Amman???

The very first thing that people ask when they here what I am studying or where I am going abroad is WHY. Then, the following questions are: is it safe? What does your mother say about you wanting to do that?


So, I'll answer those here.
First, my mom is just thankful I don't want to be a war photographer in Afghanistan, or a journalist in Congo anymore, so wanting to study in Jordan isn't the biggest deal. Second, is it safe, YES.
Choosing where to study was a huge decision, and it took me a while to settle on my exact program in Amman, but a few of my deciding factors were:



1. Arabic - I have studied Arabic at my home university for the past two years, and it is something I want to take as far as I can. In a classroom setting, I'm too nervous to actually speak, so I'm hoping that being forced into it will help me improve. I truly love the language and want to gain as much skill in it as I can, so going to an Arabic speaking country was a must for me.

2. Immersion - I chose to live with a host family in Amman because I want as much cultural immersion as possible. I wanted to push myself with this experience, out of my comfort zone, to truly see a different way of life. I feel I would have been ripped off if I came somewhere so completely new, but just lived with other Americans. So while I know that this will be one of the most challenging aspects, it is something I am most excited for.

3. Cultural Fusion - Amman is a city with a huge infusion of traditional middle eastern culture and western influence. It is a city that is divided by modernity and history. It has an american style mall, Starbucks, and even a Chili's (what?) but it also has ancient ruins, and all the rich history of an old middle eastern city. I can't wait to be in Amman to see how this fusion functions.  

4. University of Jordan - My program places me on the campus of the University of Jordan, the first university built in the country. It has over 30,000 students, but all of my classes will be taught in English with other American students in my classes. I'll be taking two Arabic classes, and two international studies classes.

5. Travel Opportunities - Being in Jordan places me so close to a lot of other countries I would love to visit. During my stay I am hoping to visit Cairo, Israel and Palestine. My program also arranges a number of day trips to sights around Jordan to places like the Dead Sea, and Petra.