Journey to Jordan IV
       Arabic Language and Culture

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Jordan Flag

 

The University of Wisconsin–Green Bay announces
Journey to Jordan, a scholarship program
worth $10,000* for students (ages 15-18). 

A diverse group of 15 students has been selected
to participate in this once-in-a-lifetime experience.



Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State,
Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs


We piloted the Arabic language program in Jordan for the U.S. Dept. of State in 2006 and won the grant for similar programs in 2007 and 2008.The funding for critical language programs is now being administered on behalf of the State Dept. by a consortium headed by the American Councils for International Education (ACIE). The Consortium advertised the program nationally and selected participants. The application deadline was February 2.  NSLI for Youth website

We submitted a successful proposal for a fourth annual Journey to Jordan and can now announce our summer 2009 return officially thanks to a grant awarded on the basis of our previous success. The program will resemble those in previous years. 

 

 

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The Journey to Jordan crew will meet in Washington, D.C. for pre-departure orientation, followed by seven weeks in Jordan, including a six-week Arabic language institute at the University of Jordan in Amman.

Program components:

  • Modern Standard and colloquial Arabic classes for two groups of students,  beginning and intermediate levels, at the University of Jordan’s Language Center.  Four hours of Arabic study each day, five days per week, with additional study outside of class, including experiences that reinforce the learning of colloquial Arabic. 

  • Pre-departure learning online using podcasts and other resources, with assistance from instructors of Arabic.  Participants will arrive in Jordan knowing the alphabet, key words and phrases, and other things that will help ease them into the institute.

  • Pre-departure activities in Washington, D.C., including: cross-cultural orientation; “Arabic in Careers" presentations by professionals in various sectors; meetings with NGOs active in the Middle East; visits to Washington museums and monuments; and a briefing at the Embassy of Jordan.  

  • Cultural immersion activities in Jordan including:  field trips to places like  Petra, the “Lost City of Stone,” museums, government offices, multinational organizations, and other special places of interest; community service and civil society projects with Jordanian youth organizations; a home stay with a Jordanian host family.

  • Accompanied for the duration by two Arabic-speaking American program staff who have worked and/or  lived in the region. For more about staff, see the "Letter to Parents."

  • Follow-on learning online upon return; ongoing contact with new American and Jordanian friends, more Arabic/English learning for all!

* Participants will pay only for passports and incidentals such as optional field trips, toiletries, souvenirs, snacks, laundry, and telephone calls home. 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, meals, cell phones, most ground transportation, sponsored field trips, and medical insurance.

Jay Harris
University of Wisconsin-Green Bay
International Projects Office
2420 Nicolet Drive, WH 303
Green Bay, WI  54311
harrisja@uwgb.edu
Tel:   (920) 465-5145
Fax:  (920) 465-2043