Credits
9
Prerequisites
None
Language of Study
Arabic
Courses taught in
Arabic, English
Dates
Jun 15 – Aug 3
Program Countries
Jordan
Program Base
Amman
Critical Global Issue of Study
Identity & Human Resilience
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Jordan
Intensive Arabic Language Studies
(Filling; Apply by Apr 1, 2022)
Develop and expand Arabic language competency in speaking, reading, and writing Modern Standard Arabic and colloquial Arabic in Jordan. Appropriate for all skill levels.
At a Glance
Overview
Why study Arabic in Jordan?
Arabic is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world, with more than 400 million native speakers and dozens of dialects. Learn Modern Standard Arabic and Jordanian colloquial Arabic during this intensive language immersion program. By living and learning in an Arabic-only environment with classroom instruction, field exercises, and homestays, you’ll rapidly learn to speak and understand Arabic and experience Arab and Jordanian culture. Enjoy a five-day excursion to see the diverse communities and historic areas of Wadi Rum, Ajloun, Jerash, and Petra.
Educational excursions outside of Amman reveal Jordan’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty while providing opportunities for you to practice your language skills.
Highlights
- Be fully immersed in a supportive Arabic-only environment.
- Learn in highly interactive classroom, homestay, and field-based settings.
- Live with a host family in Amman.
- Visit Petra, the Dead Sea, Aqaba, Ajloun, Jerash, and the Dana Nature Reserve.
Prerequisites
Through oral proficiency testing you will be placed in beginning, intermediate, or advanced classes.
Excursions
Northern Jordan and Southern Jordan
On a five-day excursion to north and south Jordan, you’ll receive customized Arabic lessons focusing on the communities you visit and participate in highly interactive conversations about the places you see. You’ll practice Arabic during the entire trip, including during travel. Highlights of this excursion include the following:
Jerash
See the extraordinary ruins of ancient Jerash, one of the most impressive and best preserved Roman cities outside of Italy. Here, you may have the chance to attend the Jerash Festival of Culture and Arts, an annual international cultural event featuring famous Arabic poets, singers, and writers. Past programs have included the Moscow Ballet’s Cinderella, a flamenco performance by Ara de Madrid, a contemporary dance play by Jollanar from Syria, and a Japanese poetry and music performance by Keiko Koma.
Ajloun
Ajloun is home to the Castle of Ajloun or Qalaat Errabadh (Arabic for “Hilltop Castle”). The fortress was built by Muslims in 1184-85 to protect the region from invading Crusaders. Spend a
night at the Ajloun Forest Lodge, which occupies a large clearing enclosed by oak, pistachio, and strawberry trees and offers beautiful views. Occasionally, one can see as far away as Jebel Sheikh in Lebanon.
The Dead Sea
The Dead Sea is the most spectacular natural landscape in Jordan. In addition to being one of the lowest points on Earth, the Dead Sea is the world’s richest source of natural salts.
Wadi Mujib
Explore Wadi Mujib, a spectacular gorge that enters the Dead Sea. The Mujib Reserve of Wadi Mujib is the lowest nature reserve in the world. This is an optional excursion and will incur a small additional charge.
Aqaba
Aqaba is an important port city dating back to 4000 BCE. Also known as Ayla, Aqaba was once ruled by the Mamluk Sultan from Egypt.
Wadi Rum
Wadi Rum is among the most stunning desertscapes in the world. Experience the exceptional hospitality of the desert people and Bedouin tribes. You may share mint tea or cardamom coffee in Bedouins’ tents or join them by the fire under a starry desert sky.
Petra
Petra is a treasure of the ancient world, a UNESCO World Heritage site dubbed one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. After hearing a lecture about Petra, “the Rose-Red City,” you will explore the city in small groups to see firsthand the topics of the lecture. The visit will conclude with a debriefing and conversation in Arabic.
Dana Nature Reserve
The dynamic topography of the Dana Nature Reserve extends from the top of the Jordan Rift Valley to the desert lowlands of Wadi Araba. You will see its impressive mountains, the ancient ruins of Feinan, the cliffs of Wadi Dana, and Dana village. You’ll discuss and read about the reserve in Arabic.
Please note that SIT will make every effort to maintain its programs as described. To respond to emergent situations, however, SIT may have to change or cancel programs.
Academics
Coursework
Based in Amman, this intensive field-based Arabic language immersion program uses a content-based approach. Students engage in an Arabic-only environment of classroom instruction, field exercises, and homestays to learn Arabic and Arab culture. The emphasis of the course is Modern Standard Arabic (MSA), with additional instruction in Jordanian colloquial Arabic. Students gain an understanding of Arabic diglossia and proper usage of MSA versus colloquial. Students at an advanced proficiency level will have a Media Arabic component built into the curriculum.
The following syllabi are representative of this program. Because courses develop and change over time to take advantage of dynamic learning opportunities, actual course content will vary from term to term. The syllabi can be useful for students, faculty, and study abroad offices in assessing credit transfer. Read more about credit transfer.
Key Topics
- Speaking, listening, reading, and writing Arabic
- Communicating in a variety of situations with native Arabic speakers, incorporating culturally appropriate gestures
- Conversational proficiency
- Articles and news items from the Jordanian press and other Arabic media outlets (ARAB 3000 students only)
Arabic
Arabic
Beginning Modern Standard Arabic – syllabus
(ARAB1009 / 9 credits)
Intermediate Modern Standard Arabic – syllabus
(ARAB2009 / 9 credits)
Advanced Modern Standard Arabic and Media Arabic – syllabus
(ARAB3009 / 9 credits)
The courses are designed to equip students with a proficiency level in spoken Modern Standard Arabic to prepare them to engage in everyday communication by addressing the four basic skills of the language: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Based on in-country evaluation, including oral proficiency testing for non-beginners, students are placed in beginning, intermediate, or advanced classes. Courses are designed not only to help students acquire Modern Standard Arabic, but also to learn Jordanian Colloquial Arabic and attendant cultural aspects of Jordan. Cultural awareness is reinforced through field exercises and the homestay experience. In addition to daily scheduled classes, students participate in field-oriented educational visits to further enrich their language experiences. Courses are also designed to help students gain an understanding of Arabic diglossia and proper usage of Modern Standard Arabic versus colloquial. Students at the advanced level have a Media Arabic component built into the curriculum. This component focuses on the acquisition of specialized vocabulary used in print and electronic media in the Arab world. Students read, listen to, and analyze stories from the local Jordanian press and other Arab media outlets.
Homestays
Amman
The homestay in Amman is a unique opportunity to become a member of a local family, share meals with them, and take part in special occasions. Jordan is known for its warm hospitality. For six weeks, you’ll be immersed in Arabic culture and will gain an understanding of your host family’s perspectives and values — all while practicing your Arabic language skills.
Most homestay families are middle class and maintain the customs of a typical Arab home. Some homestay families are first- or second-generation Palestinians who are an integral part of the country’s social and cultural fabric. You may get to experience a Jordanian wedding other traditional cultural activity, in addition to family outings.
Faculty & Staff
Jordan: Intensive Arabic Language Studies
Ashraf Alqudah, PhD
Academic Director
Riham Al-Naimat, MA
Academic Coordinator and Language Instructor
Rania Kasab Harfoushi, MA
Program Assistant, Student Affairs
Discover the Possibilities
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Cost & Scholarships
SIT Study Abroad is committed to making international education accessible to all students. Scholarship awards generally range from $500 to $5,000 for semester programs and $500 to $3,000 for summer programs. This year, SIT will award more than $1.5 million in scholarships and grants to SIT Study Abroad students.
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