Jordan

Overview

Please note that SIT will make every effort to maintain its programs as described. To respond to emergent situations, like COVID-19, however, SIT may have to change or cancel programs.

Through this remote online internship, students will learn about existing development and environmental challenges and contribute to the design of projects for community empowerment and sustainability. Jordan has made great strides in health care, literacy, and democratic and economic reform and has been developing innovative approaches to water shortages, storage and supply: organic farming; food security; and sustainable energy production. Despite these developments, the country still faces a lack of natural resources, environmental concerns, increased water needs due to climate change, and a growing population, including refugees.

At the beginning of your program, you’ll get an introduction to the broader cultural, social, and political context of Jordan and to workplace norms and the ethics of interning in another country. After orientation you will complete a 12-week online internship focused on issues of community empowerment, refugees, climate change, environment and sustainability, women’s empowerment, water scarcity, water transboundary and security, community development, agriculture and food security, poverty alleviation, economy and geopolitics, education, ecotourism, renewable energy, climate change, or another field related to your interests and career goals. Your internship will be academically rigorous as you participate in weekly discussions, attend curated readings, keep a journal, and write a paper reflecting on your experience.

You will be expected to devote approximately 12-15 hours a week both on synchronous and asynchronous course activities. Synchronous activities may include orientation sessions, seminar country and theme specific lectures, initial meetings with your internship advisor, group reflection sessions, and project presentations. Frequency, duration, and scheduling of synchronous activities will be determined the first week of the course in conversation with participants to find mutually convenient times. In the event that a student cannot attend a live session, every effort will be made to provide a recording, transcript, or summary for off-line viewing.

Asynchronous activities may include seat time at your internship, break-out groups, check-ins with your Academic Director, internship coordinator and your internship mentor, writing progress reports, discussion boards, completing assignments and a final paper, and using audio or video to record reflections on the internship experience. Students are required to demonstrate a strong online presence by participating in group discussions, answering questions, and interacting with course participants and staff.

Highlights

• Complete an internship with a community-based organization, NGO, UN agency, or governmental agency. 
• Gain valuable experience in community development, environment, and sustainability.  
• Learn and develop critical professional skills in a supportive environment. 
• Participate in weekly group reflection and assessments with your academic director. 
• Customize the program by focusing on the field you’re most interested in.  

Prerequisites

None.