Credits
7
Prerequisites
None
Courses taught in
English
Dates
Jun 5 – Jul 24
Program Countries
Jordan
Program Base
Amman
Critical Global Issue of Study
Global Health & Well-being
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Jordan
Counseling & Humanitarian Action Internship
(Filling; Apply by Apr 1, 2023)
Learn the principles of humanitarian action in crisis situations in Jordan, home to millions of displaced persons and refugees. Observe the workings of UN agencies during a five-week internship.
At a Glance
Overview
Why study humanitarian aid in Jordan?
Hospitality is an important part of the nomadic heritage of Jordan, evident from the Kingdom’s providing shelter to those who have fled conflict in Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, Palestine, and as far away as Bosnia. By interning in Jordan at an organization like the International Rescue Committee, Care International, or Jordan Health Aid Society, you will assist local and international relief efforts supporting millions of Syrian refugees. You’ll learn about the objectives, priorities, standards, and procedures of humanitarian health response during emergency and post-emergency phases of refugee crises.
The internship will help you understand the priorities of a refugee relief program including consideration for water supply, sanitation and hygiene; food security, nutrition and food aid; shelter, settlement and health services. In addition, you’ll learn about conflict-related traumas and psychosocial challenges of assimilation. During your internship, you will be introduced to the guidelines for counseling, mental health, and psychological support in emergencies.
Highlights
- Gain valuable practical experience in humanitarian aid as an intern
- Learn and develop critical professional skills in a supportive environment
- Weekly reflection and assessments with the academic director or internship coordinator
- Weekend excursion to the treasures of Jordan: the Dead Sea, Petra, and Aqaba Testimonial (Optional)
Prerequisites
None
Excursions
Southern Jordan
You’ll spend three days exploring southern Jordan. You’ll visit NGOs providing services to vulnerable local populations and refugees. You’ll also enjoy the splendors of the ancient city of Petra, the world- famous archeological site featured in Indiana Jones “Raiders of the Lost Ark.” Heading further south, you behold the vast desert of Wadi Rum (Valley of the Moon), the location for much of “Lawrence of Arabia” and many other films, and the Red Sea port of Aqaba, Jordan’s only coastal city and a top destination for scuba diving and snorkeling.
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 the psychological and mental health risks facing refugee populations including loss, separation, and trauma and their potential impact on wellbeing.
- Evaluate mental health provision and psychosocial interventions available to refugees in Jordan in relation to broadly accepted professional standards.
- Reflect on the ethical and cultural relevance of mental health interventions and psychosocial support.
- Demonstrate problem-solving and analytical skills relating to the tasks and activities performed at the internship organization.
- Appraise counseling and humanitarian action in Jordan in a critical research paper.
- Reflect on the ethics involved in doing an internship in the context of Jordan.
- Synthesize the internship learning experience in the form of an internship 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
- Counseling and humanitarian response in Jordan
- Emergency coordination between government, UN, and humanitarian agencies
- Tasks and responsibilities of counseling and humanitarian aid professionals
- Physical, mental, and social health risk factors for refugees in camps and host communities
- Challenges facing refugee host communities
Internship and Seminar
Internship and Seminar
Internship and Seminar – syllabus
(ITRN3000 / 4 credits)
This seminar consists of a 5-week internship with a local community organization, health institution, or international NGO. The internship enables students to gain valuable internship experience and enhance their skills in a professional, international environment. SIT internships are hands-on and reflective. In addition to completing the internship, students will submit a paper processing their learning experience on the job and analyzing an issue important to the organization they interned with, and/or they will design a socially responsible solution to a problem identified by the organization.
Sample internships include:
- Providing relief to Syrian refugees and vulnerable Jordanians with the International Rescue Committee
- Working with farmers, women, and refugees living in poverty with Care International
- Assisting epidemiologists with the Eastern Mediterranean Public Health Network
- Promoting health awareness with the Jordan Health Aid Society
- Supporting the efforts of Arab Renaissance for Democracy and Development-Legal Aid to raise legal awareness among vulnerable populations, fight injustice, and promote equality
- Assisting the International Committee of the Red Cross’s humanitarian responses to Syrian refugees and Jordanian host communities
- Monitoring and evaluating healthcare services provided to refugees by Jordan Health Aid Association
- Designing and implementing art therapy and women’s empowerment projects at River Jordan Foundation’s Queen Rania Family and Child Center
- Writing proposals for funding vulnerable communities’ economic empowerment projects at Durrat Al Manal
Contextual Studies in Counseling and Humanitarian Action
Contextual Studies in Counseling and Humanitarian Action
Contextual Studies in Counseling and Humanitarian Action – syllabus
(MDES3000 / 3 credits)
Students gain practical professional experience in a work environment and enhance their skillset and knowledge in an international setting under both academic and professional guidance and supervision. Students submit a final report in which they process their learning experience on the job and design a socially responsible solution proposal for an issue they have observed and analyzed during their Internship. The report should also document a comprehensive schedule and the specific skills and knowledge acquired through the experience. The ultimate aim of the internship is to enable the student to gain valuable work experience within the work environment of an area of their interest. The program concludes with a final presentation in English that ties internship experience with critical global issue themes and core learning objectives.
Homestays
Amman
You’ll live with a homestay family in Amman for five weeks. If the internship is located outside of Amman, housing will be arranged during the formal internship period. Your homestay 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. You will learn about traditions, local perspectives on issues, and Arab culture while experiencing the country through your homestay family’s eyes.
Amman is an ancient city built around seven hills. The eastern part of the city is older and more traditional; here you will find historical sites dating back to ancient times. Heading west, the city becomes more modern, less conservative and instead of stone houses, you’ll find modern villas, cafes, and upscale hotels, which locals frequent for business meetings and to enjoy an afternoon coffee with friends.
Faculty & Staff
Jordan: Counseling & Humanitarian Action Internship
Bayan Abdulhaq, PhD
Academic Director
Razan Amirah
Program Assistant
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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