Jordan: Arabic Language & The Middle East

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!