Credits
8
Prerequisites
None
Courses taught in
English
Dates
Jun 1 – Jul 26
Program Countries
Jordan
Program Base
Amman
Critical Global Issue of Study
Climate & Environment
Development & Inequality
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Jordan
Community Empowerment & Climate Change Internship
(Filling; Apply by Apr 1, 2023)
Gain professional experience with a UN or government agency or NGO working with youth and vulnerable groups on community empowerment and environmental sustainability.
At a Glance
Overview
Why Intern in Jordan?
Through this internship program, you will learn about existing development and environmental challenges and contribute to the design of projects that support community empowerment and sustainability. In recent years, Jordan has made great strides in improving health care and literacy and has enacted important democratic and economic reforms. The country is also developing innovative approaches to water scarcity; organic farming; food security; and sustainable energy production. Despite these developments, Jordan still faces challenges related to a lack of natural resources, climate change, and environmental conservation, as well as a growing population, including many refugees.
At the beginning of your program, you will receive 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 an internship focused on issues such as community development and empowerment, refugees, climate change and environmental sustainability, women’s empowerment, water scarcity and security, agriculture and food security, poverty alleviation, the economy and geopolitics, education, ecotourism, renewable energy, 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.
Highlights
- Complete an internship with a community-based organization, NGO, UN agency, or government agency.
- Gain valuable experience on issues related to community development, the 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.
Excursions
SOUTHERN JORDAN
On a three-day excursion to southern Jordan, you’ll will visit, Petra, Wadi Rum, and Aqaba. During the excursion you will visit different local communities and learn more about community empowerment and climate change impact. Highlights of this excursion include the following:
Petra
A treasure of the ancient world, Petra is a UNESCO World Heritage site and has been 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.
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.
THE DEAD SEA, JESUS’ BAPTISM SITE, AND AJLOUN
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.
Jesus’ Baptism Site
Al-Maghtas, meaning “baptism” or “immersion” in Arabic, is an archaeological World Heritage site on the east bank of the Jordan River, officially known as Baptism Site or “Bethany Beyond the Jordan.” It is considered to be the original location of the baptism of Jesus and the ministry of John the Baptist and has been venerated as such since at least the Byzantine period.
Ajloun
Visit the medieval castle Qalaat Errabadh, built by Muslims to protect the area from invading Crusaders, and stay overnight at the Ajloun lodge nestled among oak, pine, pistachio, and strawberry trees.
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
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the program, students will be able to:
- Examine community empowerment and climate change through a professional experience with a community-based organization, NGO, UN agency, or government agency.
- Outline the challenges and issues related to community development, the environment, and sustainability in Jordan and the Middle East.
- Assess the existing development and environmental challenges facing local communities in Jordan.
- Reflect on the ethics of internship in the context of Jordan.
- Synthesize the learning acquired on the internship in a paper and oral presentation.
Coursework
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
- Design projects for community empowerment and sustainability.
- Enhance your resumé with an internship with a community-based organization, NGO, UN agency, or government agency.
- Gain valuable experience working on community development, climate change, environment, and sustainability.
- Develop real-world skills and international contacts.
- Participate in weekly group reflection and assessments led by the academic director.
- Analyze and explain your internship experience in a final paper and oral presentation.
Internship & Seminar
Internship & Seminar
Internship & Seminar – syllabus
(ITRN 3005 / 5 Credits)
This seminar consists of an eight-week internship with a local community organization, research organization, business, government agency, or international NGO. The aim of an internship is to enable students to gain valuable experience and enhance their skills in a career field/professional environment related to the core program themes.
SIT will use its extensive network to facilitate an internship placement for students where interviews may be required. The organization and the student’s internship activities, including the Internship Learning Agreement, must be approved by SIT’s Academic Director. SIT will maintain oversight over internship placements in line with SIT academic policies and student health and security guidelines. Ultimately, each student will need to take responsibility for making optimal use of resources available at the organization and to be proactive in engaging with local experts to achieve internship objectives. Regular reflection and assessment meetings are held with the Academic Director or internship coordinator to review the progress of the internship, learning associated with the internship experience, and to draw out broader issues related to program themes, positionality, culture and ethics in the context of the internship.
Modules will be implemented at weekly reflection meetings. Discussion and reflection sessions take place on a weekly basis. Students are expected to discuss experiences in the internship, reflect on the professional learning process, and respond to any prompts assigned by the internship instructor. These discussion and reflection sessions are key elements for personal, academic, and professional development during the internship.
Students will be informed of the types of internships available and the placement process the first week of the program. Internship placements may include organizations in, community development, women empowerment, environment, economic and political research and studies, social empowerment and refugees.
Arabic
Arabic
Beginning Modern Standard Arabic – syllabus
(ARAB 1003-1503 / 3 Credits)
Intermediate Modern Standard Arabic – syllabus
(ARAB 2003-2503 / 3 Credits)
Advanced Modern Standard Arabic – syllabus
(ARAB 3003-3503 / 3 Credits)
The language course emphasizes speaking, reading, and writing skills in Modern Standard Arabic (fusha) through classroom and field instruction. Students are placed in intensive beginning, intermediate, or advanced classes based on an in-country evaluation, including oral proficiency testing. A component on Jordanian Colloquial Arabic is also part of the course.
Homestays
Amman
You’ll live with a homestay family in West Amman for the entire program, except during excursions and the first few days of orientation. The homestay is a unique opportunity to become a member of an Arabic family, share meals with them, and take part in special occasions. Jordan is known for its warm hospitality. 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 or other traditional cultural activity in addition to family outings.
Other Accommodations
Hostels and small hotels.
Career Paths
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USDA-USFS, field officer MENA region
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Research assistant in the fields of environment, sustainability, or development
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Position with political, economic, or development organization in Jordan or elsewhere in the Middle East
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Volunteer with Peace Corps
Faculty & Staff
Jordan: Community Empowerment & Climate Change Internship
Raed Al-Tabini, PhD
Academic Director
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 nearly 1 million in scholarships and grants to SIT Study Abroad students.
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