Learning Abroad Center
students posed in Jordan

Study Abroad in Jordan

Africa & Middle East
LAC Program

Explore modern Amman while uncovering its ancient past. Focus your studies on intensive Arabic language or complete a for-credit internship while enrolling in Middle East studies coursework.

Program Details

Location
Location
Amman, Jordan
Term
Term
Academic Year
Fall Semester
Spring Semester
Summer Session
Housing
Housing
Apartment
Languages Taught In
Languages Taught In
Arabic
English

Program Eligibility

Student Type
Student Type
UofM Students
Student Year
Student Year
Sophomores
Juniors
Seniors
GPA
GPA
3.0
Language Prerequisite
Language Prerequisite
No Language Prerequisite

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Emma Studies in Jordan

About

The Study Abroad in Jordan program is based at The University of Jordan (UJ) in Amman, a large institution of over 35,000 students. The campus offers many resources, including access to the library, green spaces, and a running track. You’ll also receive a UJ student ID card, which will get you reduced fees at many of the city’s historical and archaeological sites.

Conveniently situated, the CET Center is located within the University of Jordan's Office of International Relations building. This is where you will take your classes, meet with staff, use the wifi, or just hang out with peers.

Program Model

Study Abroad Center

Housing & Meals

You’ll share an off-campus apartment with local roommates and other US students from the CET program. All University of Minnesota students wishing to earn Arabic course equivalency credit at the UofM (either for an Arabic major/minor or pass the CLA or Global Studies second language requirement) will be placed in housing that adhere to a full-time language pledge. The housing component is immersive, and tied to the curriculum and program as a whole. You’ll live in a family neighborhood with other college students, living like a local and using your language skills to help you navigate your new life. The presence of Jordanian families living in the building require respect of local norms both in and around the housing, much like a homestay. 

Apartments are new, fully furnished, air-conditioned, and only a ten minute walk from campus. However, it is important to remain flexible and set realistic expectations as the standards in Jordan are different than in the US.

Meals are not included, but cafes, restaurants, supermarkets, and the local market are within walking distance.

Sharing an apartment with a Jordanian roommate is frequently cited by students as one of the best parts of the program. Jordanian roommates are selected from local Jordanian universities. All roommates agree to abide by the full-time language pledge if you are enrolled in the Intensive Arabic Language track.

The program facilitates the roommate relationship. Jordanian roommates attend excursions, plan activities, and present a lecture series to their peers. Beyond this, the program steps out of the way to allow roommates to develop natural cross-cultural relationships that move beyond the host-guest paradigm.

Excursions

Each term, different activities that allow you to explore Amman, experience Jordanian culture, or just unwind with your friends.

This program offers a variety of activities that allow you to explore Amman, including cooking classes, museum visits, shopping at the Friday flea market, concerts, and soccer matches.

Excursions include visits to the Ajloun Castle, Umm Qais to view the Sea of Galilee, and a three-day retreat (for semester and year program only) to the Dead Sea, the Nabatean ruins at Petra, and the magnificent Wadi Rum valley.  

Learning Outcomes

  • Augment your cross-cultural understanding through interaction with Jordanian students and community members
  • Experience Jordan and international perspectives on the world through direct contact with Jordanian nationals and other US students
  • Gain 1 full year of Arabic language instruction in an 8-week summer or 15-week semester program (Intensive Arabic Language track only)
  • Enhance your intentionality through independent, though supported, living and learning opportunities

Students on the intensive language program sign a language pledge to speak only Arabic, providing the most immersive experience possible. Internship students sign a partial language pledge and also see language improvements throughout their time in Jordan.

Faculty & Staff

The Learning Abroad Center offers the Study Abroad in Jordan program in partnership with CET. CET and University of Jordan's Office of International Relations jointly provide a cultural and academic support upon arrival. CET (both in the US and on-site) offers academic advising and support services. The Learning Abroad Center staff and CET's US staff provide pre-departure and post-return support.

The on-site staff consists of:

An Academic Director who oversees the curriculum, manages the faculty, and monitors courses. Do you have particular learning needs? Do you need advice for keeping up with the class pace? The Academic Director will provide you with the support you need.

Programming staff who handle excursions, internships, and day-to-day logistics. They are also trained in emergency prevention and management. Have a question about your apartment? Need to see a doctor? Just want some advice on where to go? Programming staff are your best resource.

Arabic language instructors who are seasoned teachers, hand-picked by CET from either the host university or other institutions. Since the program’s curriculum is flexible and unique to CET, all instructors undergo extensive training with the Academic Director before classes begin. The faculty who teach your content-based language courses also typically hold a PhD in their field and have experience teaching foreign students.

Some of your classes also include academic partners. These are teachers-in-training who attend some classes and expose you to different accents and serve as partners for group work.

Program Structure

Program Level
All levels of Arabic are available.
Courseload

15–18 credits for fall or spring semester; 9 credits for summer session

Coursework

Course syllabi are available on the CET website.

Semester or Academic-Year Programs

  • Enroll in 2 core courses: a 6-credit Modern Standard Arabic course, plus a 3-credit Jordanian dialect course
  • Select an additional two to three 3-credit electives in Arabic or English, including an internship opportunity and directed research.
  • Electives available in a variety of disciplines.

Summer Program

  • For the Intensive Arabic option, enroll in a Modern Standard Arabic course at your level plus a Jordanian dialect course for a total of 9 credits per summer.
  • For the Internship option, enroll in a 3-credit internship course alongside your internship placement (8 hours/week), a Modern Standard Arabic course, a Jordanian dialect course, for a total of 9 credits.
  • For the Research option, enroll in a 4-credit Modern Standard Arabic course, a 2-credit Jordanian Dialect course, and a 3-credit research component, for a total of 9 credits.

Global Identity

Global Identity: Connecting Your International Experience with Your Future is an optional 1-credit online course that helps you process your international experience and apply what you've learned upon your return. Global Identity gives you the opportunity to work individually with a trained cultural mentor, helping you articulate your newly acquired skills and differentiating you from your peers.

To access more information about the course, visit the Global Identity Course Information page.

Program Dates

Submit the online application and complete the assigned application checklist according to the appropriate deadline:

Spring and Summer 2024 dates forthcoming, refer to Spring and Summer 2022 for an estimated timeline

Orientation Dates & Locations

Orientation will be conducted in 2 parts: an online orientation, which is mandatory for all students, and an in-person, program-specific session. You will receive more information about the online orientation via email. Failure to complete the online orientation will impact your ability to go abroad.

See below for tentative dates and times for your in-person session. You will be notified of the official date and time via email. Participants will receive applicable orientation materials via email approximately 1 week prior to the in-person session.

Term AbroadDate/TimeLocation
You will receive an email inviting you to an online pre-departure orientation for all participants on an affiliate program, hosted by the Learning Abroad Center. This orientation covers important information that you need to know as a University of Minnesota participating on an affiliate study abroad program.

May/Summer: late April-early May

Fall/Academic Year: mid-June

Spring/WB/Calendar Year: early December

Via Zoom

Spring 2025

Application Deadline: Nov 1, 2024

ScheduleDate
Start dateJanuary 19, 2025
End dateApril 30, 2025

Academic Year 2024–25

Application Deadline: May 1, 2024

ScheduleDate
Start dateSeptember 1, 2024
End dateApril 30, 2025

Fall 2024

Application Deadline: May 1, 2024

ScheduleDate
Start dateSeptember 1, 2024
End dateDecember 12, 2024

Summer 2024

Application Deadline: Mar 1, 2024

ScheduleDate
Start dateJune 2, 2024
End dateAugust 2, 2024

Fees

University of Minnesota participants pay the program fee instead of on-campus tuition and fees for the term they are abroad.

If you do not see a budget estimate for the term you intend to go abroad, the fee has not yet been finalized. We strive to post fees for this program at least 30 days prior to the application deadline. The Learning Abroad Center will delay the posting of some fees until enrollments, inflation, and exchange rates are determined. Note the average increase in fees will be 3–10%. Program fees are based on estimates and may change depending on international economic factors.

Fees or tuition from home institutions may be added to or differ from the University of Minnesota Learning Abroad Center fees listed on this page.

Billing & Payments

Visit Billing for information about the billing process for application fees, deposits, and program fees.

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Visit Financial Information for information on using financial aid and scholarships for study abroad.

Bridging Loan

Bridging Loan, a no-interest/no-fees loan that funds the upfront deposit and flights costs, is available for this program for eligible students.

Cancellation Policy

Before you apply to or confirm your participation on this program, review the Learning Abroad Center's Cancellation Policy to inform yourself of the timeline and financial obligations for canceling.

Summer 2024

Study Abroad in Jordan

Summer 2024

Program Fee

  • UofM students pay program fee instead of on-campus tuition & fees while abroad
  • Billed through UofM account
Non-refundable deposit $400
Tuition and educational costs $7,157
International health insurance $138
Housing and/or mealsStandard housing: shared apartment; no meals included $2,200
Transportation (if required and included in program fee) $0
Total Program Fee $9,895
Program discount for University of Minnesota and Big Ten students, if applicable $0
Total Program Fee with discount, if applicable $9,895

Estimated Additional Expenses

  • Financial aid-eligible but not included in program fee
Costs Typically Incurred Prior to Departure These costs may need to be paid before your financial aid is disbursed for your term abroad.
Transportation to and from program siteRound trip international airfare (originates from MSP or home) $1,450
Passport/photos $150
Visa/required documents $0
Travel clinic/immunizations* $0
Housing deposit $100
Total Estimated Cost Incurred Prior to Departure $1,700
Costs Typically Incurred After Arrival in Host Country
Texts/materials $0
Housing and/or meals not included in program feeMeals (not included in program fee) $850
Essential daily living expenses $550
Total Estimated Cost Incurred After Arrival in Host Country $1,400

Total Estimated Cost of Participation

  • UofM students—compare this to your estimated on campus cost of attendance
Total Estimated Cost of Participation $12,995
Spending money and personal travel Not included in financial aid calculation $1,000
Additional Notes & Information
* Immunizations Note: This estimate is based on approximate cost of travel-related vaccinations and medications required for entry or recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Your costs may be higher or lower depending on your travel clinic, the specific immunizations and medication prescribed, and your insurance coverage.

Spring 2024

Study Abroad in Jordan

Spring Semester 2024

Program Fee

  • UofM students pay program fee instead of on-campus tuition & fees while abroad
  • Billed through UofM account
Non-refundable deposit $400
Tuition and educational costs $15,658
International health insurance $222
Housing and/or mealsProgram Housing (shared apartment - no meals included) $4,000
Transportation (if required and included in program fee) $0
Total Program Fee $20,280
Program discount for University of Minnesota and Big Ten students, if applicable $0
Total Program Fee with discount, if applicable $20,280

Estimated Additional Expenses

  • Financial aid-eligible but not included in program fee
Costs Typically Incurred Prior to Departure These costs may need to be paid before your financial aid is disbursed for your term abroad.
Transportation to and from program siteRound trip international airfare (originates from MSP or home) $1,500
Passport/photos $150
Visa/required documents $0
Travel clinic/immunizations*Immunizations; Office visit cost $100
Housing deposit $0
Total Estimated Cost Incurred Prior to Departure $1,750
Costs Typically Incurred After Arrival in Host Country
Texts/materials $0
Housing and/or meals not included in program feeMeals (not included in program fee) $1,450
Essential daily living expenses $1,100
Total Estimated Cost Incurred After Arrival in Host Country $2,550

Total Estimated Cost of Participation

  • UofM students—compare this to your estimated on campus cost of attendance
Total Estimated Cost of Participation $24,580
Spending money and personal travel Not included in financial aid calculation $1,000
Additional Notes & Information
* Immunizations Note: This estimate is based on approximate cost of travel-related vaccinations and medications required for entry or recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Your costs may be higher or lower depending on your travel clinic, the specific immunizations and medication prescribed, and your insurance coverage.

Academic Year 2023–24

Study Abroad in Jordan

Academic Yr Fall 2023/Spring 2024

Program Fee

  • UofM students pay program fee instead of on-campus tuition & fees while abroad
  • Billed through UofM account
Non-refundable deposit $400
Tuition and educational costs $30,145
International health insurance $540
Housing and/or mealsProgram Housing (shared apartment - no meals included) $8,000
Transportation (if required and included in program fee) $0
Total Program Fee $39,085
Program discount for University of Minnesota and Big Ten students, if applicable $0
Total Program Fee with discount, if applicable $39,085

Estimated Additional Expenses

  • Financial aid-eligible but not included in program fee
Costs Typically Incurred Prior to Departure These costs may need to be paid before your financial aid is disbursed for your term abroad.
Transportation to and from program siteRound trip international airfare (originates from MSP or home) $2,000
Passport/photos $150
Visa/required documents $0
Travel clinic/immunizations*Immunizations; Office visit cost $100
Housing deposit $0
Total Estimated Cost Incurred Prior to Departure $2,250
Costs Typically Incurred After Arrival in Host Country
Texts/materials $0
Housing and/or meals not included in program feeMeals (not included in program fee); meals over break between semesters $3,400
Essential daily living expensesincludes essential daily living expenses between semesters $2,600
Total Estimated Cost Incurred After Arrival in Host Country $6,000

Total Estimated Cost of Participation

  • UofM students—compare this to your estimated on campus cost of attendance
Total Estimated Cost of Participation $47,335
Spending money and personal travel Not included in financial aid calculation $2,000
Additional Notes & Information
* Immunizations Note: This estimate is based on approximate cost of travel-related vaccinations and medications required for entry or recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Your costs may be higher or lower depending on your travel clinic, the specific immunizations and medication prescribed, and your insurance coverage.

Fall 2023

Study Abroad in Jordan

Fall Semester 2023

Program Fee

  • UofM students pay program fee instead of on-campus tuition & fees while abroad
  • Billed through UofM account
Non-refundable deposit $400
Tuition and educational costs $15,655
International health insurance $240
Housing and/or mealsProgram Housing (shared apartments - no meals included) $4,000
Transportation (if required and included in program fee) $0
Total Program Fee $20,295
Program discount for University of Minnesota and Big Ten students, if applicable $0
Total Program Fee with discount, if applicable $20,295

Estimated Additional Expenses

  • Financial aid-eligible but not included in program fee
Costs Typically Incurred Prior to Departure These costs may need to be paid before your financial aid is disbursed for your term abroad.
Transportation to and from program siteRound trip international airfare (originates from MSP or home) $1,500
Passport/photos $150
Visa/required documents $0
Travel clinic/immunizations*Immunizations; Office visit cost $100
Housing deposit $0
Total Estimated Cost Incurred Prior to Departure $1,750
Costs Typically Incurred After Arrival in Host Country
Texts/materials $0
Housing and/or meals not included in program feeMeals (not included in program fee) $1,450
Essential daily living expenses $1,100
Total Estimated Cost Incurred After Arrival in Host Country $2,550

Total Estimated Cost of Participation

  • UofM students—compare this to your estimated on campus cost of attendance
Total Estimated Cost of Participation $24,595
Spending money and personal travel Not included in financial aid calculation $1,000
Additional Notes & Information
* Immunizations Note: This estimate is based on approximate cost of travel-related vaccinations and medications required for entry or recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Your costs may be higher or lower depending on your travel clinic, the specific immunizations and medication prescribed, and your insurance coverage.

Apply

The COVID-19 vaccine series is strongly recommended, pursuant to CDC guidelines, but not required for participation in this program.

You will be charged a $50 application fee for each application you submit.

Apply Now

Complete

Upon submitting the LAC's online application, you will receive an automated email message indicating you have opened an application.

At this point, you will be assigned an application checklist to complete the remaining portion of your application. Your application is not considered complete until all items on your application checklist are received.

  • Begin an application on CET's online application portal
    • Submit the Study Abroad Office Recommendation Request form at least two weeks before the application deadline
    • For the Faculty Recommendation, submit your request to Professor Katrien VanPee ([email protected]). An individual meeting is required. Allow up to two weeks for her meet with you to complete the form.

This is a Learning Abroad Center (LAC) program offered in partnership with CET. You will complete application materials for both the Learning Abroad Center and CET. Detailed descriptions and instructions for submitting each checklist item are included on the application checklist assigned to you on the respective online application portals.

Next Steps

  1. When your LAC application is complete, you will receive notification that your application is "under review" by LAC staff. The LAC will complete and submit the CET Study Abroad Office Recommendation Form to notify them that we have nominated* you for the program and allows CET to begin reviewing your application. The LAC does not make program acceptance decisions. 

              *this means that you meet basic eligibility requirements for your program.

  1. CET will review your application and notify you of an acceptance decision by email. If accepted, you will be assigned a confirmation (post-acceptance) checklist of new tasks to complete by both the Learning Abroad Center and CET. Log in to both application portals to review the confirmation checklist and submit the required items to confirm your participation in the program.

You may not participate in this program until you have submitted all of your confirmation checklist items to the Learning Abroad Center.

If you decide not to continue with the application process, please be advised of our Cancellation Policy, and notify the Learning Abroad Center by submitting a Cancel Request in the application system, or by email.

After You Apply

Before your program begins, review these resources.

Health & Safety

Learn more about staying healthy and safe abroad, including mental health and wellness, international travel insurance, and safety precautions.

Power of Attorney

Consider designating someone as your power of attorney to act as your legal representative while you’re abroad.

Student Identity

Consult our resources on student identities as you prepare for your abroad experience.

Travel Resources

Ready to go abroad? Our travel resources will help you pack and learn what to expect.

Program Contact

For further information or questions about this program, send an email to

Thuy Doan or call at 612.626.8686

Contact Program Alum

Below is a list of additional students who participated in past program sessions. They are ready and willing to answer your questions about this program. Feel free to contact them during your decision-making process or anytime during your pre-departure preparation to get a student perspective.

  • Thea Wangsness (she/her)—Global Studies and Sociology majors, AMES (Arabic) minor, Spring 2023
  • Samira Ahmed (she/her)—Psychology major, AMES (Arabic) minor, Fall 2023
  • Bridget Thuli (she/her)—Global Studies and Political Science majors, AMES (Arabic), German & Spanish Studies minors, Summer 2022