Study Abroad Programs in Middle East

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.

I participated in the Online Media in Palestine crash course with Miss Heyam, and it was a very informative and eye opening experience. One of the most important things I learned is that Palestinian media operates under very complex conditions, where journalists often face restrictions on movement and access to certain areas while trying to report the news. Miss Heyam was an excellent instructor who explained these challenges clearly and shared many real examples from her experience working in Palestinian media. Her insights helped me understand how journalists continue to document stories and events despite these difficulties. The course was interactive, and I appreciated the opportunity to ask questions and learn directly from someone working in the field. I highly recommend it :)

I joined the Online Crash Course on Human Rights, and it was a very insightful experience. The course included three online sessions led by Ziad, a Palestinian lawyer based in Hebron. What made the course especially valuable is that Ziad works on the ground and deals directly with human rights cases. During the sessions, he explained the legal situation and the reality of human rights violations that Palestinians face in the area. One topic that really stood out to me was when he explained the situation in Masafer Yatta, where many Palestinian communities are facing displacement and legal challenges. Ziad shared detailed explanations about the legal processes, the challenges people face in the courts, and the broader human rights implications. Hearing about these issues directly from a lawyer who is actively working with affected communities made the sessions very powerful and real. The course was interactive, and I had the opportunity to ask questions and discuss different topics related to international law and human rights. It helped me better understand the complex reality on the ground. I highly recommend this online course to anyone interested in human rights, international law, or learning more about the situation in Palestine from someone who is directly involved in the field.

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.

My experience was great when it came to choosing a medschool in Cyprus with Medlink students. Working with a team that was hands-on in ensuring I found a school that aligned with my dream of becoming a doctor was amazing. Communication was always fast and thorough, providing clarity and reassurance about my options for studying abroad. I absolutely loved my experience.

Studying abroad in Jordan was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. From the very beginning, the faculty and staff prepared us thoroughly through pre-departure orientations, cultural guidance, and constant support during the program. Their efforts made the transition smooth and gave us the confidence to fully embrace the experience. In Jordan, the faculty and staff became much more than teachers and program coordinators; they have become my mentors, friends, and family. Their warmth and dedication created a strong sense of community that made Amman feel like home. The country itself was extraordinary with rich history, stunning landscapes, and welcoming people. Beyond the academics, SIT offered us the chance to live and learn in a way that was immersive and deeply meaningful. What made the experience truly unforgettable was the combination of outstanding faculty, strong preparation, and the incredible kindness we encountered. I left Jordan not only with new knowledge but also with lifelong connections and a second family.

I'm really enjoying my time doing an internship at KAUST. The environment here is not only intellectually stimulating but also incredibly welcoming, with top-notch facilities and a diverse, international community. I’ve had the chance to learn from leading researchers, gain hands-on experience in the lab, and explore exciting new areas of science—all while being surrounded by the stunning Red Sea landscape. It’s been an inspiring and rewarding experience so far.

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 have spent 3 months in KAUST as part of the Visiting Student Research Program. I have had the opportunity to meet and get to know a lot of really interesting people from all over the world, many of them have became good friends of mine and I am still in touch with them. The campus community organizes several different activities, both indoor and outdoor, so that everyone can feel welcome and enjoy his stay at KAUST. The facilities are of the highest level and you will always work with extremely competent people. I will recommend you to try such an experience as it has been the best I have ever had in my life!

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.

I started my Master Thesis and, simultaneously, my VSRP in March 2020. I went to KAUST to grow my knowledge and experience in Nanotechnology and Carbon Nanotubes (more specifically). It was a hell of a ride, KAUST is insanely beautiful, the people are incredible and the infrastructures are the best I have seen in our area of study. I had a blast going there, and this is so true that I kept linked with KAUST for a year and a half instead of the 6 months I came there for. I recommend it for every student that wants to grow in any field of scientific research and/or wants a new experience full of life and great energy.

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.