SIT Study Abroad Logo

Jordan

Engineering & Design for Sustainable Environments

Explore human-centered design and gain firsthand knowledge about technologies for sustainable water use, renewable energy, and organic farming.

At a Glance

Credits

7

Prerequisites

Relevant previous coursework

Courses taught in

English

Dates

Jun 5 – Jul 24

Program Countries

Jordan

Program Base

Amman

Critical Global Issue of Study

Climate & Environment

Development & Inequality

Development & Inequality Icon

Overview

Why study sustainability in Jordan?

Jordan is one of the driest countries on the planet, and declining rainfall is negatively affecting its economic development. In the capital, Amman, learn about technologies for sustainable water use and treated wastewater reuse, renewable energy, and organic farming. Explore human-centered design by developing a project that addresses the needs of a Jordanian community. You’ll visit the Jordan Valley, the Dead Sea, and water treatment plants to learn about the local and regional issues of arid countries and how scarcity plays a role in the larger dynamics of the Middle East.

During the program, you’ll be exposed to different perspectives on resource management during the homestay in Amman and field visits with Bedouin families in the desert.

Highlights

  • Learn about the issues of arid countries and their local and regional dynamics
  • Explore technologies for sustainable water use and treated wastewater reuse
  • Assess the needs of a local community or business to identify an engineering problem
  • Site visits to Jordan Valley, Dead Sea, water treatment plants and Bedouin communities

Prerequisites

Previous college-level coursework or background in engineering, environmental science, or studies in related fields.

program map

Excursions

Arid Lands

You’ll visit water treatment plants, sustainable agriculture sites, the Jordan Valley, and the Dead Sea, a landlocked salt lake between Jordan and the West Bank which is the lowest point on earth.

You may also visit Dana Nature Reserve, an area of stunning beauty and biodiversity in southern Jordan offering protection to hundreds of rare species of animals and plants native to Europe, Asia, and Africa; and the Royal Botanic Garden in west Amman.

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:

  • Outline the issues of arid countries and their local and regional dynamics.
  • Design simple technology for sustainable water use and engineer possible solutions to existing environmental problems.
  • Assess community needs in the context of Jordan.
  • Process background research for an engineering concept design and delineate ethical standards for implementation.
  • Identify an environmental problem related to the sustainable development of local communities.
  • Design a simple engineering solution that, even if limited in scope, may result in livelihood development.

Read more about Program Learning Outcomes.



Coursework

Access virtual library guide.

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.

Please expand the sections below to see detailed course information, including course codes, credits, overviews, and syllabi.


Key Topics

  • Understanding human-centered design in the Jordanian context
  • bullet list icon
  • Water supply technology and practice in arid climates
  • bullet list icon
  • Sustainable, organic farming
  • bullet list icon
  • Engineering project development

Design Innovation in the Social Domain

Design Innovation in the Social Domain – syllabus
(ENGR3003 / 3 credits)

An interdisciplinary introduction to human-centered design methods and ethics in the context of Jordan. Students interview community members; identify an existing problem in water and renewable energy, food design, or sustainable organic farming in arid environments; and engineer a concept that can be developed into a design project.

Design Project

Design Project – syllabus
(ENGR3030 / 4 credits)

In a field-study context, students interact with local engineers, community groups, businesses, and policy makers about emerging resilient practices and ideas for water shortage and supply, renewable energy, and food security. Under the direction of a local faculty advisor, student design teams develop engineering solutions to practical, open-ended design projects. Ethical, social, economic, and safety issues in engineering practice will be considered.

Homestays

Amman

You’ll live with a homestay family in Amman for six weeks. The 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. Instead of stone houses, you’ll find modern villas, cafes and upscale hotels where locals gather for business meetings and to enjoy an afternoon coffee with friends.

Faculty & Staff

Jordan: Engineering & Design for Sustainable Environments

Raed Al-Tabini, PhD bio link
Raed Al-Tabini, PhD
Academic Director
Majd Abu Salem, PhD bio link
Majd Abu Salem, PhD
Program Assistant

Discover the Possibilities

  • 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.

    See Full Breakdown
  • In Partnership With

    Logo - Univ of St Thomas, School of Engineering

    SIT Study Abroad and University of St. Thomas School of Engineering have collaborated on the development of this experiential capstone level program. The Design Project (ENGR 3030 / 4 credits / 60 class hours) will follow a senior design curriculum where students will be working with a local Jordanian community partner from problem definition to a conceptual design.

    Global Summers: Senior Design in Jordan

    Trip to Jordan Inspires Engineering Students

  • A shock to the system

    Why culture shock can be a good thing

    Learn More