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
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Jordan
Engineering & Design for Sustainable Environments
(Deadline Passed)
Explore human-centered design and gain firsthand knowledge about technologies for sustainable water use, renewable energy, and organic farming.
At a Glance
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.
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.
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
- Understanding human-centered design in the Jordanian context
- Water supply technology and practice in arid climates
- Sustainable, organic farming
- Engineering project development
Design Innovation in the Social Domain
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
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
Academic Director
Majd Abu Salem, PhD
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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In Partnership With
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.