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

SIT Jordan was an outstanding experience. From academics, to social life, to professional opportunities, I felt that SIT offered it all! Academically, I learned a great deal about the country and region from local lecturers, the perspective of SIT administrators, and course readings and discussions. I also improved my FusHa Arabic, and learned a lot of survival Aamiyah which was key during my internship. My cohort of 30 was unusually close, often opting to go out for lunches or nightlife in large groups, and spending a lot of our free time together.

SIT offered amazing excursions to Ajloun, Jerash, Petra, the UAE, and more! When outside of class, I felt completely immersed in Jordanian culture and loved every minute of it.

I had the opportunity to complete an internship as a teaching assistant, and that really improved my speaking skills and confidence, while also giving me a better idea about disability in the Jordanian context.

Amman is a vibrant, lively city with things to do on every corner. I explored Wasat al Balad, tried new foods, found hidden bars, and met locals who were always thrilled to speak with Americans. Jordanians are some of the loveliest, most kind-hearted people out there.

I would not want to have done my semester abroad anywhere else with any other study abroad provider.

I knew nothing about Middle Eastern culture except for the stereotypes Americans have towards Islamic culture. I wanted to change that. I want to dispel those stereotypes and gain a true understanding of the Middle East, and the best way to do so is by going there. My time in the SIT Geopolitics program was the perfect gateway to be exposed to such a beautiful region in the world. Unfortunately, our program was cut short from COVID-19, but I left Jordan with basic Arabic and an understanding of Jordanian culture. I know I will be back one day to continue learning and exploring such a wonderful country. I'm so thankful and highly recommend this program. (Excursion to UAE is quite fun as well).

Although my program was cut early, I would not have changed one thing about my semester in Jordan. Primarily, our staff was absolutely incredible, supportive, and super fun. Our classes were challenging but extremely interesting and I was able to speak Arabic with natives. The country itself has the kindest, most hospitable people I have ever met. And the food? I did not have one bad meal while abroad. Amman is such a fun and historic city that I absolutely fell in love with. I met so many locals that I have come to call best friends and truly formed a second home in Jordan that I hope to return to in the future. I truly had no complaints throughout my time abroad and even though we weren't able to make it to Petra or Aqaba, I had an amazing time during the time that I was there.

I could not think of a better program to participate in than SIT in Jordan. SIT focuses on educating the whole student. Not only did I learn so much about Jordanian politics and history, but also the role of Jordan in both a regional and international context. The Arabic professors are experts in teaching Arabic as a second language and are adept at accommodating all levels of Arabic and making the lectures interesting.

Outside of the classroom, they focus on the cultural aspect of being in a foreign country. The homestay experience is a great way to learn about both family life and traditions. I had the ability to attend an engagement party, which very few visitors have the ability to attend.

If you're interested in Jordan, this is the best program!

This was an absolutely brilliant experience. I learned more than I could have ever imagined. The program is extremely experiential, which allows you to learn in a completely new way. We studied Arabic and we would have different activities to do. One day, we were given money for taxis and told to go downtown on a scavenger hunt. We actually used what we learned. We also had our seminars, which were taught by different people each session. They ranged from diplomats, to academics, to business leaders. We learned from the best in Jordan. The internship at the end of the program was amazing. I interned with the Al-Quds Center for Political Studies, which is a Jordanian think-tank. I was able to experience Jordanian work culture whilst learning about regional politics. The entire program is amazing and is much more than a school program. It is certainly an experience.

I loved every second of my time abroad. I wandered the city with friends every day to get our bearings and get comfortable with the different areas, and we found new and exciting things to do together to increase our understanding of local cultures and language. Every friday myself and two friends went on an adventure to a new historic or archaeological or generally interesting site somewhere in Jordan outside of Amman, and at the end of the trip I'd legitimately been all over the country. These trips even inspired my independent research project, which was to work on a historic site to preserve it digitally. I had so much support from program directors to accomplish this, and I fully intend to return to continue doing archaeological work in country.