Part I: The CIEE Program in Amman - UW Study Abroad

amman 

jordan 

language and culture/ fall 2011 

program handbook

CIEE Study Center at University of Jordan 

Amman, Jordan 

WELCOME TO YOUR ADVENTURE IN AMMAN ............................................................................. 3 

Part I: Before You Leave Home ......................................................................................................... 4 

A LOT TO LEARN ............................................................................................................................ 4 

Tap Other Resources .................................................................................................................... 4 

Brush Up On Your Arabic .............................................................................................................. 4 

Check Travel Advisories ................................................................................................................ 5 

Be Informed about Home, Too....................................................................................................... 5 

ESSENTIAL DOCUMENTS .............................................................................................................. 5 

Passports ...................................................................................................................................... 5 

Visas ............................................................................................................................................. 5 

Documents for non-U.S. Citizens ................................................................................................... 6 

Immunization Records ................................................................................................................... 6 

HEALTH ........................................................................................................................................... 6 

INSURANCE .................................................................................................................................... 7 

PERSONAL FINANCES ................................................................................................................... 8 

Cost of Living ................................................................................................................................. 8 

Financial Arrangements ................................................................................................................. 9 

PACKING AND BAGGAGE .............................................................................................................. 9 

PREPARING FOR CULTURAL ADAPTATION ............................................................................... 11 

Part II: The CIEE Program in Amman ............................................................................................. 11 

THE CIEE PROGRAM .................................................................................................................... 11 

Departure and Arrival .................................................................................................................. 11 

Discount on Airfare ...................................................................................................................... 12 

CIEE OFFICE ................................................................................................................................. 12 

CIEE Program Staff ..................................................................................................................... 12 

YOUR HOST: UNIVERSITY OF JORDAN ...................................................................................... 12 

Academic Program ...................................................................................................................... 13 

Advisors ...................................................................................................................................... 13 

Academic Culture ........................................................................................................................ 13 

Class Locations ........................................................................................................................... 13 

Class Structure & Hours .............................................................................................................. 13 

Cultural Activities and Field Trips ................................................................................................. 13 

Meeting Other Students ............................................................................................................... 13 

Continued Study .......................................................................................................................... 14 

Online Pre-Departure Orientation ................................................................................................ 14 

Orientation ................................................................................................................................... 14 

Housing ....................................................................................................................................... 14 

Apartment Housing ...................................................................................................................... 14 

Homestay Housing ...................................................................................................................... 15 

Having Guests .................................................................................................................................. 16 

Part III: Living in Amman, Jordan ................................................................................................... 17 

INTERACTING WITH JORDANIANS .............................................................................................. 17 

Special Note to Women ............................................................................................................... 17 

Special Note to Minorities ............................................................................................................ 17 

Physically Challenged Students ................................................................................................... 17 

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS ............................................................................................................... 18 

Security Guidelines ...................................................................................................................... 18 

COMMUNICATIONS AND MAIL ..................................................................................................... 20 

Telephone ................................................................................................................................... 20 

Fax .............................................................................................................................................. 20 

Computers, Laptops, and E-mail ................................................................................................. 20 

Post Office and Mailing Procedures ............................................................................................. 20 

1

REMBER STAFF CANNOT LIBERATE YOUR PACKAGES FROM CUSTOMS. IF YOU GET A 

PACKAGE YOU HAVE TO COLLECT IT ON YOUR OWN. ............................................................ 21 

MONEY AND BANKING ................................................................................................................. 21 

Money ......................................................................................................................................... 21 

Cash ............................................................................................................................................ 21 

Traveler's Checks ........................................................................................................................ 21 

Credit Cards ................................................................................................................................ 21 

Personal Checks ......................................................................................................................... 21 

ATM/Bank Cards ......................................................................................................................... 21 

Transferring Money ..................................................................................................................... 22 

GETTING AROUND ....................................................................................................................... 22 

Local Transportation .................................................................................................................... 22 

Independent Travel ...................................................................................................................... 22 

Modes of Travel for Long Distance .............................................................................................. 23 

Hotels and Hostels ...................................................................................................................... 23 

DISMISSAL FROM THE PROGRAM .............................................................................................. 23 

VOTING WHILE ABROAD .............................................................................................................. 23 

EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION ..................................................................................... 23 

Part IV: Policies and Procedures .................................................................................................... 23 

A NOTE FROM CIEE ..................................................................................................................... 23 

Credits and Grades ..................................................................................................................... 23 

CONCLUSION: THE CHALLENGE IS UP TO YOU ........................................................................ 25 

Part V: Additional Resources ......................................................................................................... 26 

SUGGESTED READING LIST ........................................................................................................ 26 

Must Read ................................................................................................................................... 26 

Arabic Reference Books .............................................................................................................. 26 

Books About Jordan .................................................................................................................... 26 

General ....................................................................................................................................... 26 

History ......................................................................................................................................... 26 

Islam............................................................................................................................................ 26 

Politics ......................................................................................................................................... 26 

Feminist Writing ........................................................................................................................... 26 

Books On Cultural Adaptation ..................................................................................................... 26 

USEFUL WEB SITES ..................................................................................................................... 27 

SUGGESTED PACKING CHECKLIST ........................................................................................... 28 

2

WELCOME TO YOUR 

ADVENTURE IN AMMAN 

―Ahlan wa Sahlan; You are mostly 

welcome in Jordan...‖. will probably be the 

first thing you hear upon arrival in Queen 

Alia International Airport. Far from an 

empty pleasantry, this simple phrase 

embodies the ancient traditions of 

unconditional hospitality on which this 

relatively young nation is built. During your 

sojourn here you will be able to connect to 

both the ancient past and the country’s 

modern reality. And no matter how many 

times you hear this phrase during the term, 

rest assured you are truly welcome here 

and will have a rich, rewarding, challenging 

and transformative stay! 

Located on the crossroads of ancient 

civilizations, the Hashemite Kingdom of 

Jordan has found itself in the cross-hairs of 

modern history since it emerged from the 

ruins of the Ottoman Empire at the end of 

World War I. Although it has never 

witnessed a period in its 60 year history 

when war or instability has not been 

brewing on its borders, Jordan has a well 

earned reputation as a bastion of stability 

and model of progress in a troubled region. 

Jordan is undergoing transition, and this is 

particularly evident in Amman. Ultramodern 

skyscrapers are pushing up from 

empty lots around which Bedouin 

shepherds still bring their goats to graze. 

With its population of 1.5 million and its 

rapid spatial growth, Amman is considered 

a typical Middle Eastern city in terms of 

resource distribution, services, and 

economic development. Social attitudes 

and cultural norms are changing as well, 

but traditional orientations prevail. 

Jordanian society is still patriarchal, familycentered, 

and home-based. Although there 

is ethnic diversity in Jordan, it occurs within 

the Muslim cultural context coupled with 

tribal traditions. During your program you 

will have the opportunity to become fully 

immersed in this ancient society and live 

with it as it continues to grapple with 

globalization, modernization, and social 

change. 

Your time in Jordan will be intense 

academically, inter-culturally, mentally, 

physically, and socially. Through your 

classes you will have an opportunity to 

make great strides in the acquisition of the 

Arabic Language and will expand your 

knowledge of Jordan and the region. 

Through extracurricular activities, trips, 

special events, and volunteer opportunities 

you will gain an insider’s perspective on a 

part of the world few Americans 

understand. The University of Jordan and 

the CIEE program here have much to offer. 

Living in Jordan requires patience, 

flexibility, understanding, and an open 

mind. If you commit yourself, you will gain 

an educational experience like no other. 

3

Part I: Before You Leave Home 

A LOT TO LEARN 

Preparing for study abroad entails a lot more than 

just packing a suitcase. In fact, the thought and 

effort you put into preparing yourself will largely 

determine the success of the program you are 

embarking upon. At CIEE, we will do everything we 

can to provide you with the information you require 

prior to departure. But there is only so much we can 

do, and it is important for you to recognize your own 

responsibilities, which include: 

Thoroughly discussing your study and travel plans 

with your financial aid office, study abroad office, 

and academic advisor. 

Making any necessary arrangements for the 

following academic year, including housing, 

registration, and graduate school application. If 

you are a senior, be sure to make necessary 

arrangements for graduation. 

Reading all of the materials that CIEE has sent 

to you, including this handbook. Many of the 

questions that students ask are answered in this 

handbook. 

Doing additional reading about the region/country 

you will be visiting and the customs of the host 

culture. While you could not possibly be prepared 

for every new experience that awaits you, reading 

about the host country will give you a base of 

knowledge that will serve you well in the early 

weeks of the program. (Refer to the Reading List 

at the back of this handbook for required and 

recommended reading.) 

Preparing yourself for the reality of cultural 

differences, which include reading up about crosscultural 

communication and strategies for living 

abroad. 

Arriving at the program site with an open mind, a 

sense of adventure, and a positive attitude toward 

what lies ahead. 

In addition to these required steps, there is a lot 

more we recommend you do to inform yourself 

before you go. 

Get a Good Guidebook 

Past participants recommend that you purchase a 

good guidebook and read a lot of it before you go. 

The Lonely Planet series is useful. Other 

guidebooks include the Let's Go, and Real/Rough 

Guide series. Insight guides provide good 

background and cultural information. Pay particular 

attention to sections on obtaining maps and other 

information from tourist offices, customs of the host 

country, currency exchange, telephoning home, 

safety, transportation, and general travel advice. 

Tip: Start reading on-line newspapers 

before you arrive 

4 

Keep Up To Date 

Events are moving so quickly that by the time you 

actually arrive in Amman, some of this information 

might be outdated. For that reason, one of the most 

important things that you can do to prepare yourself 

for your upcoming semester in Amman is to read up 

on current events and keep yourself up-to-date on 

all the changes. Read articles pertaining to Jordan 

and the Middle East on a regular basis up until your 

departure. As for preparing yourself for what to 

expect, the best advice is to expect the unexpected. 

Participants say... 

To enjoy your time here, be sure to do background reading before 

coming. Make sure you know something about Jordan so you will 

understand basic things. 

Tap Other Resources 

Other good ways to learn about your new home: 

E-mail the alumni contacts (listed in the ―Program 

Dates, Details, and Updates‖ document on your 

online CIEE checklist) for an insider’s view. 

Begin reading 'The Jordan Times" – Jordan's 

English language daily online at 

www.jordantimes.com. 

Check your college or university study abroad 

office for useful services and information. 

Seek out Jordanians through cultural 

organizations, international student organizations, 

and Jordanian or Middle Eastern studies 

departments or centers at your college or 

university. 

Surf the web. Many web sites, such as 

www.guidetojordan.com, offer travel information, 

slide shows, and tips from other travelers. Get 

excited for what you will see – check out Jordan’s 

Tourism Board http://www.visitjordan.com 

Check libraries for detailed information and keep 

yourself informed of current events through the 

news media. 

Brush Up On Your Arabic 

It is a good idea to sharpen your Arabic skills before 

departing, especially in the area of vocabulary. 

Listening to Arabic tapes, watching films, reading 

newspapers, and talking to native speakers or 

fellow students are excellent ways to do this. 

Frequently, students who have studied Arabic for 

several years are surprised to find that they have 

difficulty understanding the language as spoken by 

native speakers. This is quite normal. Colloquial 

Jordanian Arabic is different from MSA or classical 

Arabic, and native speakers talk quite rapidly. In 

addition, you will be exposed to an entirely new set 

of vocabulary based on daily life. Do not worry: 

understanding the language gets easier the longer 

you spend in Jordan.

Check Travel Advisories 

The U.S. government issues travel advisories and 

consular information sheets for most countries. To 

receive updated information or advisories for other 

countries you may be traveling to, call (202) 647- 

5225. You can also get this info at any of the 13 

regional passport agencies by writing and sending a 

self-addressed, stamped envelope to the Citizens 

Emergency Center, Bureau of Consular Affairs, 

Room 4811, N.S., U.S. Department of State, 

Washington, D.C., 20520, and on the web at 

http://travel.state.gov. 

Other travel advisories include: 

Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada: 

http://www.voyage.gc.ca/index-eng.asp 

Australian Consular Travel Advice: 

http://www.dfat.gov.au/geo/jordan/index.html 

Foreign Commonwealth Office of the United 

Kingdom: http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/ 

Be Informed about Home, Too 

It is important that you be well informed about your 

own country, region, and hometown. New friends 

and acquaintances in your host country will be just 

as curious about you as you are about them. Be 

prepared to discuss your home political system, 

culture, traditions, history, holidays, geography, and 

social structures. 

ESSENTIAL DOCUMENTS 

When preparing to travel and live abroad, it is 

essential that you obtain all the proper documents 

prior to your departure. CIEE cannot accept 

responsibility, financial or otherwise, for a student 

who travels without the proper documents. 

Passports 

Each participant is responsible for obtaining a 

passport prior to your departure for Jordan. You 

must have a signed passport valid for a minimum of 

6 months after the date you depart from Jordan. If 

you do not have a passport, apply for one 

immediately as the process can take several weeks 

or even months. If you already have a passport, be 

sure that it is valid for the required period. 

Trap: Passport pitfalls 

Under no circumstances should your passport be altered. 

Guard it carefully against loss or theft. Do not forget to 

sign your passport. Never pack your passport in luggage 

while traveling; it should be easily accessible at all times. 

You will need to show your passport at various times 

while in transit to, and after arrival in Jordan. 

U.S. citizens applying for their first passports must 

apply in person at a passport agency or at one of 

the several thousand federal or state courts or U.S. 

post offices authorized to accept passport 

applications. 

Applicants must present the following materials: 

1) A completed Passport Application Form (DS-11) 

2) Proof of U.S. citizenship (certified birth certificate, 

expired passport, certificate of naturalization, or 

consular report of birth) 

3) Personal identification bearing your photograph 

and signature, e.g., a valid driver's license 

4) Two recent passport-sized photographs 

5) A check or money order for the required passport 

fee 

Detailed information, including passport issuing 

office locations, is on the Internet at: 

travel.state.gov/passport_services.html 

Tip: Take a lost passport kit 

It happens. So save yourself a major headache. Take 

with you two U.S.-produced passport photos, a certified 

copy of your birth certificate (which you can shrink to 

wallet size), and the face page of your passport. Keep this 

"lost passport kit" separate from your actual passport. 

Also leave one copy of the passport face page with your 

parents or guardian and give another copy to CIEE staff 

at the host site. 

Visas 

A visa is an endorsement by a foreign government 

allowing you to enter and stay in that country for a 

specified period of time. A Jordanian visa is a stamp 

that is put in your passport. Please refer to the ―Visa 

Information‖ document on your online MY CIEE 

checklist for detailed information on applying for a 

visa. Students are advised to obtain a multiple-entry 

visa prior to going to Jordan, a particularly if you are 

planning on any regional travel. 

Jordan does not currently offer a 

student visa or any method of receiving 

advance approval for an extended stay 

in the Kingdom. Anyone entering Jordan 

is required to report to the nearest police 

station within 30 days of arrival and 

apply for an extension. Extensions are 

given for 60 days at a time and are 

nullified upon leaving the country. A new 

30 day grace period is granted each time 

you re-enter the Kingdom. Failure to 

extend your visa will result in a fine of $2 

per day payable at the point and time of 

departure. 

By law, each visa extension requires a 

government blood test, finger print, 

proof of student status and proof of 

residency, although actual procedures 

may vary on site. CIEE will provide all 

students with proof of student status 

and proof of residency, and facilitate the 

blood test during the first 30 days of the 

program. In addition, CIEE will schedule 

5

visits to different police stations and 

send Resident Staff to help you 

negotiate the process. Alternatively, 

students can elect to extend their visas 

independently at the police station 

closest to their place of residence. If you 

do not plan to leave Jordan during the 

entire semester, CIEE will also provide 

documentation and guidance on 

obtaining a second, 60 day extension to 

cover the full length of the program. 

Students planning to travel 

independently during the semester must 

be aware that visa extensions are 

cancelled when exiting the country and 

must be extended again within 30 days 

of return. If CIEE extends your visa and 

you travel before its expiration, you will 

be responsible for obtaining your own 

extension. CIEE will provide you with 

copies of the documents needed to 

complete this process, but will not cover 

the cost of a second blood test. 

Students failing to extend their visas will 

need to pay a fine of $2 per day upon 

departure. To date, overstaying has no 

adverse effect on an individual’s ability 

to return to Jordan on a tourist visa 

provided all fines are paid upon 

departure. 

Please be patient as the residency process can 

be time consuming, opaque, and change 

frequently with little notice. Regulations can 

change suddenly with little to no forewarning. 

Documents for non-U.S. Citizens 

If you are not a U.S. citizen, please check with your 

consulate for regulations regarding your stay in 

Jordan and reentry into the United States. Failure to 

do this may result in your being refused permission 

to enter the country or not even being allowed to 

board the aircraft at the point of departure. Also, you 

should call the nearest district office of the INS, the 

U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service, for 

information on the documents necessary for you to 

leave and re-enter the United States. 

Before departure from the United States, non-U.S. 

citizens must also obtain a Certificate of 

Compliance-often referred to as a Tax Clearance or 

a Sailing Permit - from the local IRS (Internal 

Revenue Service) office. This will certify that you do 

not owe taxes to the U.S. government. Contact your 

local IRS office for information on documents 

required to procure this permit. 

What documents do I need as a permanent 

resident? 

Permanent residents need to apply for a Re-entry 

Permit, which serves as a passport while overseas. 

6 

Being out of the United States for more than one 

year may jeopardize your permanent resident 

status. Check with the nearest INS office for 

information regarding documentation and 

procedures for return to the United States. 

What documents do I need as a stateless 

person? 

If you do not have a country of citizenship, please 

contact the nearest INS office and the appropriate 

consulate or embassy to determine the procedures 

you must follow to obtain the proper travel 

documents and visas. In addition, be sure to check 

with the consulate of any country where you may be 

spending a night or more in transit to the country of 

your study program. Failure to do this may result in 

refusal of permission to enter that country or even to 

board the aircraft at the point of departure. 

Immunization Records 

You are not required to get any vaccinations for 

travel in Jordan unless you are a citizen of, or 

arriving from, one of a number of less-developed 

countries or sites of disease outbreak. If you enter 

countries where immunizations are required, you 

must present a record of vaccinations. The most 

widely recognized document for this purpose is the 

yellow World Health Organization booklet, 

International Certificates of Vaccination, which is 

available from most doctors and health centers. 

Here are some suggested, but not required, 

immunizations: 

Hepatitis A 

Hepatitis B 

Typhoid 

Meningitis A & C 

Rabies 

HEALTH 

What health-related steps should I take before I 

leave? 

You are required to complete a medical report in 

order to participate in the program. Please be sure it 

indicates any allergies you have, in particular to 

medications. This information is confidential and 

has no bearing on your participation in the program. 

If you have a chronic illness that needs medical 

attention, have your doctor write a clinical report 

that can be given to a specialist in Amman if 

necessary. In addition, we strongly urge you to have 

a complete physical and dental checkup before 

departing. Any required dental work should be done 

at home. Women should also have a checkup by a 

gynecologist. 

What medical supplies should I take with me? 

If you take prescription drugs, take a sufficient 

supply with you for your time abroad as it is 

currently impossible to mail medicine to Jordan.

(Be sure to take these in their original packages and 

with the original prescription.) Stimulant medicines 

for ADHD are strictly regulated in Jordan and are 

very difficult to purchase in country. Students who 

wear glasses or contact lenses should be sure to 

take an extra pair as well as a copy of their 

prescription. If you use birth control, please take an 

adequate supply with you, since your particular 

brand may not be available in Jordan. 

TRAP: DO NOT MAIL PRESCRIPTION DRUGS. 

Although you may enjoy excellent health, you will 

likely find yourself susceptible to colds, diarrhea, 

and other types of travelers’ maladies once you 

arrive in Amman. It may be advisable to discuss the 

situation with your doctor, pointing out differences in 

diet, and the hectic pace of the program. Your 

doctor is the best person to advise you on how you 

may react to common travelers’ aliments and what 

general precautions you should take. Be sure to 

also discuss and make arrangements for any 

medicines needed for recent or chronic ailment that 

might crop up again in Amman. This could be 

anything from insomnia to athlete's foot. Women 

prone to bladder and yeast infections should 

definitely bring along medication to treat these 

infections. If you need specific medicines, ask your 

health care provider to give you a clearly written 

prescription with the chemical name of the medicine 

in Latin script, if possible, in addition to the most 

common brand names. Many drugs can be bought 

without prescription in Amman but you need to 

know the name of the drug you want. 

One common practice we strongly discourage is 

bringing antibiotics, such as cipro, to self-treat 

travelers’ diarrhea. Often students with the medicine 

will use it to treat symptoms they presume are the 

result of a bacterial infection when they may have a 

stomach virus or actually be dehydrated. Moreover, 

the strength and dosage may not be appropriate to 

your malady. Therefore, we always recommend you 

see a doctor for any illness that lasts more than 24 

hours. It is recommended you see a doctor locally in 

order to have tests and receive a proper diagnosis 

and prescription as even familiar symptoms may 

have a different cause outside of the US. 

It is a good idea to pack Band-Aids, antiseptic 

cream, and an ample supply of vitamins and 

minerals, including calcium and iron (especially for 

women). Many students bring medication for the 

following conditions: diarrhea, constipation, upset 

stomach, colds, sore throats, coughs, and other 

conditions that normally arise during inclement 

weather. Common over the counter remedies are 

widely available in Jordan. However, they are not 

the same name brands you are used to in the US 

(for example, paracetamol as opposed to Tylenol). 

Participants with allergies or asthma should take 

note that the air quality in Amman suffers from 

smog, dust, and heavy construction. You may 

7 

experience allergies in Amman even if you have 

never had them before. 

Students say: We receive prompt, warm, and 

personalized medical care from Jordanian doctors. 

What other precautions should I take? 

Fill out your medical questionnaire fully and once on 

site, inform the Resident Staff of any existing health 

problems, including mental health, or any potential 

problems you anticipate arising throughout the 

course of the program. This includes allergies to 

any medications. Such information will be crucial 

should a medical emergency arise. 

Smoking: Note that smoking is much more 

common in Jordan and the Middle East in general 

than in the United States. The anti-smoking 

regulations that are common in the United States 

are not common in the Middle East and are not 

enforced in Jordan. Therefore, if you are allergic to 

or easily bothered by smoke, be aware that it will be 

more difficult to avoid in Jordan than it is in the 

United States. 

CDC Recommendations: Consult the Centers for 

Disease Control (CDC) for recommendations for 

American citizens preparing to go to Jordan. If you 

plan to travel after the program to other countries, 

you may want to consult the CDC’s information 

specific to these countries. The CDC web site is 

www.cdc.gov. 

INSURANCE 

If you are covered by a personal or family insurance 

plan, CIEE recommends that you continue this 

coverage while abroad. Prior to departure, you 

should contact your current insurance carrier 

concerning coverage for accidents, illnesses, and 

liability cases that occur outside the United States. 

Check your policy's limitations before making any 

assumptions about coverage. Most U.S.-based 

insurance companies will not cover property lost or 

stolen overseas. 

CIEE Accident and Sickness Insurance 

Each participant is covered by an Accident and 

Sickness Insurance policy designed to help cover 

the cost of accidents and/or routine sickness while 

abroad. Additionally, the policy offers Emergency 

Evacuation and Emergency Medical Transportation 

coverage, together with a 24-hour Travel and 

Medical Assistance Service. The policy also offers 

travel document replacement and limited travel 

delay and lost/stolen baggage coverage. Coverage 

begins two weeks before the program start date and 

continues for 364 days. 

A complete description of the Accident and 

Sickness Insurance policy is on your online MY 

CIEE checklist. It is important that you read the 

policy carefully and note exactly what coverage it

provides as well as what items are excluded from 

coverage. 

The Accident and Sickness Insurance is designed 

as an additional or top-up policy only, and does not 

cover liability. It also does not include routine 

physical, dental examinations, preventive medicine, 

or psychological treatments. Students are not 

covered for injuries resulting from acts of war or 

other political unrest such as riots and 

demonstrations. 

Please note that CIEE does not cover medical 

expenses on-site. Students pay for any medical 

costs incurred and then file a claim directly with the 

insurance company for reimbursement. CIEE does 

not act as an intermediary between participants and 

the insurance company. 

Primary Insurance Plan Brokers 

If you do not have a primary insurance plan, you 

may wish to enroll in one. The following brokers 

offer individual insurance plans: 

HTH Worldwide 

www.hthworldwide.com 

Tel: 877-424-4325 

Wallach & Company, Inc. 

www.Wallach.com 

Tel: 800-237-6615 

Paying medical bills up front 

Even though you have health insurance in the US 

and through CIEE, you will still need to pay for 

all medical treatment you receive in Jordan at 

the time of service. CIEE Resident Staff will 

assist you in identifying hospitals, clinics, and 

medical practitioners who accept credit cards and 

can provide you with receipts and reports in 

English. However, you must then submit receipts 

to the insurance company for reimbursement. 

With this in mind, be sure to budget at least $200 

to pay for medical expenses and unexpected 

illnesses up front. Hospitalization can be quite 

expensive, so it is crucial to have a credit card. 

TRAP: NOT HAVING ENOUGH FUNDS TO PAY 

FOR MEDICAL CARE UP FRONT 

PERSONAL FINANCES 

Cost of Living 

It is important to bear in mind that Jordan is a very 

expensive country. Imported goods are particularly 

costly given the high customs duties imposed by the 

government. The exchange rate in Jordan is fixed 

by the government for the US Dollar at 

approximately JD 0.71 for every dollar. However, for 

other currencies you can check the New York Times 

and similar publications that publish exchange rates 

daily. You may also reference www.x-rates.com or 

8 

www.oanda.com for up-to-the-minute exchange 

rates. You should keep abreast of how a rate 

fluctuates leading up to departure. 

VAT: A Value Added Tax or VAT of 16% is levied 

on all goods and services in Jordan. Most of the 

time, the tax is figured into the price, but not always. 

Nice restaurants, clubs, and hotels will add the 16% 

VAT (in addition to a 10% service charge) onto their 

bills, so make sure to take that into consideration 

before you order. 

Customs and Duties: Jordan has a very high tariff 

rate on imports and - as a country with few natural 

resources - nearly everything is imported. The more 

discretionary the item is considered, the higher the 

duty. Electronics have duty rates as high as 150%, 

which makes basic electronics extremely costly. As 

tourists entering the country, you are allowed to 

bring in your personal belongings, including 

cameras, computers and personal electronics. 

However, the same does not apply if these 

goods are mailed to you. Think about what you 

will need and plan appropriately. 

Tipping: The same norms for tipping that prevail in 

the US and Europe are applicable in Jordan. 

Despite the service charge, most people who work 

in the hospitality industry – from bell-hops to 

hairdressers - expect to be tipped. 10% is a good 

rule of thumb. 

What costs are included in my CIEE fee? 

CIEE Study Center fees include tuition, housing, 

optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time 

leadership and support, comprehensive orientation 

program, local transportation stipend, cultural 

activities, a field trip, host institution identity card, 

admission fees to host University events, immersion 

activities including language partners, a 

comprehensive student handbook, pre-departure 

advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card, which 

includes insurance and other benefits. 

What expenses should I budget for? 

You will need money for some meals, 

entertainment, toiletries, cosmetics, gifts, extra local 

transportation, books and school supplies, and 

independent travel. Students should also budget for 

round-trip transportation to and from the program 

site. 

Note: Students electing to live in an apartment will 

need to budget around $50 a week for food 

(excluding alcohol). Students in homestays will 

normally have 1-2 meals per day with the family. 

We recommend all students budget on 3-5$ per day 

for lunch. 

When creating a budget, it may be helpful to 

consider how much you normally spend in a 

semester and inflate it a bit. Although the cost of 

living for a student in Amman is comparable to that

of a student in the United States, the added cost of 

independent travel along with the impulse to splurge 

makes careful budgeting imperative. You can save 

money by buying locally made brands over foreign 

imports, eating at the University of Jordan cafeteria 

and using buses instead of taxis. We suggest you 

take extra money, if possible, for unforeseeable 

expenses. 

Please note that all students will receive a modest 

transportation stipend for the daily trip to the 

University. 

Wait until the end of the program before buying 

gifts. You will have a better idea of what is available 

and for how much, and most importantly, you will 

know how much you have left to spend. 

Financial note on travel and alcohol: Many 

students wish to travel on the weekends and CIEE 

encourages students to do so within safety and 

program requirements. However, excursions are 

costly and many students underestimate both how 

much they want to travel and how much it will cost. 

Check out prices on internet travel sites to get a 

sense of what it will really cost. It is also useful to 

factor in the cost of contingencies – what if you 

have to fly instead of going by bus? Be prepared. 

Another unfortunate drain on student financial 

resources is alcohol. Alcohol is legal in Jordan and 

widely available. However, because Jordan is a 

predominately Muslem country and alcohol use is 

generally frowned upon, it is a good target for high 

taxes. With taxes on alcohol above 200%, a very 

basic bottle of wine will cost at least $15 and a can 

of beer more than $3. A night out on the town could 

be three to four times more expensive than in the 

United States. Later in this handbook and during 

orientation, you will have more to consider 

regarding alcohol use in terms of safety and cultural 

sensitivity. Our advice is to really think hard and 

carefully about your habits relating to alcohol – on 

both a financial and an intercultural level. 

Please see the CIEE website for a detailed 

estimated cost breakdown: 

http://www.ciee.org/study/programOverview.aspx?pI 

D=1788#6costs. 


Buy Jordanian goods instead of Western; they're cheaper 

and just as good. Be prepared to spend money on water! 

Don't spend all your money on souvenirs right away, 

because by the end you will have a better idea of what to 

buy. Bring enough money or have money accessible in a 

checking account at home. It's your one shot at getting 

cool Jordanian stuff. And factor in presents! 

Financial Arrangements 

You will need to make arrangements regarding 

traveler's checks, personal checks, credit cards, 

and ATM cards before leaving home. See the 

section Money and Banking in Part III for more 

details. 

9 

Trap "Hey Mom, send money" 

It is important that you make arrangements to receive 

enough money to cover your personal expenses for the 

time you are in Amman prior to your departure from the 

United States. There is Western Union, but it’s expensive! 

PACKING AND BAGGAGE 

Try to organize and pack a day or two prior to 

departure so that you can judge if you will be able to 

carry your bags (you must be able to do this). Some 

students have even practiced by carrying their bags 

around the block! Also, by packing early you will 

have time to rest before the long trip. 

Consider using a backpack or duffel bag, especially 

if you are planning to travel on your own upon 

completion of the program; suitcases can be quite 

heavy even when empty. A knapsack or flight bag is 

great for carry-on luggage and for field trips. On 

your flight to Amman, keep your essential 

medication, toiletries, and documents in this 

carry-on bag in the event luggage is lost or delayed 

in transit. Also, pack items that you will need for the 

overnight stay in Amman in your carry-on luggage. 

What are the baggage limits? 

Limits vary. Read the weight limitation and baggage 

allowance information provided by your international 

airline carrier. Generally flights overseas permit two 

pieces of checked baggage and one carry-on piece. 

Each checked bag must weigh less than 50 pounds. 

Total dimensions (length + width + height) of the 

first piece must be less than 62 inches, and the 

second piece less than 52 inches. Total dimensions 

of the carry-on must not exceed 45 inches and must 

be able to fit below the seat in front of you or in the 

overhead compartment. If your baggage exceeds 

any of these standards you may be charged for 

excess baggage. Check with your airline regarding 

any items that are oversized. 

Please note that there are quite often new 

restrictions regarding carry-on baggage. Please 

check with your airline in advance. 

Climate and clothing: Amman winters are short 

but windy and can become very cold. Temperatures 

can reach freezing but never before December. 

Students should bring warm clothing, long 

underwear, a hat, and gloves. The weather remains 

cold until the end of March. Even in April it can be 

slightly cool. Summers, however, can be very hot. 

Culture and Dress: You will have to adapt your 

style of dress to local norms. Men and women dress 

neatly and modestly when coming to class. This is 

an adjustment, but you will be more comfortable 

and be viewed as a respectful guest. 

A packing pointer from a recent male student: 

don’t fill your suitcase with shorts; they are not 

worn by guys in Jordan except for sports/touring. 

(Women: same goes for you!)

Good guidelines for women’s clothing: Anything 

that reveals skin beyond face, neck, ankles and 

elbows will draw unwanted attention. That includes 

capped sleeves, anything off the shoulder, low v- 

necks, and anything see-through or transparent. 

You will see local women wearing all these things, 

and they also get unwanted attention. A long, loose 

jacket or shawl is a great idea for walking around 

and taking taxis. 

Everyone: be prepared for variations in weather 

from hot and dry towards the summer to cold, wet, 

and possible light snow in the winter. Layers (cotton 

T or V-neck underneath, a cotton sweater, a 

windproof/waterproof outer layer, and a warm scarf 

or shawl) that you can peel off or add on are the 

best clothing strategy. Bring tough, waterproof 

walking shoes— Amman sidewalks eat shoes. 

Dry cleaning is convenient, reliable, and reasonably 

priced for some items. However, it would be more 

economical to choose hand-washable, permanent 

press, and drip-dry materials. Laundry detergent is 

readily available for reasonable prices; however, 

you should pack a small stain remover stick. 

Students will normally have their laundry done with 

the family. You may want to hand wash clothes that 

are delicate. Detergents here are also much harsher 

than at home – expect things to fade with regular 

washing. 

U.S. students have often said they have taken too 

much clothing. Do not forget that nothing ruins 

traveling abroad more than having too much 

luggage, especially when you have to carry it 

yourself. You should keep in mind that if you do not 

have a carry-on, you should bring a duffel bag for 

overnight field trips. 


Don't bring too much stuff-you can get anything here now. 

Jordanians dress very stylishly; forget the stereotype. 

Bring a few nice things; some of my teachers wanted to 

know why Americans dress so badly, always in T-shirts 

and jeans. 

Pack Light - Feel Light! 

What to pack? 

A full packing list is available at the end of this 

handbook. Anything you bring to Jordan is 

YOUR responsibility; CIEE cannot take 

responsibility for any personal belongings. We 

expect you to be constantly aware of your 

belongings and possessions, and take 

appropriate measures to prevent theft or loss. 

Make a special note of the following items. 

Jewelry: Taking a few trendy pieces of jewelry is 

fine for women. Do not take sentimental pieces in 

case of loss or theft. Men generally do not wear 

jewelry in Jordan. Earrings for men, gold on men, or 

body piercings are a cultural taboo. 

10 

Prescriptions: Again, if you take prescription 

drugs, ask your doctor to give you a copy of the 

prescription with the name of the generic drug, 

not a brand name, as your brand may not be 

available in Amman. 

Contact Lenses: If you wear contacts, note that 

lens solution is available. However, you may want to 

bring some for the time in transit. We discourage 

long-wear contact lenses because of the likelihood 

of eye irritation from dryness and pollution. 

Books: You will need to bring a copy of Al-Kitaab 

by Battal, Brunstad and Tonsi. Most of you use this 

text book in your home classes. Bring your current 

text book and the next one in the series. Absolute 

beginners, students who have never studied Arabic, 

should bring book I and Alif Ba. If you have used 

another text book series, the best gauge will be your 

on-site placement test. However, a safe bet is to 

buy the volumne that corresponds to the number of 

years you have studied Arabic: 0-1 years – Book 1, 

2 years – Book 2 and 3 years book 3. CIEE has 

reference copies of this series on-site, as well as 

used text-books from previous semesters. 

Linens: When living in a homestay you will be 

provided with bedding, but you might want to bring 

your own sheets and towels. Or, you can purchase 

them for less money when you arrive on-site. Most 

Jordanian pillows are stuffed with down, so if you 

are allergic, bring your own pillow. Big bath towels 

are not common in Jordan, so you may want to 

bring one. If you plan to camp or travel a sleeping 

bag might also be a good idea to bring along. 

Electrical Appliances: The current in Amman, as 

in nearly all of the Middle East, is 220 volts, 50- 

cycle AC. Electric converters and adapter plugs 

must be used to connect North American 

equipment. Travel supply shops and some 

hardware stores in the United States carry them. If 

you plan to bring any electrical appliance from 

home, you can buy converters in Amman. 

If you are buying any new electrical items to bring 

with you, try to get dual-voltage models so you will 

not need a converter. You will still need the adapter 

plug. The adapter should have a plug that fits 

European electrical outlets. The Jordanian plug is a 

standard European plug with two round prongs. 

Mementos from home: Bring things from home 

that you can share with your Jordanian family and 

friends. This includes pictures of yourself and your 

family in the United States, recipes you like to cook, 

typical items from your community, college, or 

region of the United States, and items related to 

talents you have and wish to share. 

Gifts: Jordanians customarily give gifts to their 

guests, even those of short acquaintance. It is 

appropriate to reciprocate. Upon visiting someone's 

home for the first time, e.g., for dinner, you may 

show courtesy by bringing a modest bouquet of

flowers or a box of chocolates. Before leaving the 

States, consider bringing a small supply of typically 

American items that you can give as gifts to special 

friends and teachers. If you are living with a 

Jordanian family, one nice gift for the family will 

suffice. There is no need to bring individual gifts for 

each family member. Some good choices are: 

Misc.: American regional non-perishables, e.g., 

Vermont Maple Syrup, gourmet coffee beans, 

teas, calendars, scarves, T-shirts, and other 

memorabilia from your university and hometown. 

Books: a current novel, poetry anthologies, art or 

photograph books, cookbooks, almanacs, Time- 

Life books about the United States, dictionaries or 

thesauruses, song books, books on American 

cinema, travel books, and day planners. 

Music: current American popular music, especially 

jazz, rock, or folk music. 

Tip: Passport and credit card numbers 

Remember to leave a copy of your passport and a list of 

credit card numbers at home. 

We highly discourage having packages mailed 

to Amman. The mail service is not 100% reliable 

and heavy customs duties can be imposed, even on 

used, personal items. Items like cameras, 

computers, i-pods or any electronics, regardless of 

whether they are new are used will be impounded at 

the airport until customs fees are paid, which can be 

as much as 200% of purchase value. Medicines are 

returned and cds impounded. If you are considering 

having some items mailed to you after your arrival, 

see the section on Post Office and Mailing 

Procedures in this handbook. 

CIEE Resident Staff cannot assist students with 

Jordanian Customs or the receipt of personal 

packages. 


If you come with an open mind it is an incredible 

experience, but if you expect it to be like what you are 

used to, it will be disappointing. 

The sad truth is that many people overseas have a 

negative impression of us Americans, so I tried my best in 

a lot of ways to change their perception. I would hope that 

others would do the same and know that it does make a 

difference. 

Take everything in stride. It might take all afternoon to get 

one errand done, but you will acclimate to it and survive. 

You can never be prepared for life in Amman. A sense of 

humor and a boatload of patience are the best things to 

bring. 

In preparation for living across cultural boundaries, 

CIEE also recommends you spend some time 

considering yourself as a cultural being. Have you 

ever thought about how you perceive things like 

time, personal space, your role in society? How do 

you define success or good service? Are these 

universal ideas? Try to think about how you see the 

world so you can recognize when you confront 

difference in Amman. 

Please remember why you chose to study abroad in 

Jordan and study the Arabic language abroad. 

Coming to Jordan is an opportunity to experience 

Arabic culture, society, and daily life, as well as 

study the language. Many students fall into the trap 

of expecting only the difficulties of their academic 

courses, while failing to recognize the unique 

opportunity afforded by living and learning in a 

foreign environment. You will be challenged on a 

daily basis in ways that you would not expect. Come 

with an open mind and plenty of patience. 

Part II: The CIEE Program in 

Amman 

PREPARING FOR CULTURAL 

ADAPTATION 

Although cultural adaptation is highly individual, 

research indicates that most people go through 

similar stages in adapting to a new environment. 

Any travel you have done abroad, and perhaps 

even within your own country has exposed you to 

culture shock. But if you have never had to 

overcome culture shock, you might want to read 

about it before you depart. You will find books 

relating to cultural adaptation and culture shock on 

the recommended reading list at the back of this 

handbook. 

During your on-site orientation, the Resident Staff 

will discuss details about culture shock and give 

strategies for adapting to your new surroundings. 

Near the end of the program, they will also provide 

information on reverse culture shock and suggest 

ways of coping with returning home. 

11 

THE CIEE PROGRAM 

Departure and Arrival 

How do I get there? 

The cost of transportation to and from the program 

site is not included in the CIEE program fee. 

Students should make their flight reservation to 

arrive on the date indicated in the document titled 

Program Dates, Details, & Updates located on your 

online MY CIEE checklist. Those students whose 

arrival coincides with the indicated times will be 

greeted by the CIEE Resident Staff. Royal 

Jordanian has flights that arrive mid-day, direct from 

U.S. locations. 

Note: CIEE strongly encourages all students to 

purchase a round-trip ticket, even if at some point 

they need to change the return date.

Participants must arrive on the arrival date. Please 

see the document titled Program Dates, Details, 

and Updates located on your online MY CIEE 

checklist for the semester dates. Students are 

discouraged from traveling early to the program site. 

Students are not permitted to arrive after the 

program start date. 

If you arrive a day early, you will be responsible for 

making your own hotel reservations. We advise that 

you book yourself at the Al-Manar Hotel in 

Shmesani if you are arriving 1-2 days early. The 

number for the al-Manar is 011- 962-6-5662186. 

You will be responsible for any additional nights and 

should plan to arrange payments directly upon 

arrival. 

Discount on Airfare 

As a part of your program fees you will receive an 

iNext (www.iNext.com) insurance card/student ID 

that allows a $15.00 discount on flights costing 

$100.01 to $249.99 and a $25.00 discount on flights 

costing $250.00 or more when you purchase your 

airfare through Student Universe 

(www.studentuniverse.com). Simply type iNext in 

the Promo Code text box when you go to finalize 

your reservation. Student Universe is a travel 

agency that offers plane tickets at a reduced 

student rate. Aside from Student Universe’s already 

discounted student fares and the iNext discount, 

most Student Universe tickets allow changes to the 

ticket for as little as $50. If you have one of these 

tickets, you can make your plans to travel 

independently even after you have already arrived 

on-site. Your iNext card is valid for 365 days and 

the code can be applied towards any two airfares 

purchased while you are covered by iNext. 

What happens when I arrive? 

If you are arriving on the scheduled program arrival 

date, you will be met at the airport by a CIEE 

representative and travel to the hotel for program 

orientation. When exiting the terminal, simply look 

for our staff members, who will have a CIEE sign. At 

the end of program orientation, you will be picked by 

your host families or transferred to your apartment. 

You must arrive on time. Students not arriving on 

time due to any reason other than unavoidable flight 

delays will face disciplinary action. Please note that 

if you do miss your flight due to delays or 

cancellations you need to inform CIEE in Portland 

or the Resident Staff in Amman. CIEE staff may not 

be able to meet you at the airport if your flight is 

delayed. Students arriving early or who are delayed 

should plan to take a taxi to the orientation hotel. 

Taxis are safe and highly regulated from the airport. 

It will cost approximately $30 for the cab. 

Upon arrival, please call your parents to let them 

know you had a safe flight and that everything is 

going well. A brief phone call will relieve them of 

their worries. At this time you can also pass along 

12 

exact information on how they may reach you. 

Resident staff will assist you in making this call. 

Your CIEE Final Mailing will have details on the 

orientation hotel. Again, for early arrivals, we 

recommend you book the Al Manar Hotel by calling 

011-962-6-566-2186. Instructions on transfers to the 

orientation hotel will be in the final mailing. 

Arrival day will be generally relaxed. CIEE staff will 

be available at the hotel and greeting incoming 

flights at the airport. You will receive an orientation 

packet with a detailed orientation schedule and 

have an opportunity to change money, purchase 

cell phones, and get ready for orientation. CIEE will 

make discount pre-paid cell-phone packages 

available for sale ($35). Dinner will be served on the 

arrival day. 

Formal orientation will begin the morning after 

everyone arrives. 

CIEE OFFICE 

Location: The CIEE Study Center is opposite the 

main gate of the University of Jordan in the Khalifeh 

Plaza, Fifth floor. 

Your mailing address during your stay in Jordan will 

be: 

Your name 

C/O CIEE 

POB 13434 

University of Jordan 

P.O. Box 13434 

Amman, 11942 

Jordan 

Tel: (962-6) 5331258/9 

Fax: (962-6) 5338179 

CIEE Program Staff 

The Resident Staff, appointed by CIEE in 

consultation with the academic consortium, 

supervise and administer the program. They can 

assist you with academic, administrative, and 

personal matters. 

YOUR HOST: UNIVERSITY OF JORDAN 

The University of Jordan is the first and oldest 

public, four-year institution of higher education and 

research in Jordan. Considered the mother 

university of Jordan, students, faculty and the 

administration are extremely proud of the institution 

and what it has achieved in less than 50 years of 

operation. Founded in 1962 with just over 150 

students with courses in four faculties, the 

University today serves more than 30,000 

undergraduates, 5,000 graduate students and offers 

more than 3,500 undergraduate courses each term. 

Relying primarily on student tuition, fees and 

fundraising, the University has made great strides in 

ensuring the campus and the student body has 

adequate facilities, academic resources and modern

technology. For example, the University has one of 

the largest libraries in the region and has introduced 

wireless technology at four sites on campus. 

Academic Program 

The following notes highlight the more detailed 

information available on the CIEE website – 

www.ciee.org/study . 

CIEE monitors your progress throughout the 

program, ensuring attendance, that your homework 

is graded, and that you take regular tests, including 

final exams. 

Advisors 

Your Resident Director will provide academic 

advising throughout the program. This includes 

assistance with course selection, monitoring overall 

academic progress, and holding routine office 

hours. 

CIEE’s Director of Arabic Instruction, Dr, Najeh Abu- 

Orabi, will monitor your overall progress in Arabic 

and supervises the teaching staff assigned to CIEE 

by the University of Jordan. 

Academic Culture 

Teaching methods will be different from what you 

are used to. It is typical for instructors to expect their 

students to figure out what they should read, study, 

and know. Exams generally require memorization of 

the class content and the readings. In addition to 

differences in pedagogy, relationships between 

students and teachers are much more formal than 

in the United States. Jordanian students regard their 

professors as fonts of wisdom and professors 

expect to be treated with a high degree of 

deference. Behavior that is taken for granted as 

normal in the United States may be considered 

quite rude in Jordan. For example, Jordanian 

students do not eat, drink, or chew gum in class, nor 

do they put their feet up facing the teacher or talk 

out of turn. In addition, it is considered impolite to 

directly challenge your Professor in a way that 

implies she/he is incorrect. Savvy students learn 

how to critique their instructors while allowing them 

to save face. Being late to class is also frowned 

upon. 

Special note on Language Study 

One of the biggest and most important adjustments 

will be learning Arabic in an Arab country from local 

instructors. Arabic is not taught the same way in 

Jordan as it is in the United States and while 

challenging at first, it can ultimately offer a unique 

chance to improve your proficiency in both the 

written and spoken languages. Your language 

faculty is appointed to CIEE by the University of 

Jordan. All of your instructors are Jordanian citizens 

who have lived their lives and completed their 

studies in the Kingdom. Most have PhDs in Arabic 

Language or Educational Sciences and are 

experienced teaching Arabic as a Foreign 

Language. 

Class Locations 

Classes will be held in different faculties and 

colleges at the University of Jordan. Classroom 

facilities will be different than you are used to in the 

United States. In most cases, they will have rows of 

fixed chairs with side desks, and a lectern and white 

board at the front. The University itself is located in 

the northwestern part of Amman near two of the 

most connected highways in the city. 

Class Structure & Hours 

The actual schedule may vary from one semester to 

another. In general, Modern Standard Arabic is 

taught for 9 hours a week in three hour blocks on 

Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Dialect and 

area studies are on Mondays and Wednesdays. 

Plan to dedicate around 20 hours per week to class 

and to spend full days on campus at least twice a 

week. 

You can use time between classes to explore the 

campus or meet with your Peer Language Tutor – 


You are expected to go to classes every morning, so be 

prepared. Class attendance is mandatory. 

Take learning upon yourself. Take your own initiative 

because it's over before you know it. 

Cultural Activities and Field Trips 

The academic program is supplemented with 

excursions to various archeological, historical, and 

natural sites in Jordan. The program includes a 

selection of excursions to sites such as Petra, Wadi 

Rum and Jerash. 

Meeting Other Students 

Even though Jordanian students are extremely 

friendly, and opportunities to interact abound, 

building relationships can be difficult. Social 

interactions between students generally need a 

specific context such as club, language partner setup, 

or similar activity. You will find yourselves 

broadening your social base through friends of 

friends, lectures, and friends of host families. Many 

of your instructors will invite their Jordanian 

students to attend lectures and special events, 

giving you an easy way to approach them. 

One certain way to connect with Jordanian students 

is by signing up for a CIEE peer language tutor or 

Zameel al-Arabi. These are UJ students who have 

been recruited by CIEE to serve as peer tutors in 

Arabic, both colloquial and MSA, and to help you 

learn more about life in Jordan and student culture 

on campus. Arabic Language Students will be 

matched with their Zameel/Zameeleh during 

orientation. 

13

Continued Study 

If you want to continue your studies in Amman for a 

summer or second semester, or decide to do a 

continuing program at one of the other CIEE Study 

Centers, remember that the deadline for submitting 

the appropriate forms is November 1 st for Spring 

programs and April 1 st for Summer, Fall and 

Academic Year programs. See the Resident Staff 

for the appropriate enrollment extension form and 

contact the Enrollment Officer. 

Online Pre-Departure Orientation 

You will begin your study abroad experience in 

Amman before even leaving home — by 

participating in a CIEE Online Pre-Departure 

Orientation. Meeting with students online, the 

Resident Director shares information about the 

program and site, highlighting issues that alumni 

have said are important, and giving students time to 

ask any questions before leaving home. The online 

orientation allows you to connect with others in the 

group, reflect on what you want to get out of the 

program, and learn what others in the group would 

like to accomplish. The CIEE goal for the predeparture 

orientation is simple: to help students 

understand more about the program and site, as 

well as their goals for the program, so that they 

arrive to the program well-informed and return home 

having made significant progress toward their goals. 

Orientation 

All students must arrive on-site by the arrival date 

and before the start of orientation. Students are 

required to attend all orientation activities and 

should not plan to arrive after the official program 

start date (as stated in the document titled Program 

Dates, Details & Updates located on your online MY 

CIEE checklist). If you are delayed en route to the 

orientation site, you must leave a message with 

CIEE's home office who can then relay the 

message to the Resident Staff as soon as you 

realize you will be late. 

As orientation is a busy time for our students and 

the main goal is to help our participants adjust to 

their new home, this is not the appropriate time for 

family and/or friends to visit the site. Past 

participants who arrived with family and/or friends 

have stated that the transition was more difficult 

because they felt that they had to both entertain 

their visitors while fulfilling all of the orientation 

requirements. This added distraction made it more 

difficult to bond with their peers and to fully integrate 

themselves into the program. 

The expanded orientation program will provide an 

extensive overview of the country and its various 

living aspects (social, cultural, etc.) and information 

about the academic program. Students will also 

receive practical day-to-day information about living 

in Amman, including: 

A review of emergency procedures 

Detailed information on health, well-being, 

and safety issues 

Academic information relating to the 

program and the universities 

Local tours and guided visits in order to 

help with adjustment 

Housing arrangements 

Students will also take an Arabic 

proficiency test. 

To ensure proper placement, students are 

discouraged from ―studying‖ for the test. 


Orientation is an important part of the program ... you 

can't miss it. 

Housing 

CIEE is pleased to offer students the option of living 

in an apartment with other CIEE program 

participants or with a Jordanian family. These 

options, however, are subject to availability and 

local considerations. CIEE will make every effort to 

honor your preferences, however, CIEE cannot 

guarantee everyone their first choice of housing, nor 

can we always accommodate requests related to 

preferences for roommates, location, or style of 

housing. 

CIEE cannot promise to secure homestays for 

all participants in the program due to cultural 

considerations for many families. In addition, 

CIEE reserves the right to refuse a student a 

homestay option. If you do not receive a 

homestay, CIEE will discuss the reasons with you 

and make an effort to place you in a housing 

situation that offers opportunities for cultural 

exchange. Conversely, CIEE will not place a 

student requesting an apartment in a homestay 

without advance consultation and participant 

consent. All students must be prepared for the cost 

of meals in the apartment option. 

Please fill out your on-line housing survey on your 

pre-departure checklist as soon as possible, in as 

much detail as possible, and as honestly as 

possible. 

You will find out your housing assignment on the 

final day of orientation. CIEE will not provide 

information on your precise housing before the 

end of on-site orientation. However, we will 

contact you if your first choice of housing is not an 

option. Thus, you will not know your housing 

address before you depart for Amman. Please have 

your mail sent to the program mailing address, as it 

is your "permanent" address in Amman. 

Apartment Housing 

Students selecting the apartment option will be 

placed in fully furnished units selected by Resident 

14

Staff on the basis of safety and suitability. The 

apartments are furnished with the necessities, 

including pots and pans, plates, kitchenware, and 

other amenities. Many of the apartments will house 

three CIEE participants in single occupancy rooms. 

Your program fee will cover rent and all utilities 

outside of phone and internet. Students using 

excessive heating fuel and water (more than one 

tank per month) will be charged for the additional 

costs. Students who are conscientious about fuel 

and water consumption will not need to be 

concerned. 

If you decide to live in an apartment, you can 

purchase your groceries from nearby neighborhood 

grocers, along with fruit stands and supermarkets 

like Safeway. You will need to budget an additional 

$50-$75 weekly for food. 

Students in apartments are also expected to be 

mindful of local norms. Due to safety 

considerations, almost all apartments are in 

residential neighborhoods and in buildings that 

primarily house families. Students must be mindful 

of their neighbors in regards to noise levels and 

personal conduct. Students are not allowed to host 

parties in their apartments and are expected to be 

discrete in regards to alcohol consumption. 

Overnight guests should be extremely rare and 

confined to members of the same sex. 

Meals 

All program participants should plan to buy lunch on 

campus during the week. A decent lunch can be 

purchased for as little as $0.50 or as much as $50. 

Most students will be able to eat lunch for under $5 

per day. 

Tip: Have an open mind and taste everything you are 

offered before you decide whether or not you like it. 

Jordanian cuisine is quite delicious, and you may miss out 

on a wonderful culinary experience if you reject 

something because you've never had it before. 

Homestay Housing 

A homestay can be one of the most rewarding parts 

of the study abroad experience. Living with a local 

family provides a built-in entry point to Jordanian 

society that includes insight into family life, social 

history, and local cuisine. Homestays provide a safe 

and supportive environment, a chance to practice 

Arabic, and a strong base of comfort and support. In 

general, students who live in homestays have a 

positive experience overall even if they face some 

adjustment issues at the outset. 

However, it is important to remember that living in a 

homestay is a big commitment and will require 

adjustment. Jordanian families are extremely 

generous with their homes, but they do expect that 

students will spend time with them and follow their 

rules. The rich cultural rewards of living with a family 

require trade-offs and sacrifices. Students should 

not expect to have the same degree of personal 

15 

freedom as they have either at college or at 

home. 

Because living in a homestay is a commitment and 

inevitably entails a period of adjustment, CIEE will 

not move students out of a homestay unless there is 

a clear and present risk to personal safety or health. 

Students with adjustment difficulties will be 

expected to work through different coping strategies 

with Resident staff for a minimum of two-weeks 

before a move is considered. CIEE host families are 

not paid staff or contract employees. They are 

families seeking cultural enrichment and their 

feelings must be given equal consideration as yours 

should any difficulties arise. In almost every case, 

students who work through the initial awkwardness 

are very happy they stuck it out. 

Where do we find host families? 

Homestay families come from a cross-section of 

Jordanian society and are almost always recruited 

through word of mouth. As a result, many families 

are relatives or neighbors with other host families 

and reflect the intricate pattern of social networks 

typical of Jordanian society. While most families are 

Muslem, there are also many Arab Christians 

families. In some homestays students will have their 

own rooms; in others, rooms will be shared. The 

houses are comfortable, but expect differences from 

what you are used to. Some homes may be small or 

quite crowded. Limestone houses tend to be cool in 

the winter. 

How can I best get along with my host? 

An orientation session will be dedicated to 

expectations for living with a Jordanian family. You 

will have ample opportunity in this session to ask 

questions. Your hosts also receive orientation about 

what to expect from living with you! 

A small gift is a great way to make a first 

impression, with chocolates or sweets almost 

always a good choice. Do not be surprised if your 

gift is set aside and not mentioned – that is normal! 

Moving in will involve some adjustments that may 

be difficult at first. Imagine yourself moving back 

with your own family to live, particularly after having 

had independence to do things without your family's 

immediate influence. You must be prepared to live 

by your host's rules. Your hosts may not intuitively 

understand your needs (for example, you may have 

trouble finding space to store all you bring with you), 

so communicate your concerns and work things out 

with them. You can always ask the Resident Staff 

for advice on how to handle the situation. 

One discussion that is difficult to have, but which 

students have said helps a lot, is to talk about the 

hosts' expectations in having you stay with them, 

and yours in wanting to stay there. Watch out for a 

tendency to immediately criticize what is different 

from your own standards. You may find some things

you have trouble accepting, but at least try to 

understand and interpret them in terms of societal 

and cultural differences. 

General tips include: 

Wear slippers in the house instead of going 

barefoot. 

Women are encouraged to bring a house 

robe. Please do not bring short shorts and 

tank tops. 

Ask about leaving things in the bathroom 

and which bathroom you should use. 

Keep your belongings extremely neat. 

Never leave things, especially clothing, on 

the floor. Footwear never goes on furniture 

of any kind EVER. 

Ask permission before using electrical 

items, especially computers. 

Don’t use their phone to make or receive 

calls. Phone service and internet service 

are quite costly and customs related to 

hospitality make it difficult for families to 

discuss the cost or refuse. 

Neither a borrower nor a lender be! 

Keep valuables locked in a suitcase. We 

screen the families very carefully and theft 

is a rare problem. If things are locked away 

it removes suspicion and temptation. 

Keep in mind that your homestay is not a 

hotel, while you will be living in a family, 

understand that they are not there to serve 

you. Be overly conscientious. 

One important cultural difference to bear in mind 

when communicating with your host family is direct 

versus indirect patterns of communication. Host 

family members will almost never refuse a direct 

request. However, they will indicate their 

disapproval indirectly. Be conscious that a 

lukewarm OK may in fact be NO. This will be 

discussed in greater detail during the program 

orientation. 

Can I come and go as I please? 

In a word: no. All families will have a curfew that 

you must abide by in almost all cases. For women 

this can be as early as 8PM. No student in a 

homestay should ever come home after midnight. 

The normal curfew is around 10PM. However, 

simply honoring the curfew is not enough. Students 

must also keep their hosts informed of their 

whereabouts, always keeping them abreast of 

where they are, who they are with, and when they 

are coming home. Although this may feel like a loss 

of independence, it is normal family behavior and a 

sign of concern and care. A good way to keep your 

host mom from being worried to text her before you 

16 

leave somewhere so she knows when to expect you 

to be home. If this takes longer you should of 

course text her again. 

Can I have guests? 

You should ask your host family upon arrival about 

bringing friends over, until what time they can stay, 

and if they permit friends of the opposite sex coming 

over. (This does not mean sleeping over, which is 

never permitted.). Always ask your host's 

permission before bringing a friend over for a meal, 

regardless of their gender. 

Homestay Meals: Your homestay family will 

provide you with two meals a day during the week 

and all meals on the weekend. Although families will 

not mind if you bring a sandwich to school, expect 

to buy your lunch on campus if you want a full meal. 

A healthy filling lunch can be had for as little as JOD 

1. As in the United States, the time that meals are 

served and what is served varies from household to 

household. If you do not like a certain dish, you 

should not be afraid to say so. Families do try to be 

flexible and accommodate your tastes. You cannot, 

however, expect them to rearrange their cooking for 

you nor can you expect them to purchase special 

items for you because of a special diet. You should 

receive healthy meals and portions. If this is not the 

case in your home, discuss it with the Resident 

Staff. 

Contributing something occasionally towards a 

meal, such as fresh fruit or bread, is also something 

most host families will greatly appreciate. 

What if I follow a special diet? 

For participants with special dietary needs, CIEE 

staff will make every effort to find a suitable 

situation. Homestays for most vegetarians are not 

difficult to arrange. Participants must indicate these 

preferences in advance on their online housing 

survey (available on your online MY CIEE 

checklist). A vegan diet will almost be impossible to 

follow in a homestay. Students with food allergies or 

lactose intolerance must also be realistic about what 

a host family can provide. Please put as much detail 

about your dietary needs in the housing survey so 

Resident Staff can be better equipped to find you a 

placement that best accommodates your needs. 

Tip: Have an open mind and taste everything you are 

offered before you decide whether or not you like it. 

Arabic cuisine is quite delicious, and you may miss out on 

a wonderful culinary experience if you reject something 

because you've never had it before. 

Having Guests 

Students should discuss expectations with family 

and friends planning visits during their semester in 

Jordan. Because Muslem holidays follow the lunar 

calendar, the exact dates of extended breaks will 

not be known until a week in advance. Consider the 

types of day trips your guests could enjoy on their

own while you are in class. Many family members 

also enjoy visiting class. 

In almost all cases, family and friends should plan to 

stay in a nearby hotel. Unless your host family 

makes repeated, spontaneous invitations and 

clearly has space, students should not plan on 

having visitors stay with families. There are many 

suitable, safe, and inexpensive options that will 

make things more comfortable for your guests, host 

family, roommates, and ultimately for you. 

Part III: Living in Amman, Jordan 

Sometimes living in a university environment abroad 

makes it easy to forget you are not home. 

Remember, you are in another country with its own 

laws and customs, and they are different from the 

ones you are used to. Be aware of this and conduct 

yourself accordingly. Also, be sure to attend classes 

regularly and participate in program activities. 

Jordan is a developing country with few natural 

resources. The average per capita income is around 

$5,000 per year, while costs of housing, cars, and 

most goods beyond basic foodstuffs are as 

expensive (if not more expensive) than in the United 

States. The outward visibility of US chains, 

European brand names, and luxury cars can be 

deceptive. Reading up on Jordan’s contemporary 

history, including its political and economic 

challenges, will tune you in to local realities. 

It is also very important to keep in mind that you 

may not always be comfortable during your stay. In 

fact, feeling awkward and uncomfortable is a sure 

sign of a genuine inter-cultural interaction. You will 

learn how to work through the discomfort and 

deepen your understanding of the environment. 

While some aspects of Jordanian life may look 

Western on the outside, many things still operate 

within an Islamic, tribal, and Arab context. 

Jordanians have their own values and customs, and 

often these differ greatly from the Western values 

and customs with which you are familiar. 

Understanding this intellectually and actually living 

within a foreign cultural and political system are two 

very different things. You may often feel frustrated 

with the Jordanian/Middle Eastern way of doing 

things and think that your way is superior. As often 

as possible, attempt to approach situations with a 

Jordanian mind-set. If you keep a sense of humor 

and an open mind, you'll end up learning a great 

deal, both about your host country and about 

yourself. 

INTERACTING WITH JORDANIANS 

Just as it is impossible to define a typical American, 

it is equally impossible to define a typical Jordanian. 

You will meet many types of people in Jordan who 

have different opinions, attitudes, and habits. The 

more you interact with Jordanian people, the better 

chance you will have of forming relationships and 

understanding the culture. During these 

interactions, use common sense, intelligence, and a 

sense of objectivity. Be prepared to discuss your 

views freely and openly, and try to listen with an 

open mind. 

You will arrive in Jordan with some preconceptions 

about Jordanians and you will encounter some 

Jordanians with preconceptions about people from 

the United States. Try to put aside stereotypes and 

make judgments based on real experiences. If you 

are confronted with what you feel is a false 

stereotype about the United States, be frank and 

truthful, yet tactful in your response. Avoid refuting 

arguments with odious comparisons to Jordan. This 

type of response will only create bad feelings. A 

positive and serious response from you will help 

dispel myths about the United States. 


If you are going to come to Jordan, you have to come with 

a positive attitude and a laid back mindset. Those who 

were least happy dwelled on inconveniences, were easily 

frustrated, and did not come prepared for a completely 

different experience. 

Special Note to Women 

Women’s role in society is different in Jordan than in 

the U.S. and some female students may experience 

difficulties adjusting to the different expectations. 

Many Jordanians do not understand that the U.S.- 

style familiar manner with strangers is merely a 

gesture of friendliness. Outgoing behavior may be 

misconstrued as something more. A smile at a 

stranger of the opposite sex could possibly be 

misunderstood as an invitation to spend the evening 

together. Some female participants have reported 

verbal harassment by men on the streets. CIEE 

holds special sessions on proper conduct and 

decorum so as to minimize such 

misunderstandings. Proper dress is also 

emphasized. 

Special Note to Minorities 

Students that are members of ethnic minorities, 

students with disabilities, gay and lesbian students, 

or overweight students may face particular 

challenges in the study abroad setting. Jordanian 

society is very homogeneous, and people who do 

not fit the norm invite curiosity. CIEE's Resident 

Staff is sensitive to these issues and will provide as 

much information and support as possible. 

Physically Challenged Students 

Students who use a wheelchair and those who 

cannot see or hear might have a difficult time in 

Amman. Jordan is behind the U.S. in providing 

physical accessibility features at public and private 

institutions. Nevertheless, Jordanians are friendly 

and quite open, and you can often find a reliable 

helping hand. 

17


Even though Amman is considered one of the safest 

cities in the Middle East, always walk in pairs or groups at 

night. 

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS 

CIEE is deeply committed to the safety and security 

of our students and staff. We take security very 

seriously and follow the Department of State’s 

advice and recommendations for American citizens 

visiting or residing in Jordan. 

CIEE was a founding member of the 

Interassociational Advisory Committee on Safety 

and Responsibility in Study Abroad. The following 

website contains information about the Task Force 

and study abroad safety issues: 

http://www.nafsa.org/knowledge_community_networ 

k.sec/education_abroad_1/developing_and_managi 

ng/practice_resources_36/policies/guidelines_for_h 

ealth. 

CIEE's approach to safety is threefold, First, we 

provide comprehensive and realistic information to 

prospective applicants so that they may make 

informed decisions as to whether or not to ultimately 

participate in the program. Then, when the students 

arrive on site, we conduct a thorough orientation, 

which includes tips on reducing risk and handling 

difficult situations should they arise. Finally, 

program staff continuously monitors local conditions 

in order to provide guidance to participants 

throughout their stay. 

Experience has shown that the single most 

important factor in assuring a safe study abroad 

experience is the sensible and cautious behavior of 

the participants themselves. When traveling abroad, 

you should exercise additional caution until you 

become familiar with your new surroundings. 

Always remain alert to what is going on around you, 

especially in crowded tourist areas and on public 

transportation. 

Trap: Letting down your guard 

While visiting a foreign country, you may well be 

enchanted by your surroundings and engage in behavior 

that is not typical of you. This may cause you to let your 

guard down and be susceptible to crime. Practice 

common sense and exercise good judgment. Remember 

that you are more likely to be a victim of crime if you have 

been drinking alcohol. 

Jordan in general and Amman in particular are 

considered among the safest locations in the Middle 

East by any standard. Nevertheless, due to 

unfortunate events in the region, Jordan has had to 

increase its security measures to protect Jordanians 

and visiting internationals. The number of tourists 

coming into Jordan has increased in the past few 

years. Therefore, Jordanian and tourist police are 

alert when it comes to protecting this particular 

group. 

18 

Generally it is safe for men and women to walk 

around town, both during daytime or nighttime, but 

students are advised to walk in pairs or in groups. 

Violent crimes are extremely rare in Jordan, and 

personal security problems are considered quite 

minor. Students should not travel carrying large 

amounts of money or their passports and should 

secure them before leaving their house (keeping a 

photocopy of your passport can be of use during 

your stay). Once staying with a Jordanian family, 

personal security issues are minimal. 

Security Guidelines 

We strongly urge all students to carefully read and 

consider the information provided by the 

Department of State by visiting the following 

website:http://amman.usembassy.gov 

Recognizing that the announcements provided by 

the Department of State are deliberately broad and 

designed for the purpose of providing information of 

a general nature, CIEE Resident Staff will provide 

more specific guidelines and examples to assist 

students to make responsible and intelligent 

decisions about behavior that impacts their personal 

security. 

In addition to these guidelines, students must inform 

the resident staff of all travel outside of Amman 

during the program. Failure to do so will lead to 

automatic dismissal from the program. Students are 

also required to sign a travel waiver at the beginning 

of the program. Furthermore, independent housing 

requests will not be considered, for reasons of 

security. 

Tips for keeping yourself safe! Always remember 

that 95% of your safety is in your hands. Your 

awareness, actions and common sense determine 

the majority of the risk factors you encounter and 

how well you deal with them. The following tips are 

just a few of the ways you can keep yourself as safe 

in possible in Jordan, or anywhere abroad! 

1. Keep a low profile. 

Try not to stick out. Try to blend in and be as 

discreet as possible. This means not walking 

around campus or the city in a large group 

laughing and talking loudly. 

2. Use alcohol rarely, wisely, and only in 

accordance with local customs 

If you consume alcohol, always do so in 

moderation, and discreetly. Alcohol impairs your 

judgment and can put you in risky situations even 

on your home turf. Getting drunk and getting in a 

cab late at night is always a risk. In addition, 

obvious alcohol consumption draws attention to 

you and gives a poor impression. Remember that 

consumption of alcohol that affects your 

participation in the program is a violation of CIEE 

policy. Consumption of alcohol that causes 

offense to local customs and norms also impacts 

students’ personal security, and can result in

dismissal. Alcohol is never permitted in your 

homestay. Returning intoxicated to your 

homestay is also prohibited. 

3. Purchase a cell-phone and use it wisely 

Having a cell-phone, keeping it charged, and 

keeping an emergency scratch card in your wallet 

are excellent measures to ensure that you can 

contact help and be contacted in the case of an 

emergency. Students will have the opportunity to 

buy a phone at a discounted rate upon arrival or 

will receive guidance on where and how to 

purchase a phone in Amman. Resident Staff will 

compile an emergency contact list of all student 

cell-phone numbers. 

Do not give your mobile telephone number to 

strangers or allow strangers or new 

acquaintances to handle your cell phone. 

If you’re riding in a crowded bus, or standing on a 

crowded street downtown, for example, think 

twice before answering your phone if that means 

you will have to speak (possibly loudly) in English 

within earshot of strangers. 

4. Keep important information to yourself 

Cab drivers, new acquaintances, random 

strangers don’t need to know much about you, 

your personal life, plans for the future, political 

opinions and where you live. This goes for virtual 

strangers as well. Keep things private until you 

know people well and have developed a 

relationship of trust. 

5. Do not participate in, observe, or photograph 

demonstrations 

Students are prohibited from attending 

demonstrations. Although most demonstrations 

are nonviolent, Anti-American sentiments are 

often expressed at such gatherings, and individual 

Americans attending them risk becoming a 

convenient target for escalating emotions. 

Photographing demonstrations is also risky and 

prohibited. 

6. Modest attire should be worn in deference to 

local custom. 

Although more specific information about 

appropriate clothing for Jordan is provided during 

orientation, modest attire essentially means 

maintaining an appearance that does not draw 

attention to yourself. Again, try to blend in and 

keep a low profile. Look at the people you 

encounter in your daily routine. How do you dress 

differently? How can you adjust your attire to stand 

out less? 

If you find that strangers sometimes stare or point 

at you because of your jewelry, hairstyle, clothing, 

facial piercing (or ear piercing on men), etc., it 

means that your attire is adversely affecting your 

personal security by drawing attention from people 

19 

7. Assume that your Resident Staff, Host 

Parents and other responsible people might 

know more than you. Listen to people who 

have advice to give you and take them seriously 

even if their advice is contrary to your plans or 

desires. They just might know a thing or two! 

8. Memorize the words to Omar Diab’s “Habbi 

Nur al’3in” sing it public….. Ok, not really… 

but one thing that will go a long way both in 

terms of safety and in navigating the program is 

to read everything in this handbook carefully. 

We spend a lot of time agonizing over what to 

write and include in our program materials so 

we want to see if you are actually reading! 

MEDICAL FACILITIES 

Modern medical care and medicines are available in 

Jordan’s major cities. In outlying areas, care is more 

varied. Students are advised to use hospitals 

indicated by their Resident Director. Individual 

clinics are widely available and highly affordable. 

They usually expect immediate cash payments 

since US medical insurance is not always valid 

outside of the US, and no system of billing is in 

place. 

During orientation, you will receive information on 

which clinics to use. For routine health matters, the 

Resident Staff can assist you in locating appropriate 

care. In the case of a medical emergency, the 

Resident Staff will assist you in getting to a hospital. 

GENERAL WELLNESS 

As with safety, most of your health and well-being is 

in your hands. Staying healthy and fit while abroad 

is a direct function of your choices and how well you 

pay attention to the changes in your basic needs 

while abroad. Basic tips for staying healthy include 

the following: 

Drink Water Regularly, but Pay Attention to 

What Water You Drink: Jordan is a desert climate 

and you can get dehydrated very easily. Many times 

students will experience what they think is food 

poisoning only to learn they have become seriously 

dehydrated. Plan to drink more water, at more 

regular intervals, than in the US. It is not advisable 

to drink unfiltered tap water however. Students 

should drink bottled water or boil the water before 

drinking. Sprite, 7up and sweetened tea are also 

good choices when facing dehydration. 

Stay Fit: Exercise and physical activity will 

contribute to your overall well-being while abroad. It 

will help you manage stress, both cultural and 

academic, and allow you to sleep better. Jordan is 

not the easiest city for walking, but the University of 

Jordan has acres and acres (or dunams and 

dunams) of tree-lined paths for an afternoon stroll. 

You can also use the gym and track at the

University of Jordan. Many students also join private 

gyms. 

Eat Well: All the things your mother told you are 

equally true when studying abroad. Try to eat your 

vegetables (wash them first!), avoid junk food and 

fast food, and eat three balanced meals a day. It 

takes a bit of thought and planning but is worth it. 

In addition, be careful where you eat. Every 

semester students encounter stomach distress from 

eating street food. Make sure you patronize 

establishments that appear clean and have 

adequate refrigeration. 

Get Plenty of Sleep: Again, the program is 

intensive and will require lots of energy and focus. 

Aim for at least 8 hours of sleep nightly. Some 

classes start at 8:00AM, which may mean leaving 

home at 7:20AM. Many students who get sick on 

the program ultimately realize they simply were not 

getting enough sleep. 

Limit Alcohol Use: In addition to being expensive 

and possibly putting you at heightened risk, alcohol 

dehydrates you, causes you to lose sleep, and can 

exacerbate healthy adjustment to the stresses of 

living abroad. 

COMMUNICATIONS AND MAIL 

Telephone 

Calls to Jordan can be expensive, although your 

parents can sign up for a very inexpensive long 

distance plan. Do not count on receiving calls often 

from the United States. Family and friends in the US 

can purchase calling cards online that will reduce 

the calling costs significantly. Please note that 

AT&T or MCI calling cards cannot be used in 

Jordan. Many students bring these calling cards 

and are disappointed that they do not work. 

Jordanian calling cards cost less and can be used 

from any land line. Skype is another good option, 

but is not dependable given the inconsistency in 

internet speed and availability. 

Amman lies 7 hours ahead of Eastern Standard 

Time and 2 hours ahead of GMT. 

Cell Phones 

Again, students will be given an opportunity to 

purchase cell phones at a discounted rate during 

orientation. Students can also bring an unlocked tri 

or quad band phone from the States and purchase 

a local sim card at the airport or upon arrival. CIEE 

uses and recommends ZAIN, although other local 

providers have special offers and reasonable levels 

of service. 

Fax 

The CIEE Office will send a free fax if you need 

course approval in order to guarantee a semester 

credit or in the event of an emergency. 

20 

Computers, Laptops, and E-mail 

Laptops: You may wish to bring a laptop with you 

for writing your papers and Internet use. However, 

many insurance policies will not cover laptops 

overseas since they are a highly coveted item that 

can be stolen easily. It is extremely expensive to 

replace computer components, especially for Macs. 

Bring an extra power cord from home if possible. 

Additionally, we recommend that any students 

taking a laptop consider installing security/theft 

recovery software. One example of this software is 

Computrace LoJack for laptops, made by Absolute 

software. 

Students will have log-ins for the computer labs on 

campus and will be able to access internet and 

limited wireless for free on campus. Limited printing 

services are available in campus computer labs; 

however, most students rely on off campus copy 

shops for printing papers and assignments. 

Abundant copy centers will print from memory sticks 

for a reasonable fee. 

In addition, students can register for TAGKS (Talal 

Abu Ghazaleh Knowledge Society); a privately 

operated student service center for UJ students 

conveniently located one floor below the CIEE 

Study Center. This center, donated to offer UJ 

students a modern study space with a full range of 

services has a full computer lab, cafeteria, print 

shop, and study rooms. 

Trap: Assuming easy internet access 

Jordan does not have the same infrastructure for 

internet as the United States or Europe. The 

technology is new, expensive, and not yet widely 

available. Pressure on local servers is immense and 

the result is painfully slow access. The University of 

Jordan blocks popular social sites like Facebook 

and YouTube simply to reduce the pressure on the 

server. In addition, very few homestays offer 

internet access. 

Post Office and Mailing Procedures 

Mail service to and from Jordan is fairly good. 

Students should allow 2-3 weeks for letters to and 

from the United States. Letters often take longer 

than postcards, and sometimes they never arrive. 

Do not plan on having packages mailed to you, as it 

is costly (custom duty 100% of value) and there is a 

very good chance they will never reach you. It is 

better to use FedEx, UPS, etc. 

The U.S. Postal Service Express Mail, DHL, UPS, 

and Federal Express all deliver to Amman. These 

shipping companies have accessible offices in 

Amman. 

A conveniently accessible post office can be found 

on the University of Jordan campus. 

The address that letters should be sent to is: 

For regular mail:

Student name 


P.O. Box. 13434, 

Amman, 11942, Jordan. 

For Courier (FedEx, Aramex, UPS, DHL, etc…) 

Student Name 


#1 Rifa’ Al-Ansari St. 

Kahlifeh Plaza #505 

Tel: +962-6-5331258 

Tel: (9626) 5355000 xt 4704 

Fax: (9626) 5338179 

Trap: Mailing electronics, cigarettes, alcohol, 

prescription medicines, DVD’s, books, or expensive 

items without considering the customs fees! These 

items may not even be allowed into the country! 

REMBER STAFF CANNOT LIBERATE YOUR 

PACKAGES FROM CUSTOMS. IF YOU GET A 

PACKAGE YOU HAVE TO COLLECT IT ON YOUR 

OWN. 

MONEY AND BANKING 

Money 

The basic unit of currency in Jordan is the Dinar, 

typically called JD. For units smaller than a Dinar 

there are: 

Fils - there are 1,000 fils in a Dinar (rarely referred 

to) 

Piaster - there are 100 piasters in a Dinar 

Qirsh - synonym for a piaster, 100 per Dinar 

The dinar has a fixed exchange rate; .708 dinars to 

the dollar. 

Arrive in Jordan with several ways to obtain money 

so that in the event one method fails or is 

inconvenient, a back-up option is available. The 

best options are cash, ATM cards, and credit cards. 

Cash is the cheapest, but highest risk. All other 

methods entail paying commissions and fees. 

Check with your local bank about fees and 

withdrawal limits. Make sure you inform both your 

bank and your credit card company that you will be 

abroad so they don’t put a block on your account for 

fear of fraudulent access. In addition, local banks 

assess their own fees, normally around 1.5%. 


Bring more money than you think you'll need, and arrange 

an understanding with your parent regarding credit card 

charging, etc. before you leave. 

ATM's are the way to go. It was much less of a hassle 

than traveler's checks or credit cards. 

21 

Cash 

Make sure your bills are crisp and in small 

denominations, as stores, banks, and change 

counters tend to be wary of dirty or wrinkled 

banknotes, particularly since there is a lot of 

counterfeit U.S. money in circulation. If you plan to 

travel extensively in the Middle East, you may wish 

to bring even more cash, as many past participants 

note that U.S. dollars are essential when traveling. 

It is obviously riskier to carry cash than traveler's 

checks, so you will have to decide what amount you 

feel comfortable carrying. Carry your cash in a 

travel wallet or money belt. 

You can exchange your dollars for dinars at 

exchange counters throughout Jordan and the 

Middle East. You will need to present your passport 

when changing traveler's checks or cash. The 

Resident Staff will explain more about this at 

orientation. 

Traveler's Checks 

Traveler's checks are a safe option, but many 

students complain that they are inconvenient. They 

can be converted into dinars or other currencies at 

any bank, in any country you may visit. However, 

there is usually a charge of one to five percent for 

every check cashed, so shop around for the lowest 

fee. As long as you have a record of your traveler's 

check numbers, you can recover stolen or lost 

amounts. 


When you change money, ask for smaller bills because 

most establishments are not keen on giving a lot of 

change back. 

Credit Cards 

Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted in 

Jordan. American Express is less common beyond 

high end establishments catering to more affluent 

tourists. Bear in mind that most credit card 

companies now charge a foreign transaction fee. 

Trap: Fraud Alert Local Out! 

For both credit cards and bankcards, inquire with the 

issuer to verify that the card is valid for an international 

banking system. And memorize your PIN in numbers not 

letters; foreign phone pads are often configured 

differently. 

Personal Checks 

It is possible to cash a US personal check in 

Amman; however, this can require opening a bank 

account or finding a money changer willing to take 

the risk. In both cases you will be charged a 

commission and may have to wait from 1-4 weeks. 

ATM/Bank Cards 

There are ATMs all around the city, and there are 

two machines located on campus. These machines 

do not offer balance information, so you will need to

keep track for your own records. The ATMs also do 

not provide information on the fee they charge for 

their services. These fees can be quite expensive. 

Please check with your bank about these fees 

before leaving for Jordan. 

Also, Visa, MasterCard, and debit cards work in 

Jordan. Again, make sure you have spoken with 

your bank ahead of time. 

Transferring Money 

If you open a local bank account, you can receive 

funds by wire. The sending bank usually charges 

customers (you must have an account with the 

bank) around $30 USD to send a wire and $10 USD 

to receive a wire. Additionally, the bank charges a 

commission for this service. CIEE has used this 

method in the past and found it to be very reliable. 

You must present your passport to pick up the 

money, which usually takes 4-7 business days to 

arrive in Amman. 

Western Union: Another option for receiving funds 

is via Western Union. Whoever is sending the 

money must call the 800 number of Western Union 

and find out the code number of the bank. You must 

then call the person sending the money to find out 

the transaction number in order to pick up the funds. 

There are multiple Western Union franchises in 

Amman, including by the University. 

Tip: Credit card and traveler's check numbers 

Remember to keep a list of your credit card numbers and 

traveler's check numbers separate from the cards and checks. 

GETTING AROUND 

Local Transportation 

You will be given detailed information on navigating 

Jordan's public transportation system during 

orientation and upon arrival in Amman. Taxis are 

inexpensive and function widely and safely. It is the 

recommended form of transportation. 

To ensure all students have the same access to 

campus regardless of their housing placement, 

CIEE gives you a monthly travel stipend equal to 

one round trip taxi ride to campus per day. Students 

quickly learn that this money can be stretched by 

car-pooling or learning to local bus system. 


Do not tip cab drivers in Amman, just round up the total or 

give an extra 100 fils (10 Qirsh) 

Independent Travel 

Independent travel is an important part of your study 

abroad experience. CIEE encourages you travel in 

Jordan and in the region as long as you do so 

safely, responsibly, and in accordance with CIEE 

policies. All overnight travel, whether inside Jordan 

or beyond, requires students to complete a travel 

form and file it with resident staff at least 24 hours 

prior to departure. This form helps you plan your 

travel, encourages you to consider contingency 

plans and makes sure CIEE is aware of your plans 

and whereabouts should something go wrong. 

Failing to submit these plans will result in 

disciplinary action. 

Any travel outside of Jordan also requires an 

additional waiver that must be signed on site. This 

form apprises you of the real risks of travel and 

clarifies that CIEE’s ability to render assistance 

outside of Jordan is highly circumscribed. It also 

obligates you to discuss your plans with your 

emergency contact (most often your parents) and 

ensure your travel conforms to the rules set by your 

home school. CIEE does not endorse independent 

travel to locations under state department warnings 

and encourages students and their parents to 

consider the real risks involved in any travel, even 

to locations that do not have a state department 

warning. Students should not expect CIEE staff to 

give them advice on how to reach or where to stay 

in locations that are of high risk. Our advice is not to 

go – period. 

CIEE also strongly suggests you plan your travel 

before leaving the US. Research your proposed 

destinations on-line and through local guidebooks. 

Estimate approximate costs, learn about visa 

requirements, and make necessary arrangements. 

Part of travel is also thinking about what could go 

wrong. This doesn’t necessarily mean war or 

terrorism. Most travel mishaps involve ordinary 

decent crime compounded by poor planning. If your 

wallet is stolen in Cairo, CIEE cannot send you 

money – what will you do? Having a clear idea of 

potential pitfalls and how you will deal with them 

reduces risk and hassle and ensures a better 

experience. 

Entering and Exiting Jordan: Please see the ―Visa 

Information‖ document on your online MY CIEE 

checklist for information about obtaining a visa. All 

students must obtain a multiple-entry visa prior to 

leaving for Jordan. Once students are on site, CIEE 

will handle residency applications and/or 

extensions. Residency requires an on-site blood 

test and finger printing. This residency is only valid 

while you are enrolled at the University through 

CIEE and will be cancelled when the program is 

over. Students remaining in Jordan beyond the 

program end date will need to make their own 

arrangements. Resident Staff will advise on site. 

Housing is not covered after the program end date. 

Academic Year Participants will receive housing 

between the semesters. 

Trap: Wherever you go... 

You must inform the Resident Staff and your host family 

of any travel involving an overnight stay outside Amman. 

Failure to do this may result in your dismissal from the 

program. 

22

Modes of Travel for Long Distance 

Bus: If you decide to do some independent travel in 

Jordan, you will most likely take a bus. Resident 

Staff can advise you further on bus travel within 

Jordan. 

Car Rentals: CIEE participants are not permitted to 

rent or drive cars while in Jordan. 

Hotels and Hostels 

Many hostels are not considered official and 

therefore do not require Hostelling International 

Membership Cards. Many throughout the Middle 

East and Jordan are listed in travel books and offer 

comfortable and clean accommodations. Do not 

expect to be able to book accommodations on-line. 

Even if on-line reservations are accepted, a phone 

call follow-up to confirm the registration and the rate 

is strongly advised. 

DISMISSAL FROM THE PROGRAM 

You must comply with any regulations established 

by your home university as well as those of the 

University of Jordan. The Resident Staff may 

establish additional requirements, which they 

consider essential either to achieving your 

educational goals or to continuing good relations 

with the university or community. If your Resident 

Director warns you that you are not complying with 

program regulations, you must take responsibility 

for changing your behavior as requested, or risk 

early dismissal and consequent loss of time, money, 

and academic credit. CIEE does not refund program 

fees to students who are dismissed from their 

programs. 

VOTING WHILE ABROAD 

U.S. citizens who expect to be away from home on 

Election Day may request absentee ballots in 

person or by mail from their local election offices. 

Procedures vary by state but are usually quite 

simple if you have already registered to vote. 

If you have not arranged this before leaving home, 

you may use the provisions of the Overseas Voting 

Rights Act of 1975, which requires states to 

establish a means for citizens residing overseas to 

apply for voter registration. Some states permit you 

to use an FPCA (Federal Post Card Application) to 

register. Others use an SF76, which serves as both 

an application for registration and as an absentee 

ballot. You can get a list of states' voting 

requirements from a U.S. Embassy or consular 

office. 

Tip: Notarize your ballot 

FPCA forms used to register or obtain a ballot must be 

notarized. If you believe you have been wrongfully denied 

the right to vote, you may write to the Department of 

Justice, Civil Rights Division, Washington, D.C. 20530. 

If you are a citizen of another country, please 

consult the authorities governing elections in your 

own country for similar instructions before you 

leave. 

EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION 

In case of an emergency, parents or family can 

reach you by calling CIEE in Portland (1-800-40- 

STUDY). CIEE is in daily contact with our Amman 

office. 

Specific contact information for staff in the CIEE 

home office will be included in an electronic final 

mailing to both you and the emergency contact 

designated in your application materials. 

Part IV: Policies and Procedures 

Please click on the following link to view CIEE’s 

Policies and Procedures: 

http://ciee.org/study/terms.aspx. 

This website includes: 

General Policies 

Admissions 

Late Arrival and Early Departure 

Exceptions 

Drug and Alcohol Violations 

Alcohol Policy 

Dismissal from the Program 

Academic Policies 

Student Academic Orientation 

Course Loads, Credits, Equivalencies and 

Grades 

Academic Records 

Attendance 

Pass/Fail and Audit 

Drop/Add Period 

Incompletes 

Withdrawal from a Course 

Academic Honesty 

Appeals 

Program Fees and Payment Policies 

Confirmation of Participation 

Payment of CIEE Program Fees 

Due Dates, Late Fees and Interest 

Exclusion from Participation 

Late Fees and Interest 

Withdrawal and Deferral Policy 

Program Cancellation 

Please make sure to review this website. Your 

signature on the ―Program Participant Contract‖ 

indicates that you have read and agree to comply 

with all of the policies provided to you on that 

website. 

A NOTE FROM CIEE 

Credits and Grades 

Most students who choose to go abroad for a term 

or a year report that the experience is one of the 

23

most powerful and enjoyable parts of their 

undergraduate education. We hope that when you 

return home, you will have had an equally 

memorable experience. 

Many students report that study abroad is also 

challenging, and that coming to terms with the 

challenges is one of the things that make it so 

powerful and memorable. Some students, however, 

report that the challenges of dealing with another 

country’s academic culture are sometimes more 

frustrating than enjoyable. 

The academic programs that CIEE provides are to 

varying degrees integrated into another culture’s 

academic framework, and are often governed by 

rules that are unfamiliar to U.S. students. At CIEE 

we want you to experience the challenges of 

adapting to a new culture, of accepting different 

teaching styles, and embracing forms of learning 

that may be different from what you are used to. 

But we are sure you will agree that problems 

associated with your credits and your grades should 

be avoided—that these should not turn out to be 

―opportunities for growth.‖ We want to help you 

avoid these problems, and with some careful 

planning and attention to detail, you can: 

1. Manage Your Registration. 

You are probably going to sign up for five classes 

during your session overseas. Although it’s 

surprising, one problem faced by some students 

when they return home is that the Course 

Registration Record we have for them doesn’t 

match what the student actually took. You can avoid 

this. Read on. 

Make it your responsibility to keep your Course 

Registration Record accurate and up to date. 

Students select a preliminary course schedule after 

arrival at the Center. The courses selected 

constitute your Preliminary Registration, which will 

be sent to your home or sending school. There will 

be an opportunity to change courses during the first 

days of the regular semester (the ―drop-add‖ 

period). Once this add-drop period ends, all courses 

for which you are registered will remain final, and 

will be permanently listed on your Course 

Registration Record. These will be the courses that 

will appear on the credit and grades report that we 

will send to your home or sending school after the 

session ends (called the ―CIEE Academic Record‖). 

Although CIEE staff, both in the U.S. and at your 

site, will make every effort to ensure that your 

Course Registration Record is accurate, we cannot 

do this unless you correctly follow all the formal 

procedures for making changes. You must fill out 

a form to drop or add a course. It is not sufficient 

to tell your professor, the CIEE Resident Director, or 

another staff person that you are changing 

courses—you must complete all required paperwork 

24 

or the change is not official. In some cases you will 

also be required to obtain permission from your 

home institution. 

To sum up, make it your responsibility to ensure 

that your Course Registration Record is accurate. If 

at any time you are not sure, ask to see a copy of it. 

There’s a difference between DROPPING a 

course and WITHDRAWING from one. 

As noted above, once the drop-add period is over, 

all the courses for which you are registered will 

remain permanently on your record. However, if you 

realize, after the end of the drop-add period but 

before the middle of the session, that special 

circumstances will prevent you from completing a 

course successfully, it may be possible to 

―Withdraw‖ from the course. Please also be aware 

that it is not possible to add a course after the adddrop 

period. If you do withdraw from a course, it will 

remain on your CIEE Academic Record with a ―W‖ 

grade. Permission to Withdraw from a course is not 

automatically granted just because a student is not 

doing well; it is only granted when there are 

circumstances that the Resident Director believes 

prevented a student from doing well, and only 

before the program’s withdrawal deadline. There is 

also required paperwork to complete if you are 

withdrawing from a course. 

After the withdrawal deadline, all courses that 

remain on your Course Registration Record will be 

posted on your CIEE Academic Record with a letter 

grade. If you stop going to a course, fail to take the 

final examination, or fail to turn in required 

coursework, you will receive an F. 

2. Get Good Grades. 

The time to think about your grades is at the 

beginning of each course, not at the end. 

Make sure you understand the basis on which the 

professor will be assessing your work. Practices 

vary from country to country. Often a single final 

paper or examination will be the most important 

(perhaps the only) opportunity to demonstrate what 

you have learned and/or achieved in the course. In 

some courses, the basis for grades may have been 

explained during orientation or during the 

registration process. An explanation may appear on 

the course syllabus, and/or the professor may 

announce grading policies. In some cases, you may 

not be sure how the professor will be calculating the 

grade. In this case as well, make it your 

responsibility to be sure you understand the 

basis for grading in each course. If you’re not 

sure, ask the professor or the Resident Director. 

How am I doing? 

Although grading differs from country to country, 

there are general guidelines that we can offer.

In the U.S., a student usually forms an idea of how 

he/she is doing as the semester progresses based 

on a self-appraisal of participation in class and a 

general sense of what the professor cares about. In 

most overseas situations, it is much more difficult, 

and often not possible at all, for a student to 

determine this. Although we ask our teachers to 

give students ongoing feedback, their own 

academic cultures are often very different in this 

regard, and many teachers do not always offer 

feedback in a way that enables a student to form a 

reliable opinion of his/her progress. We strongly 

recommend that you ask your professor how you 

are doing, perhaps two weeks after the semester 

has started and again two or three times during the 

session. Don’t wait until mid-term time to do this. 

“Demanding” doesn’t mean the same thing in 

most overseas academic cultures. 

U.S. students are accustomed to forming an idea of 

how demanding a teacher is based on the pressure 

that is applied on a day-to-day basis. In the U.S., if 

a professor repeatedly challenges students to show 

they have read and understood the assignments, 

and then chastises those who can’t answer, 

students will conclude that this is a demanding 

teacher. This doesn’t always happen overseas. 

―Demanding‖ in an overseas context may mean 

simply that the grades awarded at the end of the 

course are lower than those awarded by other 

professors. 

Because of these differences, you need to take 

stock of your situation early and often. If the regular 

clues are not present, you should ask, ―How am I 

doing?‖ If there isn’t yet any basis for the professor 

to answer that question, you should ask, ―What is 

important in this class? What should I be doing in 

order to succeed?‖ Make it your responsibility to 

actively seek confirmation of how well you are doing 

in each course. 

All the CIEE staff, both in the U.S. and at your 

program site, want you to have an enjoyable and 

successful session overseas. We are committed to 

offering top-quality assistance to help you 

understand the host culture and its constraints. 

Please do not hesitate to contact any staff member 

if we can advise you on how best to manage your 

overseas experience. 

Have a great year, learn all that you can about your 

temporary home, and try to bring back an excellent 

and accurate academic record. 

CONCLUSION: THE CHALLENGE IS UP 

TO YOU 

Your stay abroad may be one of the most vital and 

rewarding times of your life. Don’t worry about what 

you are going to miss at school by going overseas. 

You will learn so much abroad! The people you 

meet and the situations you experience may be 

invaluable in the years to come. 

We hope you will arrive prepared to adjust to a way 

of living that is different from your own; to a way of 

thinking that may be, in some cases, more 

traditional, more conventional, and more 

conservative than your own. You will also most likely 

encounter new and different views about the U.S. 

and its people. Take the opportunity to learn from 

these and to clarify misconceptions about the U.S. 

when you can. 

Remember that each person you meet will see you 

as a representative of the United States. If you can 

accept differences cheerfully and with an open mind 

rather than attempting to alter the environment 

around you, you can contribute to a positive 

relationship between the country and the United 

States. 

CIEE wishes you every success during the 

coming months. 


Overall my experience abroad is something that I would not trade 

for anything. Being abroad gave me the opportunity to push 

myself beyond my comfort zone thus increasing my abilities to 

deal with more confidence. My only advice to those coming 

abroad is to constantly push yourself. Venture out on your own 

and don't let your fears deprive you of the opportunity to try 

something new. 

25

Part V: Additional Resources 

SUGGESTED READING LIST 

We urge you to read several of these publications to 

expand your knowledge of Jordan and ease your 

adjustment to Jordanian culture. Many of these 

books can be purchased at your local bookstore or 

may be available for reference at your campus 

study abroad office or local library. 

Must Read 

Nydell, Marget K. (Omar), Understanding Arabs: 

A Guide for Westerners, Intercultural 

Press(2002)* 

Arabic Reference Books 

We recommend that all students bring their previous 

text books. Arabic Dictionaries are required, but it is 

recommended you purchase them in country. 

The following books are also useful resources for 

brushing up on your grammar. 

Al-Kitaab Fii TA Callum Al-Aarabiyya: A Textbook 

for Beginning Arabic: Part Two by Kristen Brustad; 

January 2006. ISBN-13: 9781589010963 

Mastering Arabic by Jane Wightwick; 

November 2004. ISBN-13: 9780781810425 

201 Arabic Verbs: Fully Conjugated in All the Forms 

by Raymond P. Scheindlin; January 1978 

ISBN-13: 9780812005479 

Arabic Verbs and Essentials of Grammar by 

Jane Wightwick; October 1997 

ISBN-13: 9780844246055 

Reference Grammar of Modern Standard Arabic by 

Karin C. Ryding; June 2005 

ISBN-13: 9780521777711 

Books About Jordan 

Queen Noor, Leap of Faith, Phoenix, 2003 

0-75381-756-x 

Salibi, Kamal, The Modern History of Jordan; IB 

Tauris, London (2006) 

Shalim, Avi; The Lion of Jordan; Penguin, 

2007.(recommended!) 

General 

Fernea, Elizabeth Warnock, The Arab World: Forty 

Years of Change; Anchor; Reissue edition (1997) 

Lawrence, T.E. The Seven Pillars of Wisdom; 

Wordsworth Editions Ltd, London (1997) 

Munif, Abd Al-Rahman; Story of a City: A Childhood 

in Amman; Quartet Books (UK); 1st ed edition 

(1998) 

Elias Khoury, Gate of the Sun; Vintage Books, 

London (2006) 

Fadia Faqir, Pillars of Salt; Interlink Press, 

Northampton, (2004) 

History 

Gubser, Peter, Historical Dictionary of the 

Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, Scarecrow 

Press,(1991) 

Hourani, Albert, A History of the Arab Peoples, 

Harvard University Pres 1991 

Islam 

Armstrong, Karen, Islam, Modern Library, 2002 

Politics 

Alan, George, Jordan: Living in the Cross Fire; Zed 

Books, London (2005) 

Lucas, Russell, Institutions And the Politics of 

Survival in Jordan: Domestic Responses to External 

Challenges, 1988-2001; State University of New 

York Press (2006) 

Ryan, Curtis, Jordan in Transition: From Hussein to 

Abdullah, Reinner (2002) 

Feminist Writing 

Ahmad, Laila, Women and Gender in Islam: 

Historical Roots of a Modern Debate, Yale 

University Press, 1993 

Al-Saadawi, Nawal, Woman at Point Zero, St. 

Martin's Press, 1990 

Mernissi, Fatima, Dreams of Trespass: Tales of a 

Harem Girlhood, Addison Wesley Publishing 

Company; 1995 

Books On Cultural Adaptation 

Adaptation to a new culture can be difficult. The 

following reading list contains publications that deal 

specifically with issues of culture shock and the 

difficulties associated with living overseas. Many of 

these books can be purchased at your local 

bookstore or may be available for reference at your 

campus study abroad office or local library. 

26

Citron, James. Short-Term Study Abroad: 

Integration, Third Culture Formation and Reentry, 

NAFSA: Association for International Educators, 

1996. 

Kepets, Dawn. Back in the USA: Reflecting on Your 

Study Abroad Experience, NAFSA: Association for 

International Educators, 1999. 

Kohls, Robert. Survival Kit for Overseas Living: For 

Americans Planning to Live and Work Abroad, 

Intercultural Press, 2001. 

Storti, Craig. The Art of Crossing Cultures (Second 

Edition), Intercultural Press, 2001.* Reccommended 

Storti, Craig. The Art of Coming Home, Intercultural 

Press, 2001. 

Wolfgang, Aaron. Everybody's Guide to People 

Watching, Intercultural Press, 1995. 

USEFUL WEB SITES 

www.ciee.org 

www.travel.state.gov 

www.usc.edu/dept/overseas/links.html 

www.xe.net/ucc 

www.cdc.gov 

www.lonelyplanet.com/destinations/middle 

_east/jordan/ 

http://www.jordanembassyus.org/new/inde 

x.shtml 

www.visitjordan.com 

www.queenrania.jo 

www.Jordantimes.com 

http://www.seejordan.org 

http://www.black-iris.com/ 

http://en.ammonnews.net/ 

CIEE's website. If you have not already, take a look and 

find out about other CIEE activities around the world. 

The U.S. State Department Bureau of Consular Affairs 

home page providing Consular Information Sheets, Travel 

Warnings, U.S. Passport Information and Application 

Procedures, U.S. Consulate and Embassy Addresses 

Abroad, and U.S. Customs Information. 

The Overseas Studies Office at the University of Southern 

California maintains an extensive website with a number of 

relevant links under topics including cross cultural 

information, currency conversion/ money abroad, financial 

aid, government sites, health and safety issues, insurance, 

passports and visas, phone codes and time zones, 

weather, and transportation. 

Curent exchange rates. 

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Provides 

updated information on required immunization and regional 

health advisories for travelers. 

On-line travel guide to Amman from the very respected 

Lonely Planet series of travel guides. 

Official website of the Embassy of The Hashemite 

Kingdom of Jordan 

Official Website of the Jordan Tourism Board 

Queen Rania’s official cite, including her YouTube link 

Web based daily news magazine covering Jordan and the 

Middle East that includes daily press reviews, television 

reports, business news, and original articles. 

Official website of the Jordanian National Tourist Office. 

Offers an overview of Jordan today and helpful travel tips. 

The Black Iris - Highlight of the local blogosphere. Different 

angle on the country. 

Ammon News in English – English version of a popular 

news website locally produced and for a local audience. 

Again, very different perspective on Jordan and current 

events. 

27

SUGGESTED PACKING CHECKLIST 

Naturally you'll want to pack what best reflects your own lifestyle and taste, but CIEE recommends you 

consider cultural norms and the necessity of covering up much, much more than you are used to when 

studying in Jordan. You cannot dress as you like here and will need to change your behavior. This goes for 

males as well as females. 

Important Documents 

Airline ticket (make sure it’s a return ticket!) 

CIEE Student Handbook and pre-departure 

materials 

Credit card 

Home Advisor's address, fax,and e-mail 

International Student Identity Card 

INext card 

Passport/Photocopy of passport (keep 

separate from passport) 

Traveler's checks/List of traveler's check 

numbers (keep separate) 

Clothing 

Bring a range of clothing suitable for warm and 

cool temperatures. Jordanians tend to dress up 

more than Americans, so bring some nicer, more 

professional items and plan to look neat when 

attending class. Note that you will need to alter 

your normal style of dress to accommodate 

local norms. 

A scarf, gloves and a hat (it get’s cold) 

Long underwear or extra warm pajamas 

Water sandals 

Hiking shoes 

For women, a camisole to tuck into your 

low-rise jeans or pants so as to prevent 

your skin from showing. 

If you work out- track suits with long pants 

Shoes or boots that keep your feet warm 

and dry – when it does rain, it pours! 

A bathing suit 

Bathrobe, slippers and/or flip flops for 

wearing inside the homestay 

Jeans or pants that are smart casual for 

class. 

Shirts that cover your chest, upper arms 

and belly. 

Things NOT to bring to Jordan 

Shorts – for guys and women 

Tank tops, for guys and women 

Anything that reveals your belly, hips, 

cleavage, shoulders or legs. 

Anything with beer logos, American flags, 

pictures of naked women or other cultural 

inappropriate items! 

Anything sheer or see-through 

Low rise jeans 

And again, no shorts for men or women! 

You may bring knee length gym shorts for 

the sole and explicit purpose of exercise 

in an enclosed gender appropriate gym 

as long as you never wear the shorts 

outside in public. 

Academic 

You will need to bring a copy of Al-Kitaab by 

Battal, Brunstad and Tonsi (Georgetown Press). 

Most of you use this text book in your home 

classes. Bring your current text book and the next 

one in the series. Absolute beginners, students 

who have never studied Arabic, should bring book 

I and Alif Ba. If you have used another text book 

series, the best gauge will be your on-site 

placement test. However, a safe bet is to buy the 

volumne that corresponds to the number of years 

you have studied Arabic: 0-1 years – Book 1, 2 

years – Book 2 and 3 years book 3. CIEE has 

reference copies of these series on-site, as well 

as used text-books from previous semesters. 

General* 

110/220 volt current converter with European 

outlet adapter 

Address book, including e-mail 

Backpack/overnight bag for traveling 

Contact lens solution 

Flashlight 

Gifts/photos from home 

Glasses or contact lenses, extra pair, 

prescription 

Guidebook (Rough Guide, Lonely Planet, etc) 

Dual voltage hair dryer 

Hosteller’s sack/sleeping bag (optional) 

Laptop with electrical adapter and security/theft 

recovery software 

Medication you are taking in sufficient supply for 

the term and a copy of the prescriptions 

Medicine kit, small: antacid, anti-diarrhea 

medicine, aspirin, band-aids, cold medicine 

Money belt or pouch 

Recipes of favorite meals 

Sewing kit 

Sunglasses, good pair 

Sunscreen and baseball cap or safari hat 

28

Miscellaneous* 

Travel umbrella 

Travel alarm clock 

Beach towel 

Blanket 

Any medication you are taking and a copy of 

the prescription 

Backpack for traveling 

Pictures of your home/family/ friends 

Basic items like soap, toothpaste, sanitary 

supplies, and the like are relatively inexpensive. 

There are lots of inexpensive substitutes for 

U.S. brands and second hand options for things 

you forget. 

*Many of these items are optional and depend on 

your own preferences. If you have any questions 

about packing please feel free to contact us. 

29

Part I: The CIEE Program in Amman - UW Study Abroad

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