About Jordan...                                               

Bordering Israel, Syria, Iraq and Saudi Arabia, the Kingdom of Jordan is unexpectedly peaceful amid the turmoil of its neighboring countries and is a wonderful place to visit, made more so by its hospitable people whose immediate reaction to travelers is ‘Welcome to Jordan’. With a reputation for being one of the most friendly countries on earth, it is sad that so few people dare to explore its immense sense of history, as well as two of the most magnificent sights in the Middle East: the ancient rock-hewn city of Petra and Wadi Rum’s spectacular desert scenery.
Jordan is a kingdom layered in antiquity, from the work of Nabataean stonemasons to the Roman Emperor Hadrian, Moses and Lawrence of Arabia; from ancient cities and Biblical sites to desert castles, Crusader forts and Byzantine mosaics. This ancient culture belies the fact that it is also a modern country, with a good infrastructure, a thriving business and arts scene, and first class hotels, restaurants and shopping opportunities. The contrasts between old and new are astonishing.
As countries in the Middle East go, Jordan is relatively accessible.  Jordan was the first nation in the Middle East to enact disability-specific legislation and introduce building codes aimed at accessibility. The law, "Welfare of People with Disabilities," guarantees total integration and inclusion into the life of the community in a wide variety of areas, including education, employment and health care. Accessibility in the built environment is still questionable but progress is being made.

Disability Organizations

Disability organizations working in Jordan can be an invaluable resource before, during and even after your exchange experience.  For a comprehensive list of organizations working in Jordan, visit  MIUSA's online database of disability organizations.

Exchange Programs

There are more than 30 volunteer, study, intern, teaching and research opportunities available in Jordan listed on the MIUSA online database of exchange programs. 

Language Schools /Programs

Learn Arabic in Jordan! There is no better way to learn a language than to live and immerse yourself in the culture where it is spoken EVERY DAY!

The following is a list of just some of the programs in Jordan offering courses in Modern Standard Arabic and colloquial Jordanian Arabic.

Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE) 
The CIEE Study Center at the University of Jordan offers semester and academic year programs in Jordan with an in-country cultural experience and intensive courses in Modern Standard Arabic and colloquial Jordanian Arabic.

School for International Training/World Learning 

The School for International Training (SIT) offers semester and summer abroad programs for undergraduate students including courses in Modern Standard Arabic.

University of Virginia – Yarmouk University Summer Arabic Program
The University of Virginia-Yarmouk University Summer Arabic Program is an intensive, eight-week Program in Modern Standard Arabic, designed for undergraduate and graduate students currently pursuing a degree program.

Arizona State University Summer Program in Jordan
The Arizona State University Summer Program in Amman, Jordan includes courses in Elementary, Intermediate and Colloquial Arabic.

Ali Baba International Center
Ali Baba International Center is an international organization established exclusively to give people, of different ages and nationalities,  the opportunity to learn and live the Arabic language and culture in a relatively short period of time. The Center offers intensive summer programs, regular semester programs and special programs through a cooperative agreement with the University of Jordan.

Languages Abroad
Languages Abroad is an international language-travel organization offering individuals, families, students and groups to language programs that best suit their needs, interests and preferences.

Scholarships, Fellowships & Internships

The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) of the United States Department of State sponsors several scholarship, fellowship and internship programs available to high school students, college students, scholars and professionals from Jordan and the United States.  Information about the programs listed below is available by contacting the ECA or the exchange organizations administering each program.

The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs is committed to ensuring that all of its activities reflect the full diversity of American society and culture. The Bureau seeks and encourages the involvement of both Americans and foreign citizens  in its programs from traditionally underrepresented groups, including women, racial and ethnic minorities and people with disabilities.

People with disabilities are encouraged to apply!
http://exchanges.state.gov/education

Fulbright Scholarships/Fellowships:

• For information on the following Fulbright Scholarships contact the Jordanian-American Commission for Educational Exchange: www.fulbright-jordan.org

Other Scholarships/Internships:

• Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program
  The Youth Exchange and Study is a program sponsored by U.S. Department of State to provide scholarships for high school students from countries with significant Muslim populations to spend up to one academic year in the U.S.
  Students live with host families, attend school, engage in activities to learn about American society and values, acquire leadership skills, and help educate Americans about their countries and cultures.
  http://www.exchanges.state.gov/education/citizens/students/programs/
  or
  www.amideast.org/jordan/programs_services/yesjor.htm
• Middle East Partnership Initiative U.S. Business Internship Program
  The Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) U.S. Business Internship Program for Young Middle Eastern Women will provide participants unique opportunities to learn management and business skills while working in the dynamic and productive U.S. business environment. The program will consist of a four-week interdisciplinary academic program, including coursework in management, finance, business strategy and information technology, followed by a three or six-month management internship, depending on their professional background, or three month entry-level internships with American corporations. The program will cover international and domestic travel, health insurance, housing and a living stipend in the U.S.
• Royal Palace of Jordan Scholarship Program
  Sponsored by the Royal Palace of Jordan, this progam is for undergraduate and graduate study in the U.S. for Jordanian students
• American Center of Oriental Research (ACOR)
  The American Center of Oriental Research (ACOR) is dedicated to promoting research and publication in the fields of archaeology, anthropology, art history, earth sciences, history, languages, religious studies, sociology, and other aspects of Near Eastern studies. An important component in all of ACOR’s programs and projects is the promotion of academic and cultural exchange between the United States and Jordan. One of the ways in which this is accomplished is through a competitive fellowship program that offers over twenty awards annually to undergraduate and graduate students and post-doctoral scholars working in a wide variety of fields.
  

Travel Information

Tourist Office:

• Jordan Tourism Board of North America
  6867 Elm Street - Suite 102
  McLean, VA 22101
  Tel: 703-243-7404    Fax: 703-243-7406
  E-mail: info@seejordan.org  

    The Jordan Tourism Board of North America offers information on travel to and within Jordan.

Websites

• IIE Passport's country of the month - Jordan - offers more information about Jordan for students interested in studying in the Hashemite Kingdom. Read a story of a student who's been there and loved it.
• StudyAbroad.com offers information for students (college, high school and all others) seeking study abroad, language abroad, intern abroad, and volunteer abroad opportunities. They have a list of exchange programs, basic information about Jordan and an on-line travel guide.
• Study Abroad Links offers information on study abroad programs in Jordan including semester, full-year, summer  and Arabic Language study programs.

Although efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, MIUSA/NCDE cannot be held liable for inaccuracy, misinterpretation or complaints arising from these listings. Mention of an organization, company, service or resource should not be construed as an endorsement by MIUSA/NCDE. Please advise NCDE of any inaccuracies you may find.