Develop and expand Arabic language competency in speaking, reading, and writing Modern Standard Arabic and colloquial Arabic in Jordan. Appropriate for all skill levels.
9
None
Arabic
Arabic, English
Jun 2 – Jul 21
Jordan
Amman
Identity & Human Resilience
Identity and Human Resilience
Arabic is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world, with more than 400 million native speakers and dozens of dialects. Learn Modern Standard Arabic and Jordanian colloquial Arabic during this intensive language immersion program. By living and learning in an Arabic-only environment with classroom instruction, field exercises, and homestays, you’ll rapidly learn to speak and understand Arabic and experience Arab and Jordanian culture. Enjoy a five-day excursion to see the diverse communities and historic areas of Wadi Rum, Ajloun, Jerash, and Petra.
Educational excursions outside of Amman reveal Jordan’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty while providing opportunities for you to practice your language skills.
Through oral proficiency testing you will be placed in beginning, intermediate, or advanced classes.
On a five-day excursion to north and south Jordan, you’ll receive customized Arabic lessons focusing on the communities you visit and participate in highly interactive conversations about the places you see. You’ll practice Arabic during the entire trip, including during travel. Highlights of this excursion include the following:
See the extraordinary ruins of ancient Jerash, one of the most impressive and best preserved Roman cities outside of Italy.
Ajloun is home of Ajloun Castle, a fortress built by Muslims in 1184-85 to protect the region from invading Crusaders.
The Dead Sea is one of the most spectacular natural landscapes in Jordan. In addition to being the lowest point on Earth, the Dead Sea is the world’s richest source of natural salts.
Aqaba is the only port city in Jordan dating back to 4000 BCE. Also known as Ayla, Aqaba was once ruled by the Mamluk Sultan from Egypt.
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.
Petra is a treasure of the ancient world, a UNESCO World Heritage site 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.
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.
Upon successful completion of the program, students will be able to:
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.
Beginning Modern Standard Arabic – syllabus
(ARAB1009 / 9 credits)
Intermediate Modern Standard Arabic – syllabus
(ARAB2009 / 9 credits)
Advanced Modern Standard Arabic and Media Arabic – syllabus
(ARAB3009 / 9 credits)
The courses are designed to equip students with a proficiency level in spoken Modern Standard Arabic to prepare them to engage in everyday communication by addressing the four basic skills of the language: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Based on in-country evaluation, including oral proficiency testing for non-beginners, students are placed in beginning, intermediate, or advanced classes. Courses are designed not only to help students acquire Modern Standard Arabic, but also to learn Jordanian Colloquial Arabic and attendant cultural aspects of Jordan. Cultural awareness is reinforced through field exercises and the homestay experience. In addition to daily scheduled classes, students participate in field-oriented educational visits to further enrich their language experiences. Courses are also designed to help students gain an understanding of Arabic diglossia and proper usage of Modern Standard Arabic versus colloquial. Students at the advanced level have a Media Arabic component built into the curriculum. This component focuses on the acquisition of specialized vocabulary used in print and electronic media in the Arab world. Students read, listen to, and analyze stories from the local Jordanian press and other Arab media outlets.
The homestay in Amman 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. For six weeks, 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 other traditional cultural activity, in addition to family outings.
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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