No previous Arabic language experience is required, but an application may be strengthened by demonstrating specific efforts to learn Arabic (e.g., classroom study, a tutor, or the regular use of resources online).  If selected as a finalist, you may be required to document that Arabic work.  Do not let a lack of Arabic experience keep you from applying!  Interest in Arabic and motivation for a cross-cultural experience abroad are key factors in the selection process. 

Participants are responsible for up to (approximately) $1,500 of the program cost. This is expected to be "high end" -- in other words, the amount could be lower and will differ due to personal approaches and preferences. Personal expenses will include the purchase of a passport; most meals and some ground transportation in Washington, D.C. and Jordan; laundry fees; spending money for souvenirs and personal items; and telephone calls home (wireless Internet will be available at the program hotel, at the University of Jordan, and at Internet cafes in the area).  Previous participants have received financial assistance  from civic organizations, school boards, and other local sources. 

All other program expenses will be covered through grant funds (a scholarship of approximately $10,000), including domestic and international airfare, Arabic language instruction, lodging, cell phones, most ground transportation, field trips, medical insurance, all breakfasts in Jordan, and a small stipend for other meals throughout the summer. 

Application Process

 

Step 1: 

 

If you do not have a passport already but hope to participate in Journey to Jordan (i.e., optimistic about being selected!), you should obtain one as soon as possible.  Students selected for the program will be required to provide us with the passport number and other details in late May.  Important note:  if you already have a passport, it MUST be valid for six months beyond the program END date.  If it is not, obtain a new one, no exceptions.

 

Do not worry about obtaining a visa, we will accomplish that as a group at a later date.

 

You may find yourself waiting several weeks for a passport, it can be a risky process.  Click here for the regular passport application process.  If you wait until participants are selected in mid-May, you may be out of luck unless using the special expedited service.  You will have time to use that service if selected, but...things do go wrong.  It may be wise to invest in the expedited service immediately if you plan to apply for Journey to Jordan.  The bottom line: 

no passport by late May, no participation in the program, no exceptions.

 

Step 2: 

 

The application package includes several sections, eight pages in all.  For a PDF (Adobe) file with all sections, click here.  To download the free Adobe viewer software, visit this website. 

Submit your application to the address below by the May 8 deadline.* 

Review the application several times to avoid errors and omissions.  A GPA of 3.0 is required, which must be documented by a copy of your full transcript, every high school semester.  Highlight the cumulative GPA, make it obvious to us.  Transcripts (or other school documentation) with no cumulative GPA will not qualify.  When writing the essays, be sure to address the questions specifically, stay on topic. 

Some of the forms accompanying the application are "generic" (used across a wide range of programs).  Do not be confused by some of the wording (e.g., the "withdrawal and refund schedule" mentioned in the Statement of Responsibility).  The Journey to Jordan withdrawal policy is stated on page two of the main application form.  Should a participant withdraw during the program, all other Statement of Responsibility rules will apply. 

Step 3

Telephone interviews of finalists will be conducted during the weekend of May 10-11.  If you are an optimist, mark that on your calendar.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

*There will be no exceptions to the May 8 application deadline.  UW-Green Bay will make no effort to inform applicants about any sections missing from the application, including letters of recommendation being sent by others.  Double-check your application, remind those submitting letters of recommendation, and be sure that everything is delivered in a way that guarantees arrival at UW-Green Bay by May 8.

 

Jay Harris
University of Wisconsin-Green Bay
International Projects Office
2420 Nicolet Drive, WH 303
Green Bay, WI  54311