Credits
7
Prerequisites
None
Courses taught in
English
Dates
Jun 2 – Jul 21
Program Countries
Jordan
Program Base
Amman
Critical Global Issue of Study
Climate & Environment
Development & Inequality
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Jordan
Internship in Climate Change and Sustainability
(Filling; Apply by Apr 1, 2024)
Gain professional experience with organizations like the United Nations, government agencies, and NGOs that focus on climate change and sustainability.
At a Glance
Overview
Why intern in Jordan?
Through this internship program, you will learn about development and environmental challenges in Jordan and contribute to the design of projects that support local communities. In recent years, Jordan has made great strides in sustainability and environmental protection and has enacted important democratic and economic reforms. The country is also developing innovative approaches to sustainable practices in 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 efforts, as well as a growing population, including many refugees.
At the beginning of your program, you will receive an introduction to the broad 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 on issues such as local community development and empowerment, refugees, water scarcity and security, agriculture and food security, ecotourism, renewable energy, or another field related to your interests and career goals in the fields of climate change and sustainability. Your internship will be academically rigorous as you participate in weekly discussions, attend to 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 climate change, community development, the environment, and sustainability.
- Take a weekend excursion to Petra, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the Bedouin village of Wadi Rum.
- During a visit to the Jordan Rift Valley, float in the Dead Sea and visit Christian and Muslim historical sites.
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.
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, and pistachio 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 climate change and sustainability through a professional experience with a community-based organization, NGO, UN agency, or government agency.
- Outline challenges and issues related to the environment and sustainability in Jordan and the Middle East.
- Describe how local communities and refugees in Jordan are being affected by the challenges of climate change.
- Reflect on the ethics and intercultural skills needed to complete an internship in the context of Jordan.
- Demonstrate problem-solving and analytical skills related to the tasks and activities performed at the internship organization.
- 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 3004 / 4 Credits)
This seminar consists of a five-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. 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.
During the first week of the program, students will be informed of the types of internships available and the placement process. Internship placements may include organizations focused on community development, the environment, economic and political research and studies, social empowerment, and refugees.
Sample internships include:
- Helping local NGOs to design solutions to the major environmental and climate change challenges confronting Jordanian communities and refugees.
- Promoting best practices to achieve sustainability in local communities and refugees’ daily lives.
- Exploring the dual nature of refugees as potential resource burdens or catalysts for sustainability initiatives.
- Demonstrating understanding of community needs in the context of Jordan and describing proposed solutions to existing problems.
Climate Change and Sustainability
Climate Change and Sustainability
Climate Change and Sustainability – syllabus
(CLIM-3000 \ 3 credits)
The seminar’s goal is to motivate and enable students to take substantial steps toward a more sustainable world. It provides them with the tools they need to make a difference. Throughout the seminar, students will investigate the major environmental and climate change challenges confronting Jordanian communities. Water scarcity, sustainable energy production, food security, and the impact of migration on natural resources will be among the topics addressed. The seminar takes a multifaceted approach, incorporating lectures with site visits to rural areas where communities and refugees live, and engaging discussions that will prepare students for their future internships. Additionally, the seminar places emphasis on the role of international relations in facilitating coordination and collaboration among countries, particularly in addressing issues such as water scarcity and hydro-politics involving Jordan, Syria, the West Bank, and Israel.
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.
Faculty & Staff
Jordan: Internship in Climate Change and Sustainability
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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