Credits
7
Prerequisites
None
Courses taught in
English
Dates
Jun 1 – Jul 19
Program Countries
Jordan
Program Base
Amman
Visa
Varies
Critical Global Issue of Study
Global Health & Well-being
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Jordan
Counseling & Humanitarian Action Internship
(Filling; Apply by Apr 1, 2027)
Choose to intern in Jordan and develop professional skills while gaining firsthand insight into Jordanian society and the broader Middle East. Internships are with NGOs or community organizations and focus on humanitarian, health, and wellbeing initiatives.
At a Glance
Overview
Why intern in Jordan?
Hospitality and community are central to Jordanian culture and society, reflected in the country’s long history of welcoming many populations from across the region and beyond. Through immersive internship placements with NGOs, community organizations, health and wellbeing initiatives, educational and social development programs, and humanitarian organizations, students gain firsthand insight into Jordanian society and the broader Middle East while developing practical professional and intercultural skills through supervised experiential learning.
Students engage with organizations working in areas such as community wellbeing, public health, psychosocial support, education, women and youth empowerment, refugee support, and broader social development initiatives. The program combines professional mentorship, guided reflection, cultural immersion, and hands-on internship experience in a supportive learning environment designed for undergraduate students from a wide range of academic backgrounds.
As part of the program experience, you will participate in immersive educational excursions across Jordan that combine cultural exploration, historical learning, and unforgettable shared experiences with your peers.
Highlights
- Gain valuable hands-on internship experience
- Develop professional, intercultural, and communication skills through structured mentorship, guided reflection, and immersive experiential learning
- Receive ongoing support and guidance through weekly meetings with the academic director and program staff
- Experience Jordan through fully-funded excursions to Petra, Wadi Rum, the Baptism Site, the Dead Sea, Jerash, Aqaba, and Ajloun
- Live with carefully selected host families and engage in daily cultural immersion within Jordanian society
- Participate in 14 hours of optional introductory Arabic language instruction integrated into the program experience
Prerequisites
None.
Excursions
Southern Jordan
You will travel to Petra, Jordan’s iconic archaeological city and one of the Seven Wonders of the World, where you will walk through the Siq and encounter the breathtaking Treasury carved into rose-red stone. In Wadi Rum, you will explore the vast desert landscape by jeep, surrounded by towering sandstone mountains, dramatic scenery, and the rich traditions of Bedouin culture. You will also visit Aqaba on the Red Sea, where you can enjoy the coastal atmosphere and relaxed seaside culture of southern Jordan.
The Baptism Site and the Dead Sea
You will visit the Baptism Site at Bethany Beyond the Jordan, a place of deep spiritual and historical significance recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. At the Dead Sea, you will experience one of the world’s most unique natural environments while floating effortlessly in its mineral-rich waters and enjoying Jordan’s remarkable landscape.
Northern Jordan
In Jerash, one of the world’s best-preserved Roman cities, you will walk through ancient streets, temples, and amphitheaters while exploring Jordan’s extraordinary historical heritage. In Ajloun, you will visit the historic Ajloun Castle and experience the region’s green mountain landscapes, natural beauty, and peaceful atmosphere in northern Jordan.
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
- Working with farmers, women, and refugees living in poverty
- Promoting health awareness
- Assisting humanitarian responses to Syrian refugees and Jordanian host communities
- Monitoring and evaluating healthcare services provided to refugees
- Writing proposals for funding vulnerable communities’ economic empowerment projects
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)
This seminar is focused on the study of humanitarian aid and counseling in Jordan. Over decades, Jordan has become home to millions of refugees and displaced populations from Palestine, Iraq, Syria, and other countries. The seminar provides first-hand exposure to the humanitarian response of various aid organizations, during the emergency, post-emergency, and resettlement phases, in collaboration with the host government. The seminar addresses the common principles, rights, and duties governing humanitarian action as set out in the humanitarian charter, as well as the priority humanitarian interventions and minimum standards across the various sectors of humanitarian work, with special emphasis on the health sector.
Housing
Amman
You will live with a carefully selected homestay family in Amman, giving you the opportunity to experience daily life in Jordan beyond the classroom and internship setting. Through shared meals, family gatherings, and everyday interactions, you will build meaningful connections while gaining deeper insight into Jordanian culture, traditions, and community life. Many students describe the homestay experience as one of the most memorable and transformative parts of the program.
Amman, Jordan’s vibrant capital city, blends ancient history with modern urban life. Built across seven hills, the city offers a dynamic mix of historic landmarks, traditional neighborhoods, contemporary cafés, and diverse local communities, creating an engaging and welcoming environment for study abroad students.
Faculty & Staff
Jordan: Counseling & Humanitarian Action Internship
Ashraf Alqudah, PhD
Academic Director
Discover the Possibilities
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Cost & Scholarships
SIT Study Abroad is committed to ensuring that international education is within reach for all students. We believe in the transformative power of immersive, intercultural experiences and are dedicated to supporting students in their educational journey.
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HEALTH, SAFETY &
ACCESSA critical step in preparing for your study abroad program is planning how you will maintain your health and wellbeing. Please review the following information carefully and contact [email protected] with any questions or concerns.
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Visa
RequirementsDepending on your passport of origin, you may need a visa for this program. Please contact your admissions officer for more information.