CIEE Middle East Studies in Amman, Jordan

CIEE Study Abroad experience has been a very rewarding experience. I was able to get out what I was hoping to. From the immersion in historical, cultural, and modern experiences to engaging with coursework and language and warm hospitality, I've had a truly immersive and rewarding experience in Amman.

My study abroad experience has been over and beyond what I had expected. Beginning with the staff and how they made me feel at home with their kindness and support to the way the program is organized (regarding the class schedule, cultural excursions, etc), I am very satisfied and grateful for my experience and would wish other people to experience this as well.

I had a really great experience this semester. I'm really glad I decided to come to Jordan, and I especially think now that fewer and fewer people are coming because of the political situation and the war on Gaza, I would recommend the program even more because I think it's so important that people get to live here and learn about the region. Also the cultural activities and trips we're absolutely incredible.

I would be likely to recommend CIEE because the staff organized some great activities both on trips and as cultural activities, were highly responsive and friendly in general, and the professors are fantastic. I loved the activity where we had to go out in the street and speak with people in Arabic; it really helped me grow.

I absolutely loved my experience with CIEE Amman. Every single element of the program, from the cultural activities to the classes, were informative and engaging. Most of all, the caliber of teaching is outstanding and I have learned so much in all of my classes, especially my Arabic language classes. Additionally, I have been fortunate to be paired with an amazing host family who have treated me like one of their own and helped me throughout my time here.

This program gave me a lot of flexibilty for independent travel, the cultural activities were great, the staff were always helpful, and the courses were a great contribution to my undergrad education.

I think the program can feel a bit restrictive - if students aren't naturally independent the program wont encourage them to be. So I wouldn't recommend the program for students who are worried to try new things.

I know this program is more expensive than the other ones I looked at, but I think the price was worth it. Compared to my other friends who have study abroad with other programs in the Middle East I feel like CIEE actually cares. You guys have taken me all over Jordan and have done the best you possibly could. We have gone on so many adventures and you guys listened to the different things we wanted to do. Also, I love that you guys provided us with a bus and transportation to school. Also, it is really nice you guys provide us with internships. This is one reason why I choose this program is the opportunity to work with a local NGO and get that experience. I loved my teachers!! I felt they actually cared and I've learned so much! I felt this program actually had an interest in the students and not the money we spend on the program!

The program is very helpful in walking you through life in Amman, and the classes are very effective in furthering knowledge of the Arabic language. The Area studies are very interesting and informative, cover a broad range of topics, and the teachers are fantastic.

CIEE is a great program as long as it is the right fit. The program itself, staff, families, academics, etc. are wonderful. There are some small details that may matter more to some potential students than others.

The teachers are awesome, and the excursions are fun! However I would have been more likely to recommend it if the program actually took place at a university in Jordan.

I have thoroughly enjoyed my semester with CIEE. The staff was friendly and welcoming, and they always were willing to help out with anything and everything. The classes were fabulous, and the excursions and outings were perfect.

The CIEE program provided a very supportive and inclusive environment. Not only were they there to assist in all aspects of the study abroad experience - they went above and beyond to make each day special.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time with CIEE. The staff was always helpful and generous with their time. While the academics weren't particularly challenging, I did take interesting and informative classes. I chose to live in a host family instead of an apartment, and I absolutely loved the family I stayed with. The excursions and cultural activities were all well planned and some of the most memorable parts of my semester. I think the best part about CIEE is that they understand that during a study abroad semester, students want free time and the ability to travel in the region. The program strikes a really nice balance between being a rigorous program and giving students freedom.

I couldn't recommend CIEE in Amman, Jordan enough, especially to students pursuing degrees in Arabic and/or Political Science. I initially chose CIEE over other programs because of the variety of transferrable classes it offers, the freedom of mobility students have within and beyond Jordan's borders, and the program's emphasis on organizing cultural experiences to better immerse students in the local lifestyle. The program itself not only met my expectations in all of these areas, but the staff and faculty also went above and beyond in their support, administration, and provision of engaging activities offered to students, which was a pleasant surprise. The Arabic professors are the best I've ever had in my three years of studying Arabic, and the relationships I have fostered with both the local and CIEE communities are some I'll retain for life. CIEE Amman knows what they're doing--they aim to serve their students well in every capacity to ensure an unforgettable semester full of personal and language growth.

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"I would recommend because I like the class options CIEE offers. Unlike other programs, CIEE allows students to get real-world experience at an internship. I would be unlikely to recommend CIEE to a friend if they intend to learn Arabic intensively. CIEE loses some of its Arabic intensity by offering other activities. If someone wants to learn Arabic fluently, they should be in the CIEE AAL Program and not MES."

CIEE Amman is an extremely organized and well-run program. The staff on-site in Amman are friendly and are more than willing to work with students one-on-one. CIEE also works with students from the moment they're accepted into a program until they depart from their abroad experience to return home.

It's a well thought out, and holistic program that allows enough flexibility for students to navigate a new space/country in the way that they want to. However, it offers enough structure to ensure that we aren't overwhelmed as a foreigner in very different part of the world.

It's a well thought out, and holistic program that allows enough flexibility for students to navigate a new space/country in the way that they want to. However, it offers enough structure to ensure that we aren't overwhelmed as a foreigner in very different part of the world.

The community is really great, the teachers are awesome, and the excursions are fun! However I would have been more likely to recommend it if the program actually took place at a university in Jordan.