Description

The Diplomacy and Policy Studies program is designed to provide students with a focused look at diplomacy, policy studies, and international affairs in the Middle East while also allowing students to gain proficiency in Arabic. Through coursework taught by professors and professionals at the Jordan Institute of Diplomacy, a core course with an integrated practicum at local government ministries, agencies, and international organizations, and Arabic language training, students will gain firsthand experience with Middle Eastern policy development, government relations, and Middle Eastern diplomacy.

Academic Program
The CIEE Diplomacy and Policy Studies program combines focused coursework in regional politics, diplomacy, and government with training in Modern Standard Arabic and Colloquial Jordanian Arabic. All students are required to enroll in Modern Standard Arabic and Colloquial Jordanian Arabic at the appropriate level. They are also required to take the CIEE core course, Jordan: A Case Study in Diplomacy and Development. In addition, students choose two elective courses. As part of the required core course, students participate in a ten-week practicum at a local government agency, ministry, or international organization.

Academic Culture
The Jordan Institute of Diplomacy is a specialized academic institution and training facility for diplomats and government officials. Unlike a regular university campus, JID is designed as more of a research and training institute. As most of the students at JID are working government officials and diplomats in training, CIEE students are expected to act in a professional manner at all times while at the JID. CIEE courses are typically seminar style, allowing for dialogue and discussion between the professor and students. Many of the professors that teach CIEE courses have either received degrees in the United States or United Kingdom or have participated in fellowships abroad and are thus familiar with Western methods of teaching.

CIEE draws its language faculty from the University of Jordan to provide students a comprehensive curriculum focusing on four skill areas: reading, writing, speaking, and comprehension. Grammar is taught within these four skills. CIEE students have access to special Arabic tutoring sessions and weekly colloquial practice sessions. Students also have regular instruction in colloquial Jordanian Arabic in order to enhance their communication skills. The Modern Standard Arabic courses utilize the standard curriculum and text books used by most U.S. universities and colleges. Students with more than 5 semesters of Arabic may find some of the language course material repetitive and should review course syllabi with their advisors in advance.

Highlights

Cultural Activities
The academic program is supplemented with special guest lectures by government officials, diplomats, and local experts. In addition, CIEE coordinates a series of local field trips, cultural activities, and one overnight excursion to Petra and Wadi Rum. Resident Staff keep students up-to-date on local cultural events such as conferences, films, and concerts.

Independent Travel
Students are encouraged to travel independently in Jordan during weekends and scheduled breaks. Any travel outside of Jordan requires the completion of the CIEE Amman Independent Travel Form and review of potential security or safety concerns by the CIEE Resident Director. Students must also sign an independent travel waiver and are expected to consult their home institution and emergency contacts on all independent travel outside of Jordan.

Degree Level

Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Subject Areas

Cost in US$:

Please check the CIEE website for current program pricing.

Experience Required

yes

• Overall GPA 3.3
• 3 or more semesters of college-level Arabic or equivalent
• Minimum of 2 courses beyond the introductory level (200 level and above) in international relations, government, political science, and/or Middle Eastern Studies. The required personal statement must demonstrate knowledge of the region and goals consistent with the program's learning objectives.

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Apartment/Flat
• Group living

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

Independently

Scholarships are Available

Please see website for information on scholarships.

Application Process Involves

• Essay
• Letters of Reference
• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Transcript

CIEE's Mission Statement

Since 1947, the Council on International Educational Exchange, known as CIEE, has been in pursuit of its mission, "to help people gain understanding, acquire knowledge, and develop skills for living in a globally interdependent and culturally diverse world. Our services to young people studying, working, teaching, and traveling abroad are more important than ever.

Year Founded

1947