and their friends or eating meals with my host family that was fun and made me feel immersed in the culture. Overall it was a really fun experience and I highly recommend it.

My experience during the Jordan: Arabic Language and the Middle East program was unforgettable. Jordan is such a magnificent country, full of beautiful wildlife, kind people, and lots of fun activities. I had an amazing time exploring the country, from hanging out at the malls and souks in Amman, to walking through the ruins of Jerash and Ajloun, swimming in the Red Sea and the Dead Sea, and wandering through Wadi Rum. All the while, I was able to practice the Arabic that I learned in Arabic class. We had classes around five times per week, and each class was full of engaging activities and games. We also had the opportunity to attend lectures relating to geopolitics, refugees, Islam, women's rights, and more. Each of these lectures helped us to learn more about our host country and its culture. However, I learned the most about culture through my wonderful host family! They really welcomed me like a true member of their family, and some of my best memories from the program are spending time with them - shopping, attending a wedding, and getting to know the extended family. I grew so much individually during this program and met many new friends from all around the world. I would recommend it to everyone as a chance to step outside of your comfort zone and try something new!

My experience during the Jordan: Arabic Language and the Middle East program was unforgettable. Jordan is such a magnificent country, full of beautiful wildlife, kind people, and lots of fun activities. I had an amazing time exploring the country, from hanging out at the malls and souks in Amman, to walking through the ruins of Jerash and Ajloun, swimming in the Red Sea and the Dead Sea, and wandering through Wadi Rum. All the while, I was able to practice the Arabic that I learned in Arabic class. We had classes around five times per week, and each class was full of engaging activities and games. We also had the opportunity to attend lectures relating to geopolitics, refugees, Islam, women's rights, and more. Each of these lectures helped us to learn more about our host country and its culture. However, I learned the most about culture through my wonderful host family! They really welcomed me like a true member of their family, and some of my best memories from the program are spending time with them - shopping, attending a wedding, and getting to know the extended family. I grew so much individually during this program and met many new friends from all around the world. I would recommend it to everyone as a chance to step outside of your comfort zone and try something new!

Last summer, I traveled on an 11-hour flight to Amman, Jordan. After being accepted for a full scholarship to the Jordan program, I knew that my summer would be full of self-discovery. I am forever changed because of my experience with this program. I felt a different way about every part of my family; my host mother felt like my best friend, my host father gave me a sense of security, my host brother gave me happiness and comfort, and as a whole, including my host grandparents and aunts/uncles, I received nothing but warmth and love. The entire time I was there, I was treated like a sister, daughter, niece, granddaughter, and friend. I always visited and had dinners or spent all night with my host grandmother while she taught me different aspects of traditional Jordanian food. My host mom and I would watch soap operas in Arabic and she’d help me study or do schoolwork. My host father sat with me during breakfast to read my Arabic writing work and helped me to revise it. In the mornings, I took my baby brother to our balcony and held him while listening to music until I had to leave for class. I can’t imagine not having any of these memories now, I can’t see myself being someone who hasn’t experienced everything that I have. Though it was only one month compared to a lifetime, my Jordanian family will always be a part of me. I got to learn a new language, try new foods, dance to new music, sing new songs, and create more memories. So, to The Experiment, my counselors, group leaders, host family, and all of the friends that I’ve made on this trip, شكرا!

My experience in Jordan was absolutely opposite that which is portrayed in the media. Going into the Middle East, especially from a country like the United States, I was told that the culture and the people would be completely foreign, that they would not think like me or act like me, but everything I was told was wrong. The people, the place, everything, was absolutely amazing and I cannot begin express my gratitude for this amazing, enlightening experience. On my trip to Jordan with The Experiment, I met so many people, both Jordanian and American, and had amazing experiences sightseeing, learning, and exploring. I cannot recommend this program more, I had a life-changing experience!

This program provided a truly unique and valuable experience. Jordan is a country with experiences, viewpoints, and social structures so unique in the world, while also being a society which is overall very accessible and welcoming to outsiders. Westerners are likely to find little trouble in adapting to life in Jordan. There are several once in a lifetime experiences to be had in Jordan. Some of the best are all nighters in Wadi Rum, balcony-top gatherings above Amman expressways,dead sea photoshoots, buying matching clothes from mecca mall, climbing roman ruins in Jerash, record breaking cafe visits, lewd jokes in arabic class, lock in pranks, as well as countless laughs in the SIT common room. Go to Jordan. Do it for The Culture.

I loved every part of this trip! The team over in Jordan truly cares for their students, they get us fully emerged and a lot of personal growth happens! I learned the language, culture and history not just through lectures and class but also through first hand experiences! The home stay is one of the most amazing parts of the trip, making you feel like you belong! I highly recommend this trip to future travelers!