SIT Study Abroad: Jordan: Geopolitics, International Relations, and the Future of the Middle East

There were so many highlights of my time in Jordan, I really don’t know where to begin. First, the fact that the staff are native Jordanians makes this a much more authentic experience because they truly know Amman and can guide you throughout the city. They are such hospitable people that they made me feel right at home in Jordan. My homestay experience was amazing, and they are vetted by SIT, and they ensured that I was integrated into the culture and provided an amazing home environment and such good food. The excursions to the North of Jordan, South of Jordan and Turkey were also very well thought out and ran smoothly and provided a deeper understanding of the program themes. The classes were rigorous but fascinating, and I particularly enjoyed Psychology of Peace. The classes were intimate and provided more one-on-one time with the professors.

Going to Jordan with SIT was an absolutely amazing experience. The four main highlights of the trip for me were the host family experience, the excursions, the ISP, and the staff. I was really nervous about staying with a host family, especially because students don’t have any information about their families before arriving in the country. Despite this I ended up loving my host family experience. I became close with the family that I stayed with and am still in contact with them after returning to the US. Living with a host family was great for getting a better understanding of day to day life in Jordan and practicing Arabic.

I felt like I was really able to become part of the family. I went to family birthday parties and helped my host sister tutor her cousin. One thing that I took away from the host family experience was the importance of making an effort. Even if there is a language barrier you can still make deep and meaningful connections. My host family really appreciated it when I offered to help out around the house with cooking or cleaning, and inviting my host sister to hang out with me and my friends from the program helped us bond a lot. While staying with a host family can be really scary, I think it is worth it to get a better understanding of the new culture you are living in and make lasting connections abroad. My host family experience was particularly amazing, but for people on the program who did not get along as seamlessly SIT was able to work with them to reach an understanding with their families or find new families for them.

The excursions were an important part of the SIT experience. SIT took us on several tours in Jordan which both provided a small break from classroom learning, and made it so that students didn’t have to organize and plan their own trips to those places of interest. If students want to go to other places that SIT does not have an excursion to, they can organize their own trips, but you are only allowed to go on one overnight trip that is not with SIT and no international travel is allowed outside of the planned trip to Turkey.

SIT requires students to either complete an internship or an ISP (independent study project). I chose to do an ISP. The ISP pushed me to work on my time management skills because there is a month after classes end that is dedicated to the ISP. There are no hard deadlines during this period, and because it seemed so long, it was easy to underestimate the time needed to do the research. The ISP was difficult, but I am so glad I did it. I learned a lot, and it was the first time I have been able to do in depth human subject research.

Finally, the SIT staff are absolutely amazing. All the teachers and staff really cared about our well being and were available at any time to help with any concerns. They were very supportive and were invested in our learning and experience.

This study abroad program is truly life changing an extremely unique experience. It incorporates the perfect balance between academics and free time. The homestay factor enriches the experience beyond measure, allowing students to really gain an understanding of Jordanian culture and practice Arabic. The food is amazing and there are plenty of American, Filipino, Italian and other restaurants in Amman if you need a break from local food. Jordanians are extremely welcoming to foreigners. The administration and staff are amazing; by the end of the program they all felt like old friends of mine. I definitely want to go back to Jordan after my study abroad experience!

The SIT Jordan was very formative for me. I have never travelled abroad apart from the time I moved to the United States in 2011. The SIT staff are very welcoming and hospitable, and I appreciate the academic rigor especially with Arabic language learning and the opportunity for students to do independent research or internship! From January to May, we got to go all over Jordan from the north to the south as well as have a one-week excursion in Istanbul, Turkiye. Our group became tight-knit. And each of us stayed with a host family who I keep in touch with after the program. I appreciate all of these opportunities in SIT Jordan that made for a transformative education experience!

I absolutely loved my time in Jordan! All of the staff were so friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable - I felt very comfortable reaching out to them for anything. The other students on my program were equally lovely and we all got so close by the end. Amman is amazing if you like exploring new cities, trying new foods, and meeting new people outside your program. I learned so much about Jordan, the program theme, and myself (both inside and outside the classroom). I highly recommend SIT Jordan if you're interested in study abroad!

I was quite nervous with COVID-19 going on and everything going on, to the point were I deferred this program by a semester. I am so happy I had the opportunity to pursue this program. I feel that If I had done the typical study abroad, I would have not gained as much as I did. I was able to learn so much Arabic, because I was integrated into the program. I lived with a Jordanian family that but the end I considered my own. I was able to travel extensively through the region and better understand the people and issues in the region. I had struggle with Arabic and the support I had when I voiced those struggles was remarkable. I was given tutoring sessions to help me catch up. The staff truly become your family with how much they care about you. While education was important, the program made it integral that enjoying and our trips were also apart of our education. I'd go back in a second if I could.

Studying abroad in Jordan was an amazing experience that I will never forget. I learned so much about Middle Eastern culture and make lifelong friends. Living with a host family provided an immersive experience. Program staff were incredible and willing to help in any situation. One of my favorite parts of this program was the excursions to beautiful places throughout the country. I highly recommend this program to students interested in learning about international relations and becoming immersed in Jordanian culture.

My time in Jordan was unforgettable, and will probably be one of the best experiences of my entire life. I lived with an amazing homestay family, made life-lasting friendships, and went on so many amazing excursions. This is the best way to learn about international relations and Middle Eastern culture as a college student. Being completely immersed in every aspect of another culture in every single part of your life will change the way you view yourself, the world, and your own culture. My internship experience gave great insight into my future career plans. I cannot recommend SIT Jordan enough.