Jordan: Arabic Language & The Middle East
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Language Training

Develop your Arabic language skills while exploring Jordan’s social, political, and environmental landscapes. Explore the country’s ancient landmarks, such as Petra and the Dead Sea.

Peace, Politics, & Human Rights

Language

Certificate

Rugged Travel

Outdoor Activity

Homestay

Campground

DEPARTURE

June 29, 2020

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Program Description

Due to the deepening concern about the coronavirus, The Experiment has transitioned all 2020 programs to The Experiment Digital.

The Experiment Digital is a fully funded (free) exchange program conducted entirely online and mobile-accessible four (4) hours per week from June 22 to August 16, 2020.

The Experiment Digital connects hundreds of young people across the United States with peers from Iraq, Algeria, Yemen, and other countries in the Middle East and North Africa to discuss such topics as digital citizenship, leadership and identity, community initiatives, and public narrative. Participants even have virtual families!

We anticipate offering this program summer 2021, and you may apply online for summer 2021 programs now.

Your Experiment starts in Amman, the capital of Jordan, a modern city with ancient roots. This fascinating city of contrasts—a unique blend of traditional and contemporary—is where you will begin your 40 hours of formal Arabic classes and experience Jordanian history, culture, and day-to-day life. Get a taste of Jordan’s culinary culture with tea nights and cooking classes. Then deepen your immersion by becoming part of a local family for four weeks during a homestay and take advantage of around-the-clock opportunities to practice Arabic beyond the classroom. Your language training may exceed 80 hours with practice through formal classes, host family and peer interactions, and more.

Expand your knowledge of present-day Jordan through discussions on politics, Islam, democracy, human rights, the role of refugees, and multiculturalism. You will also learn about the ongoing debates surrounding Jordan’s environmental and natural resource challenges.

Outside the capital, explore Jordan’s ancient history in Gerasa (Jerash) and Gadara (Um Qais), two cities of the Decapolis, a Greco-Roman federation of cities east of the Mediterranean. Float in the Dead Sea, the most spectacular natural landscape in Jordan; visit Petra, one of the new seven wonders of the world; and trek the rocky mountains of Wadi Rum on camelback.

At the conclusion of this program, students will earn a language certificate noting the number of hours of language training through formal classes and experiential learning completed.

PROGRAM AT A GLANCE

Program Availability:

Filling

Prerequisite:

None

Dates:

June 29, 2020 - July 30, 2020

Program Fee:

TBD

Group Airfare Cost:

TBD

Depart/Return City:

New York

Orientation:

Amman, 2-3 days

Homestay:

Amman*, 24 days

Other Accommodations:

Hotels and one night of camping at Wadi Rum

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Sample Itinerary

  •  
    Days 1-3

    Orientation in Amman

    • Learn about Jordan’s history and culture from experts
    • Get to know other members of your group during activities
    • Start learning and practicing Arabic
    • Get to know Amman through site visits, scavenger hunts and interacting with youth volunteers.

    During the orientation period, you and your group will stay in a centrally located hotel.

  •  
    Days 3-25

    Urban Stay in Amman and Cultural Activities (Thematic Focus)

    • Become immersed in the daily life of a family and community in Amman
    • Do activities with your host family
    • Attend 40 hours Arabic language classes
    • Learn about Jordanian history and culture from guest speakers
    • Learn about issue facing refugee and migrant communities in the Middle East
    • Attend Seminars on women’s issues, the media in Jordan.
    • Learn about Humanitarian assistance projects with in Jordan and meet with the Red Crescent NGO, an organization similar to the red cross
    • Attend cooking classes and sample traditional Jordanian cuisine
    • Visit ancient the Amman Citadel, Souk el Sulta, an open-air market.
    • Attend a prayer service at the famous Al Houssien Mosque on Hussaim mountain.
    • Take a dance class to learn traditional Jordanian dances
    • Visit the Jordanian river
    • Participate in a community service project
    • Explore the city of Amman

    During this period, you will stay in the home of a family.

  •  
    Days 26-28

    Southern Excursion

    • Visit Petra, one of the ancient wonders of the world, to view the ancient buildings carved out of mountain sides.
    • Hike to sacred sights of Mount Nebo and then hike down to swim in the Dead sea
    • Trek up the rocky mountains of Wadi Rum on campel back, explore the beautiful red sand dessert
    • Spend a night in a Bedouin campsite
    • Explore more ancient history in the cities of Gerasa and Gadara, two cities that were part of a Greco-Roman federation of cities.

    During this period, you and your group will stay in hotels and a camp.

  •  
    Day 29

    Wrap-up and Reflection in Amman

    • Reflect with your group on your experiences during the program
    • Go water hiking in Wadi Al Mujed

    During the reflection period, you will stay in with your Amman host family.

  •  
    Day 30

    Departure

    Please note: This itinerary is only a sample and is subject to change. Because of factors such as group size and availability of in-country offerings such as festivals, your experience — including sites visited and the number of days spent in each location — may differ somewhat from the one presented above

Itinerary is subject to change.