Political Science & Politics Study Abroad Programs in Jordan

I studied at Middlebury School in Jordan in the spring semester of 2025. I had spent the previous summer in Jordan with another great program, but my time at Middlebury was not only the most fun regarding the people involved and my ability to interact with local Jordanians, but also because I came in non-conversational and I left nearly fluent. Not just in that I had a larger vocabulary, but that I was able to speak and think in Arabic directly, without having to translate from English first. The program staff are amazing, the class sizes are great and the content feels relevant. There is the ability to choose which electives you want to take (depending on your level), and even those at a lower level felt that they were using the Arabic that they knew in applicable contexts. Although the language pledge was difficult at first, after a week of commitment to the process, it became easy. In addition to the amazing academic environment, my homestay family was also a key component to my advancement in Arabic. I come from an Arab background and it really felt like I had another Arab jidda (grandma) helping me the whole way. The program also connected us with local students at the University of Jordan who took us around Amman and genuinely became our close friends. One other quick note was that the trips that we took were amazing. Like I mentioned, I had been in Jordan for a couple months before, and the places that we went to with Middlebury were not only some of the crucial must-see spots but also some more niche spots that I felt very privileged to be able to go to that I wouldn't have found/been motivated to go to on my own. I think that the program did a good job of giving us enough out-of-class work to improve our skills without it being so much that we didn't have enough time to explore the city/country. I do think that the program would be best suited for someone who has some prior experience with the language (in fact, I think you have to have studied for at least two years??? dont quote me on that). I had studied Arabic for almost three years at that point, but most others had studied it for two (academic) years before starting. Would 1000/10 recommend this program to anyone wanting to improve their Arabic.

Living in Jordan was one of the most immersive and meaningful academic experiences I have had. From the start, I felt fully supported by the program and quickly adjusted to daily life in Amman. Living with a host family was a highlight, as it gave me constant opportunities to practice Arabic and experience Jordanian culture in an authentic way. The balance between coursework, language learning, and cultural engagement made the experience both challenging and rewarding. Overall, my time in Jordan greatly strengthened my Arabic and gave me a deeper appreciation for the region and its people.

The Middlebury in Jordan staff is extremely caring, thoughtful, and their attention to detail is remarkable. I felt very looked out for, especially when we had to relocate due to conflict in the middle of the semester. In general, the program pushes you to learn the most you can and it truly helps you integrate into Jordanian culture. I will forever be grateful for the friends, mentors, and family I gained throughout my semester. I also gained invaluable knowledge on the region as a whole and linguistic skills -- knowledge that I never learned in my schooling in the U.S.

This past school year I took both semesters to study abroad in Jordan with Middlebury. While I had heard incredible things about both the program and Jordan itself, my expectations were far surpassed. This is the best work team I could imagine and supportive through everything from health issues, daily transitions, language challenges, regional conflict. I couldn’t be more grateful. I have never seen a team work so well together and create such an incredible program through attention to detail, love of students, and passion for language immersion. My arabic has exponentially improved and I was given endless opportunities to interact with daily local life creating lifelong friendships, connections, and job/volunteer experiences.

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.

My experience in Amman with this program was incredibly transformative and enriching. The program staff put so much love and effort into the program experience including excursions, site visits, and overall cultural emersion.

I participated in the Amman, Jordan IR program and it was the most amazing and transformative experience. The on-site staff’s coordination of the homestays, excursion trips, and our overall experience was incredibly professional and thoughtful. I felt very taken care of, safe, and comfortable during my time in Amman. I will never forget my time in Jordan and I will be back in the future!

Middlebury will take your language skills to the next level and vastly improve them. By only speaking Arabic through the Language Pledge, I began to understand the nuances that full immersion can help with, making unforgettable cultural connections with people. The professors were incredible and supportive during all steps of the journey, and challenging myself daily helped me reach new heights with Arabic. The staff were kind and planned many events for us to attend and participate in while also giving us the freedom to explore on our own. I loved my host family, who truly exemplified Jordanian hospitality and treated me like I was part of their circle from the beginning. It is hard to not fall in love with Jordan, and Middlebury is the perfect backdrop for the journey.

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.

Tremendous staff. Environment is like none other and they accommodate well. For Seville, the city has been tremendous and CIEE gives you a proper introduction to this magnificent city. Whether an intern or a student during one of the sessions, you can get along with everyone and overcome the anxieties of a new city

I would be very likely to recommend CIEE Study Abroad to a friend because this program gives you many opportunities to explore the city you are in as well as the surrounding areas. All of the employees are very kind people who will be their to uplift and support the students who are abroad.

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!

I have had a great experience, it is organized and comes at a good cost. The staff on-site is very supportive and helpful (as well as Brooke in Portland), but we had an emergency situation and the Portland higher-ups didn't handle it well, nor did anyone answer the emergency number provided to us.

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.