CIEE-Amman: Advanced Arabic Language

Program Details

Program Location Amman, Jordan
Sponsor CIEE
Program Type Co-sponsored
Course # SA 31028
Duration Semester
Upcoming Program Dates
Fall 2025 09/14/25 to 12/23/25
Spring 2025 01/18/25 to 05/09/25
Current Program Dates
Fall 2024 08/24/24 to 12/13/24
Page Links
Click here to apply for this program!
Please Note: Programs may be altered or adapted with little notice

Overview

In this program, students can take their Arabic skills to the next level in Amman, the most populous city of Jordan and the country’s economic, political, and cultural center.

Those with advanced Arabic skills take a combination of language, history, and literature courses taught in Arabic. Students can also make strides in language learning by volunteering at local schools in a rural community or Amman-based organizations that work with under-served communities.

During the program, students agree to speak only Arabic to encourage language and cultural acquisition.

For more program information, please visit the program website. This program is sponsored by:CIEE.

Eligibility

The program is open to Purdue students who have completed at least two semesters of university study by the start of the program. Successful candidates will demonstrate academic success, maturity and a desire to experience another culture.

Additional requirements:  3.3 GPA in Modern Standard Arabic. Students must be able to pass an on-site Arabic proficiency exam (e.g., mastered the concepts covered in the Al-Kitaab series through the second book or equivalent and demonstrate oral proficiency at the intermediate mid- to intermediate-high level on the ACTFL scale). Students have two chances to meet the course requirements on the placement exam, and if they do not, they will be automatically enrolled in the CIEE-Amman: Middle East Studies program.

GPA Requirement: 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
Language Requirement: 4 Sem Arabic


Purdue Credit

Direct Credit available from the following: [College of Liberal Arts]

Students interested in completing courses while abroad from Purdue colleges or departments that are not listed above should discuss this with their study abroad advisor before applying to the program.


Academic Program

The Advanced Arabic Language program provides students with a full immersion experience commensurate with their abilities and proficiency level. All courses are taught in Arabic and include both subject area content and language instruction. This approach enables students to develop a high level of proficiency in Arabic and gain an in-depth understanding of the culture as well as important issues facing Jordan and the Middle East today. In addition, the program has a language commitment that students agree to at the start of the program during orientation. Students are placed in classes depending on their proficiency level which is determine by the on-site placement test.


Excursions

All courses are complemented with CIEE co-curricular activities and excursions beyond the city to enhance classroom learning and provide intercultural understanding. Meals are provided on excursions.

Potential excursions and activities may include:

  • Taking part in a mid-semester rural retreat in the Jordan Valley or the south of Jordan, with community engagement activities.
  • Visit Jordan's archeological, historical, and natural wonders - all with Arabic-speaking guides.
  • Participate in weekly co-curricular activities to develop your Arabic Language skills and understanding the culture.

Housing

Students live with a host family or in self-catered apartments with other program participants.

Apartments:  al-Bayt al-‘Arabi is available pending a minimum number of program participants opting for this housing choice. It requires students to maintain the language commitment among themselves. Students opting for al-Bayt al-‘Arabi should be aware that their space will also regularly serve as communal space and host informal and formal activities for the entire Advanced Arabic Language program.

Homestays:  students will normally have breakfast and a main meal with their families during the week and may have all meals with them on the weekends. Students are responsible for weekday lunches. 


Estimated Program Costs

Students pursuing program participation accept financial responsibility. Purdue will take measures to mitigate financial risks, although will not be liable for loss.
 
Students should carefully note what costs need to be paid to Purdue University or to a co-sponsor or agency, and what costs need to be paid at the overseas study location.  This will vary by program.

The Program and Housing Fees include: Tuition, on-site orientation, housing, and excursions. Depending on the housing choice, some meals might be included.

 

Costs for this program are estimated and subject to change. The cost figures listed below are for: Fall 2025

Costs per semester to be billed by Purdue and Co-sponsor
Program Fee $16,506.00
Study Abroad Fee $914.10
Housing $3,250.00
Insurance $194.00

Approximate additional costs per semester
To be paid by the student.
Round-trip Airfare $1,200.00
Local Transportation $1,200.00
Visa $60.00
Books and Supplies $150.00
Meals $560.00
Miscellaneous Personal Expenses $0.00 - $285.00
Travel Documents (passport, photos) $175.00

Financial Aid

CIEE has scholarships available, more information can be found HERE.

Purdue University financial aid may be applied to the costs of studying abroad. Students interested in receiving financial aid should

NOTE:  Recipients of certain tuition remission and scholarship programs should pay careful attention to the regulations for using those benefits for study abroad.  Ask your financial aid advisor about any limitations.

Click here for a list of scholarships and grants available to assist with the costs of studying overseas.


Application Deadlines

For full consideration, students must submit all supporting documents (typically an essay, transcripts, 1-2 recommendations, and copy of passport) before or by the application deadline.  Popular programs fill quickly, often before the deadline. To ensure a place in a program, apply early.

As soon as a student submits an online application, a My Study Abroad account is created. Applicants should consult this page often to check on the status of the application.

Program Application Deadline
Fall Semester Programs Mar 1
Spring Semester Programs Sep 15



Returnees Information

Click below to search for Purdue students who have participated in this program and are willing to be contacted.  If you get no results, you can use the search form to find people who studied in the country you are interested in.


Resources

The websites listed below contain information about this program. The accuracy of information at external sites cannot be guaranteed.


For more information on this program, please contact the Study Abroad Office by phone (765) 494-2383 or email studyabroad@purdue.edu.