Program Details
Program Eligibility
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Emma Studies in Jordan
About
Study in the lively and diverse city of Amman, Jordan. Known for it's delectable food and rich history, Amman serves as the perfect location for you to practice your Arabic language skills or complete an internship. Classes are based at the CET study center, where you will take your classes, meet with staff, or just hang out with peers.
Program Model
Housing & Meals
You’ll share an off-campus apartment with several US students from the CET program. Jordanian student neighbors are housed in the same building and are there to help ease your transition to life in Jordan and be a language, cultural, and social resource. All University of Minnesota students wishing to earn Arabic course equivalency credit at the UofM (either for an Arabic major/minor, or to 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 10 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 Jordanian neighbors is frequently cited by students as one of the best parts of the program. Jordanian peer neighbors are selected from local Jordanian universities. All Jordanian neighbors selected by CET agree to abide by the full-time language pledge if you are enrolled in the Intensive Arabic Language track.
Excursions
There are many different activities offered each term that allow you to explore Amman, experience Jordanian culture, or just unwind with your friends. In Amman, you can attend cooking classes, visit museums, shop at the Friday flea market, go to concerts, or cheer along with your peers at soccer matches.
Excursions include visits to the Ajloun Castle, Umm Qais to view the Sea of Galilee, and a 3-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
On the intensive language program, you will sign a language pledge to speak only Arabic, providing the most immersive experience possible. On the internship program, you sign a partial language pledge and also see language improvements throughout your time in Jordan.
Faculty & Staff
The Learning Abroad Center offers the Study Abroad in Jordan program in partnership with CET. CET provides cultural and academic support upon arrival. CET (both in the US and on-site) offers academic advising and student 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? What level of Arabic language do you need to take in Jordan to make adequate progress back on our home campus, and does that fit with the level you were placed in? 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, are hired specifically by CET to work with US students, and some may have current or past connections at local universities. 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, expose you to different accents, and serve as partners for group work.
Program Structure
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 and a 3-credit Jordanian dialect course
- Select an additional 2–3 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, and 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:
Orientation Dates & Locations
The Learning Abroad Center provides pre-departure orientation in preparation for your time abroad. It is your responsibility to know the information shared at these orientations.
Orientation consists of several sessions, all of which are created to support your preparation to go abroad:
- Online Health & Safety Orientation: This asynchronous module can be accessed in your LAC checklist and is mandatory.
- LAC Program Orientation: Program-specific and important UofM registration information will be covered (academic registration, finances, arrival, housing etc.). Details will be sent to you via email.
The Learning Abroad Center also offers 2 optional orientations:
Term Abroad | Date/Time | Location |
---|---|---|
May/Summer | late April-early May | Via Zoom |
Fall/Academic Year | mid-June | Via Zoom |
Spring/Winter Break/Calendar Year | early December | Via Zoom |
Spring 2025
Application Deadline: Nov 1, 2024
Schedule | Date |
---|---|
Start date | January 19, 2025 |
End date | April 30, 2025 |
Academic Year 2024–25
Application Deadline: May 1, 2024
Schedule | Date |
---|---|
Start date | September 1, 2024 |
End date | April 30, 2025 |
Fall 2024
Application Deadline: May 1, 2024
Schedule | Date |
---|---|
Start date | September 1, 2024 |
End date | December 12, 2024 |
Summer 2024
Application Deadline: Mar 1, 2024
Schedule | Date |
---|---|
Start date | June 2, 2024 |
End date | August 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 confirmation deposit and/or flights cost, is available for this program for eligible students going abroad during an eligible term.
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.
Spring 2025
Study Abroad in JordanSpring Semester 2025 |
|
---|---|
Program Fee
|
|
Non-refundable deposit | $400 |
Tuition and educational costs | $15,858 |
International health insurance | $212 |
Housing and/or mealsStandard Program Housing (no meals provided) | $4,200 |
Transportation (if required and included in program fee) | $0 |
Total Program Fee | $20,670 |
Program discount for University of Minnesota and Big Ten students, if applicable | $0 |
Total Program Fee with discount, if applicable | $20,670 |
Estimated Additional Expenses
|
|
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* | $100 |
Housing deposit | $100 |
Total Estimated Cost Incurred Prior to Departure | $1,850 |
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
|
|
Total Estimated Cost of Participation | $25,070 |
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. |
Fall 2024
Study Abroad in JordanFall Semester 2024 |
|
---|---|
Program Fee
|
|
Non-refundable deposit | $400 |
Tuition and educational costs | $15,858 |
International health insurance | $212 |
Housing and/or mealsStandard Program Housing (no meals included) | $4,200 |
Transportation (if required and included in program fee) | $0 |
Total Program Fee | $20,670 |
Program discount for University of Minnesota and Big Ten students, if applicable | $0 |
Total Program Fee with discount, if applicable | $20,670 |
Estimated Additional Expenses
|
|
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* | $100 |
Housing deposit | $100 |
Total Estimated Cost Incurred Prior to Departure | $1,850 |
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
|
|
Total Estimated Cost of Participation | $25,070 |
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 2024–25
Study Abroad in JordanAcademic Yr Fall 2024/Spring 2025 |
|
---|---|
Program Fee
|
|
Non-refundable deposit | $400 |
Tuition and educational costs | $30,553 |
International health insurance | $497 |
Housing and/or mealsStandard Program Housing (no meals included) | $8,400 |
Transportation (if required and included in program fee) | $0 |
Total Program Fee | $39,850 |
Program discount for University of Minnesota and Big Ten students, if applicable | $0 |
Total Program Fee with discount, if applicable | $39,850 |
Estimated Additional Expenses
|
|
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 | $100 |
Total Estimated Cost Incurred Prior to Departure | $1,850 |
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
|
|
Total Estimated Cost of Participation | $47,700 |
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. |
Summer 2024
Study Abroad in JordanSummer 2024 |
|
---|---|
Program Fee
|
|
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
|
|
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
|
|
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. |
Apply
You will be charged a $50 application fee for each application you submit.
Complete
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.
Learning Abroad Center Application
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.
One of the required LAC application checklist items includes a brief meeting with Professor Katrien VanPee on the Arabic department. Schedule by contacting her at [email protected]. Allow up to 2 weeks for her meet with you.
CET's Application
Submit the Study Abroad Office Recommendation Request form at least 2 weeks before the application deadline.
For the Study Abroad Office Recommendation form, enter Thuy Doan's name and email address ([email protected]) to route the form to her to complete. A meeting with her is not required.
Next Steps
- 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.
- 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.
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
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.
- Samira Ahmed (she/her)—Psychology major, AMES (Arabic) minor, Fall 2023
- Thea Wangsness (she/her)—Global Studies and Sociology majors, AMES (Arabic) minor, Spring 2023
- Bridget Thuli (she/her)—Global Studies and Political Science majors, AMES (Arabic), German & Spanish Studies minors, Summer 2022