Jordan Study Abroad Program
Petra, Jordan
Program Overview
In conjunction with the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities, George Fox students can participate in the Middle East Studies Program (MESP), based in Amman Jordan. The program seeks to prepare students to live the Christian life in a world that is religiously and culturally pluralistic, and offers CCCU students the opportunity to explore the complex and strategic world of the modern Middle East.
The interdisciplinary seminars give students the opportunity to explore the diverse religious, social, cultural and political traditions of Middle Eastern peoples. Students also study the Arabic language and work as volunteers with various organizations. You will experience intense encounters that manifest different worldviews while living in a supportive MESP community.
Through travel, MESP students are exposed to the diversity and dynamism of the region. At a time of tension and change in the Middle East, MESP encourages and equips students to relate to the Muslim world in an informed, constructive and Christ-centered manner.
Course Content
Four interdisciplinary seminars are offered: Islamic Thought and Practice, Conflict and Change in the Middle East, Peoples and Cultures of the Middle East, and Introduction to Arabic Language.
Interactions
An integral aspect of any cross-cultural educational experience is time to interact with citizens of the host country. The MESP includes opportunities for interaction with local Jordanians, guest speakers, and service project personnel. Because of these and other events like home stays, students are able to experience the life, language, and hospitality of the local culture.
You will learn more about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict from a non-partisan perspective and grow spiritually as you learn about Middle Eastern Christianity and its interaction with Islam.
Excursions
You will travel, conditions permitting, to some of the oldest continually-inhabited cities in the world, and journey to Turkey, Morocco, Israel and Palestine.
Housing
You will be living in a furnished apartment in the western part of Amman, Jordan. The apartments are in the same family apartment complex as the MESP staff. The building is located in a quiet residential neighborhood within easy walking distance of stores, restaurants, coffee shops, banking, transportation, parks, and more.
All of the apartments are fully furnished and have washing machines and wireless internet. Each apartment houses at least four students and, in most cases, bedrooms are shared. You will also spend several days living with a local family. A weekly stipend for personal groceries, plus some shared meals, will be provided. All meals will also be provided during regional travel. Washing machines are available at no cost (you must provide your own detergent and fabric softener).
Program Fees & Eligibility
You pay your regular George Fox tuition and room and board and continue to receive all of your financial aid. Due to the high cost of some programs, an additional fee may be charged. You are responsible for round-trip airfare. There also may be an additional charge for a visa. The fee does include emergency travel insurance.
To apply, you must be a full-time undergraduate student with junior or senior status, holding a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher.
Application Process
Applying to the program is a two-step process, requiring that you complete both a George Fox and external site application. Visit the Application Page to get specific details. Once you’ve completed the George Fox application, we will provide you with information to apply to the Middle East Studies program.