The top destinations for study abroad in the Middle East include Jordan, the UAE, Israel, and Oman. Certainly the list of location options extends beyond these four, however, there are many reputable organizations in these three nations that offer top rated study abroad programs in the Middle East and work with universities in-country to coordinate quality academic opportunities.

Jordan. Not only does the country boast wonders such as Petra, Wadi Rum, and the Dead Sea, but Jordan is always a popular choice for students looking to study the Arabic language and international relations in the Middle East. The majority of international students attend the University of Jordan, Al-Ahliyya University, or Princess Sumaya University for Technology, which offer courses in a variety of topics all in the capital city of Amman.

United Arab Emirates. This tiny country located in the southeast end of the Arabian Peninsula has an established reputation of prosperity and wealth. Such fortune can be seen on the ground by police driving Lamborghinis in Dubai or in the air by the world’s tallest skyscraper, the Burj Khalifa. The UAE has become a hotspot for industries such as technology and international business, making it an exceptional location for students looking to study the latter subjects, as well as finance and engineering. Some of the top universities in the UAE include the United Arab Emirates University, American University of Sharjah, and Zayed University.

Israel. Regarded as the nexus of world history and current events, Israel claims the holiest sites for Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. With such a reputation, it proves to be a popular destination for students interested in not only Hebrew and Arabic language studies, peace and conflict resolution, and international relations, but also technology, as Israel has become a hotspot for technology industries. Students interested in studying science and technology can choose from a myriad of institutions for study abroad in Israel, such as Technion-Israel Institute for Technology or Tel Aviv University.

Oman. Tucked away in the southeast portion of the Arabian Peninsula, Oman brags miles of spectacular beaches as well as mountains, making it a dream for scuba divers and hikers alike. Known throughout the region for its polite, kind population and clean streets, Oman has seen an unprecedented period of growth over the past forty years, resulting in tourism becoming a major source of wealth for the country. With a history dating back to the Stone Age and a booming economy, Oman is a hot-spot for students who want to study archeology, geology, the Arabic language, conservation, and international affairs. Study abroad programs in Oman are offered at some of the premier universities in the country, including Sultan Qaboos University in the country’s capital of Muscat.