http://www.middlebury.edu/study-abroad/jordan
Director: Kerstin Wilsch, Ph.D.
kwilsch@middlebury.edu
Assistant Director: Hope Fitzgerald, MA hfitzgerald@middlebury.edu
Resident Coordinator: Mohammad Alabbadi malabbadi@middlebury.edu
Resident Coordinator: Elsa Belmont Flores ebelmont@middlebury.edu
Middlebury School in the Middle East
Language Center, University of Jordan
Amman, Jordan
Phone: (00962)(6) 5355000 Ext.: 23705
International Programs and Off-Campus Study
Sunderland Language Center
Middlebury College
Middlebury, VT 05753 tel. 802-443-5745 fax. 802-443-3157 schoolsabroad@middlebury.edu
Please note that information in this handbook is subject to change.
Copyright 2010 by Middlebury College. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photographic or otherwise, without the prior written permission of
Middlebury College.

Dear Students,
Congratulations on your decision to study with the C.V. Starr-Middlebury School in Amman, Jordan.
I would personally like to welcome you and tell you what to expect.
Welcome to Amman, a city that is one of the oldest, most continuously inhabited cities in the world.
Because of its central location in the Arab world, Amman has always been a melting pot of diverse cultures, and as the capital and biggest city of Jordan, it is one of the great cultural centers of the
Middle East.
Your classes will be located in the Language Center on the campus of University of Jordan near other faculties, university buildings, and facilities. Being on campus is a great advantage and the best advice
I can give you is to engage with the students, and spend time with your Jordanian peers as much as possible. This opportunity to interact with young Jordanian students will help you communicate in an authentic linguistic context. The Language Center is also close to many internet cafés, print and copy shops, restaurants, and other services that you may need for your everyday life. Amman is as diverse as its people, and I encourage you to explore and discover the language and cultures of the people.
The city is generally safe and the people are friendly. However, you will encounter some challenges.
At times you will have to deal with the difficulties and frustrations of adapting to a totally different culture and environment. Be ready for the challenge if you want to make the best out of your stay. I will be there for you, and so will the rest of our staff. We shall help you settle in and feel comfortable. Please do not hesitate to contact me or email me if you have any questions. I will be happy to help.
Inshaallah, Amman will feel like home and your stay will be worthwhile and unforgettable.
Looking forward to meeting you in Amman soon!
Sincerely,
Kerstin Wilsch
Director
C.V Starr-Middlebury School in the Middle East

Pre-departure Information _________________________________________________ 1
Approximate Program Costs _____________________________________________ 1
Expenses ____________________________________________________________ 1
Student Visas _________________________________________________________ 1
Jordanian Consulates in the U.S. __________________________________________ 2
Customs ___________________________________________________________ 2
Registering with the U.S. Department of State ______________________________ 3
International Students ________________________________________________ 3
Travel to Jordan _______________________________________________________ 3
Airline Reservations __________________________________________________ 3
Flying to Jordan _____________________________________________________ 3
Departures from Jordan _______________________________________________ 4
TSA Regulations ____________________________________________________ 4
Airline Luggage Regulations ____________________________________________ 4
Immunizations ______________________________________________________ 4
Checklist of things to pack _____________________________________________ 4
General Packing Suggestions ___________________________________________ 5
Other suggested items: ________________________________________________ 5
Climate and Clothing _________________________________________________ 6
Bed and Bath Linens _________________________________________________ 6
Toiletries __________________________________________________________ 6
Prescriptions _______________________________________________________ 6
Electrical Appliances _________________________________________________ 7
Computers _________________________________________________________ 7
Gifts ______________________________________________________________ 7
Arrival in Jordan ________________________________________________________ 8
Immigration __________________________________________________________ 8
How to Get to Amman _________________________________________________ 8
Orientation __________________________________________________________ 8
Academic and Administrative Matters ________________________________________ 9
Host University _______________________________________________________ 9
Credit _______________________________________________________________ 9
All Undergraduates __________________________________________________ 9
Middlebury Undergraduates ____________________________________________ 9
Students from other Colleges & Universities _______________________________ 9
Registration __________________________________________________________ 9
Typical Academic Schedule ______________________________________________ 10
Placement/Proficiency Exams ____________________________________________ 10
Student-Teacher Interaction and Classroom Etiquette __________________________ 10
Learning Outside the Classroom __________________________________________ 11
Internships _________________________________________________________ 11
Community Engagement ______________________________________________ 11
Cultural Activities ____________________________________________________ 11
Living in Jordan _________________________________________________________ 12
Housing _____________________________________________________________ 12
Homestays _________________________________________________________ 12

Apartments ________________________________________________________ 12
Meeting Jordanians_____________________________________________________ 13
Heritage Learners ______________________________________________________ 14
Travel within Jordan____________________________________________________ 14
Transportation in Amman _____________________________________________ 14
Travel outside the Host Country __________________________________________ 15
Health and Safety ________________________________________________________ 15
Sexual Assault and Harassment ___________________________________________ 16
Drugs _______________________________________________________________ 16
Water _______________________________________________________________ 16
Tips for Safety in Jordan ________________________________________________ 17
Medical Care _________________________________________________________ 18
Hospitals ____________________________________________________________ 18
Mental Health & Counseling _____________________________________________ 18
On-Site Money Matters ___________________________________________________ 19
Currency Exchange ____________________________________________________ 19
Money and Banking ____________________________________________________ 19
Accessing Money ____________________________________________________ 19
Bank Cards _________________________________________________________ 19
Credit Cards ________________________________________________________ 19
Emergency Cash ____________________________________________________ 19
Communication with Home and Friends ______________________________________ 20
Communication and Immersion ___________________________________________ 20
Language Pledge ______________________________________________________ 20
Means of Communication _______________________________________________ 20
Mail ______________________________________________________________ 20
E-Mail ____________________________________________________________ 21
VOIP – Voice Over Internet Protocol ____________________________________ 21
Phones ____________________________________________________________ 21
Fax/Copy/Scan _____________________________________________________ 21
Local Resources _________________________________________________________ 22
Emergency Numbers _________________________________________________ 22
U.S. Embassy in Jordan _______________________________________________ 22
Telephone directory information: ________________________________________ 22
Calling Card Access Numbers __________________________________________ 22
Taxi Service ________________________________________________________ 22
Shopping __________________________________________________________ 22
Program Calendar 2015-2016 _______________________________________________ 22

The following website provides an estimate of program costs for full and half-year students as of
February 2015. Middlebury College will bill you for the program fee and housing (as well as the
$1,425 per semester study abroad fee for Middlebury students); the remaining expenses will be outof-pocket. Figures may vary depending on individual lifestyles and situations. Please note that the
“personal” figure covers most necessities and does not and is not intended to include students’ discretionary spending (e.g. exploring Amman, entertainment and travel). http://www.middlebury.edu/study-abroad/jordan/fees
In general, you should plan to spend as much in a given month in Jordan as you would at home; though if you are accustomed to living on a residential campus with a meal plan, you might at first be surprised by how quickly meals and taxis can add up.
Keep in mind that the amount of money you spend ultimately depends on the lifestyle you choose.
Western-style cafes and restaurants in West Amman are often more expensive than in the U.S.. One staff member noted, “I would even make a direct relationship here: the less money you spend, the better the experience. Think of yourselves as travelers rather than tourists. Oftentimes, the in-country facilities used by foreign tourists are not those used by the locals…”
Excursions are planned each semester to culturally significant locations in Jordan such as Wadi
Rum, the Dead Sea, a nature reserve and Petra. These excursions are partially subsidized by the program, and sometimes include subsidies for Jordanian mentors or friends to be able to travel with
School in the Middle East participants. Students’ out-of-pocket costs for these excursions typically run between $150 and $250 per semester (optional activities during excursions, such as camel rides, bike rentals, etc. will be at the student’s expense).
Remember to budget extra if you are planning to travel before or after your program or in the semester break. If you are a big spender at home, budgeting more money would be a good idea.
Jordan issues visas to U.S. citizens and many other nationalities for a fee at most international ports of entry and at most international land border crossings upon arrival. The visa currently costs 40 JD
(about $60 USD) for a single entry. However, visas are not issued upon arrival at the King
Hussein/Allenby Bridge land border crossing.
( http://jordan.usembassy.gov/travel_jordan_region.html
)
Single-semester students may obtain a six-month, multi-entry visa from the consulate in
Washington D.C. or the consular office nearest you before you travel to Jordan--you can find the visa application forms here . (U.S. citizens and citizens of Western Europe need only submit Form
A.) The visa costs $97.50 for two entries, and $187.50 for a multiple entry visa. If you obtain a
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double-entry visa, you will need to leave and reenter the country within two-months from your initial arrival. The multi-entry visa is valid for six months. (Traveling to Palestine and Israel does not require purchasing a visa on re-entry.)
Once you are in Amman, our staff in Amman will assist you with registering and extending your visa.
Academic-year students may simply purchase the visa at the airport on arrival, for 40 JD (about
$67.50 USD), which you will then convert to a residency permit for one year through the University in Jordan. Our on-site staff will assist in this process, which may include visiting a health clinic for a blood test at a cost of 30 JD. Once you have your residency permit, you will be able to exit and reenter the country without obtaining a new visa.
Citizens of other countries should ask the Jordanian Embassy in the U.S. or their home country for help in determining their requirements. Citizens of some countries, such as Afghanistan, Iraq,
Pakistan, and India, should be aware that you might have to apply for a visa before coming to Jordan and that the visa and residency processes may take several months.
Detroit, MI
28551 Southfield Road, Suite 203
Lathrup Village, Michigan 48076
Tel: (248) 557 4377
Fax: (248) 557 4517
Hickory Hills, IL
12559 South Holiday Drive
Alsip, IL 60803
Tel: (708) 272 6665
Tel: (708) 272 6666
Fax: (708) 385 5894
San Francisco, CA
972 Mission Street, 4th Floor
San Francisco, California 94103
Tel: (415) 546 1155
Fax: (415) 546 4041
Washington, DC
3504 International Drive, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20008
Tel: (202) 966 - 2861, (202) 966 - 2887, (202) 966 - 2909, (202) 966 - 8757
Fax: (202) 686 - 4491 hkjconsular@jordanembassyus.org
If you plan to bring any new, non-U.S.-made articles of value, such as cameras, MP3 players, computers, bicycles, or jewelry that are LESS THAN 6 MONTHS OLD, you should register them with U.S. Customs and Border Protection before departure ( CBP Form 4457 ). Alternately, you can carry your original sales receipts to prove that you purchased them in the U.S. This will help you avoid having to pay a duty upon your return. Customs regulations vary from country to country; there are usually limitations on liquor, cigarettes, and other goods.
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All students who are U.S. citizens are required to register with the U.S. Embassy in Jordan via the
State Department’s “STEP” program. Registering allows embassy officials to provide you with important information related to your travel plans and safety matters. In the event of international, political, or family emergencies, or in the event that a passport is lost or stolen, the U.S. Embassy will be much better able to assist registered citizens. Please visit the Department of State’s website and follow the links to register: https://step.state.gov/step/ .
Please print the confirmation page after you have registered; leave one copy at home and take a copy with you.
Students of other nationalities should check to see if it is possible to register with their own embassy in Jordan.
If you are an international student, you should meet with the international student advising staff at your home institution as early as possible to discuss how study abroad may affect your international student status in the United States and the ways it may impact your future plans.
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requires re-entry documents for some foreign nationals. If you are living in the U.S. but are a citizen of another country, check with the
USCIS to determine the regulations that apply to you and be sure to obtain all necessary re-entry documents before you leave the United States.
Students are responsible for making their own flight arrangements to the orientation in Amman. We recommend using a student travel agency for flexibility and the best rates:
 www.studentuniverse.com
 www.statravel.com
 www.travelcuts.com
Flights from the U.S. can go either into Amman or into Aqaba (with a stop or two in Europe first); routes vary greatly by carrier, and it is much more convenient to fly to Amman and land in Queen
Alia International Airport, since it is only about 30 minutes away from the city center in Amman.
There are two airports in Amman, Queen Alia International airport (AMM) and Marka airport (ADJ).
Queen Alia Airport is the main international airport and the best option if you choose to fly to
Amman.
The on-site staff will email incoming students to share their arrival information about a week before the program begins, so that you know if anyone else is arriving on the same flight.
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Return tickets should be booked according to the calendar on the School in the Middle East website .
No departures will be allowed earlier than the dates noted, except in the case of medical emergency.
You may wish to leave yourself some time for further travel in Jordan or the region at the end of the program .
The Transportation Security Administration regulates what items may be carried aboard the aircraft and, as these regulations are subject to change frequently, you should consult their website close to your date of departure. Possessing certain items while going through security may result in
fines of $250 - $1,500 or, in the case of firearms, may be considered a criminal offense.
You should contact your airline to confirm exact luggage allowances. We strongly suggest you stick to these guidelines, or be prepared to pay excess baggage fees, which can be quite expensive.
Students continuing on a domestic flight within your country of destination should be aware that domestic flights usually have more strict baggage requirements than international flights.
Some travel insurance is included under the HTH Worldwide policy, which is the policy students will be covered under for the entire time that you are on the Middlebury program. Furthermore, it is possible that you are covered under a policy held by your parents, so investigate this prior to departure.
Although no agency requires proof of any immunizations for travel to Jordan, experts strongly recommend that travelers consider taking some precautions. The Center for Disease Control recommends the following vaccines:
 Hepatitis A, and Hepatitis B
 Rabies
 Typhoid
 Booster doses for tetanus-diphtheria, measles, and polio as needed
You should consult with your own health care provider to determine which immunizations you should obtain. Some immunizations can take at least 4-6 weeks to take effect, so please see your physician in ample time. If you plan to travel to other countries in the Middle East be sure to check the CDC website to find out if they require immunizations for any of the areas to which you plan to travel. If you think you may be traveling to a country that requires proof of inoculations for entry, you should obtain an International Certificate of Vaccination through the World Health
Organization : (202) 861-3200.
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Schools Abroad General Handbook
This Handbook
Passport, valid for at least 6 months after the end of the program (and photocopy)
Airline Ticket/Itinerary (and photocopy)
International Student Identity Card (optional)
Insurance information (from HTH and any additional health and/or travel insurance)
Certified copy of your birth certificate (in case your passport is lost or stolen)
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Debit and Credit Cards (and photocopy of front and back so you can have the information on hand should you need it).
Medications in original containers
Plan your packing carefully, keeping in mind that you will have to carry all of your own luggage while traveling. This means TRAVEL LIGHTLY. We cannot emphasize this strongly enough.
Consider what you will use for luggage. Durable backpacks are lightweight and easy to carry. As you pack for the flight over, also keep in mind that you will be carrying this same luggage by yourself, sometimes over great distances or in crowded places. Take things that are easy to manage and avoid over-packing. One rule of thumb is to walk around the block with your bags, then re-pack. It is also prudent to bring at least one bag or container that can be securely locked for storage of money or valuables, and a smaller bag that can be used for weekend trips out of town. You may want to bring a waterproof bag, if you already have one (may be useful during trips). It is also possible to buy decent, inexpensive clothes in flea markets in Amman.
You should be prepared for extremes in weather. The following are average low/high temperatures in Jordan (in Fahrenheit):
September Jan-Feb
March
April
May
40-55
45-62
50-73
60-82
63-86
October 58-80
November
December
49-67
40-55
Bring clothing that is comfortable, durable, culturally appropriate, and suited for the climate. It is a good idea to bring clothes that can be easily layered during the winter months because of the fluctuations in daily temperatures, and because most flats and
public buildings do not have central heating.
Washing machines are usually available (you should bear in mind that water is scarce in Jordan though).
Choose permanent press, and drip-dry materials; durable fabrics are preferable. Bring a few items for different occasions: sports, classes, and dress occasions.
You will be walking a great deal, and Amman is a hilly city. Comfortable walking shoes are essential. Flip-flops are a good idea for showers, but are not a good idea for walking around the city, as they provide minimal traction and no support for your feet. (The streets and sidewalks of Amman are likely dirtier than you are used to, as well.)
We recommend that you do not bring valuables.
:
 Overnight bag for short trips out of town
 Shoulder bag or backpack for daily use and hiking
 Swiss army knife (in checked bag)
 Basic medication like bandaids, pain relievers, cold medicine and Pepto bismol
 Zip-lock bags to use for wet clothes and other small items
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 Plastic containers for medicines, cosmetics, etc.
 Travel-sized sewing kit (in checked bag)
 Camera, film/memory cards, batteries, chargers
 Small address book
 Multi-vitamins
 Money belt
 Tour guide of the region (Lonely Planet, Rough Guide, or other)
 Plug adaptors – Jordan predominantly uses the European-style plug (these are also easily purchased in Amman)
For men, it is improper to wear shorts above the knee in most places in the city. You might bring one pair for wearing on trips to touristy areas.
For women, bring comfortable clothes that you also enjoy wearing. Amman is not as conservative as other Arab countries and you will see all types of clothing. Many Jordanian girls wear very tight clothes and a hijab, but they are held to a different standard and people often turn a blind eye as long as they have their hair covered. You could bring a pair of both looser jeans and skinny jeans, also shirts that vary in modesty, but definitely bring at least one modest outfit for an occasion that you might need it. It's important to dress semi-modestly but also feel good about what you're wearing since you'll attract attention as a foreign woman regardless of how “loose” your clothing is. In
Amman and in non-touristy areas of the country, it’s best to cover your shoulders and your legs to the ankles. Also, bring nightwear that covers your body or a light dressing gown. This is especially important if you stay with a family with male members.
We do not recommend that you bring sheets, blankets, or pillows with you. They are too heavy and take up too much space in your luggage. Your host families will provide them for you, and these items can also be easily purchased in Jordan.
Toiletries are readily available throughout most of Jordan. If you are particular about brands, you may want to pack an appropriate supply of the articles you regularly use. Many American brands can be bought in Jordan although local brands are less expensive. If you wear contact lenses, you may want to bring enough solution with you to last your entire stay as it is quite a bit more expensive in
Jordan. Sunscreen is also very expensive in Jordan.
If you are taking any medication that is not available in Jordan, you should bring a full supply of what you will need with you. (It is a good idea to check the HTH Worldwide website , after you’ve received confirmation that you’ve been enrolled in the insurance plan, to make sure that your medications are available and legal in Jordan.) Mailing medicines across international borders is complex and often impossible. Prescription medicines should be left in the original containers. It is also suggested that you carry the original prescription or a note from your doctor to avoid questioning. Please also note that in the event that a prescription must be replaced in Jordan, you should have the generic name of your medication on the prescription, in addition to the U.S. brand name. Some medications are available in Jordan without a prescription, but you should not count on this. Contraceptives can easily be purchased and do not need a prescription.
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If you are under a doctor’s care for a specific condition, you may want to bring a copy of your medical history with you or sign a release form with your doctor in case your medical history needs to be sent to a doctor in Jordan.
Most electrical current in Jordan is 220 volts/50 cycles, rather than the 110 volts/60 cycles found in the United States. It is not recommended to bring small appliances (hair dryer, electric razor, etc), as these appliances will burn out immediately without an electrical converter, which can be expensive.
Most mobile phones and laptops do not require a converter (just a plug adapter, easily purchased in
Amman), but always check your chargers carefully before plugging them in in Jordan to be sure they automatically adapt to the 220/50 current.
Most students opt to bring laptops to Amman, and we recommend this for keeping up with your coursework. If you do not bring your laptop, you will be able to use “cyber-cafés” or computer labs on campus. On-site staff will attempt to provide all students with campus wireless access, though this may not be immediately available when students arrive. Wireless is also provided at the Middlebury
School office near the North Gate, and in some cafés around UJ. Some students opt to purchase a
Zain or Umniah USB internet modem, which costs around 20 JD and can be refilled every month depending on usage (10-20 JD). Note that not all housing sites provide wireless internet access.
Please be aware that while many people in the cities carry their laptops around with them and Jordan is generally very safe, you should be very careful as thieves target laptops.
You will want to bring a USB flash-drive with you to for making presentations in class and printing homework assignments in copy/print shops near the campus. It is always a good idea to back up important files, whether on an external hard drive, a flash drive, or online. Be sure to have back-ups for any hard or portable drives that you take abroad.
As students will usually live with locals (Jordanian or otherwise), you may wish to present them with a token gift. You may also wish to have a couple small gifts with you for if you are invited to a professor or classmate's house. It is probably best to select something that has significance to you and is packable and light. Consider the following items:
• Books--with lots of photos.
• CDs of current music of your country and your favorite artists.
• Small souvenirs from your home country: postcards, buttons, stickers, stamps, small handicrafts.
• Items representative of where you are from (i.e. Vermont maple syrup).
DON’T FORGET PHOTOS! Your local friends will be interested in where you come from: your family, town, friends, and school. Take pictures that help explain parts of your life.
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Make sure that your passport is stamped by the immigration official when you arrive in Jordan, whether you arrive directly or via another country in the Middle East.
Upon arrival, students who did not apply for tourist visas before leaving their country will have to purchase an (automatic) tourist visa before exiting the airport, which requires queuing in the line for non-Jordanians and paying JD40 (about $60 USD). Since you will have to pay in JD, make sure to go to the currency exchange first.
Departure tax is JD8 ($11 USD), but is typically included in airfare.
If you are planning to travel using a local travel agency you might have to pay it separately; and if you are leaving the country by land, the tax has to be paid as well.
Before you leave for Jordan, the staff abroad will send you housing information. The Resident
Coordinators will check your arrival information on your online application and inform your hosts accordingly.
If you are traveling from the US or Europe, you will most likely land in Queen Alia International airport. You may take a taxi into the city (about 30 minutes) or be picked up after prior agreement with the Resident Coordinators.
The convenient Airport taxis cost about 22 JD (31 USD; possibly more during late night hours). This service is easy, reliable and safe. If you choose this option, the on-site staff will provide you with specific directions to your place of residence before your arrival, and will be available by phone to help you find it. There is also an Airport Express bus that runs every 30 minutes between 6am and
11pm, and costs about 3 JOD (4 USD). The trip from the airport to the bus terminal in central
Amman usually takes from 45 minutes to an hour. Please take into account that the bus might run less frequently during the night and that it stops only at a few places from where you will have to take a taxi. If, however, you choose the option to be picked up, the Resident Coordinators will send you more information per email.
On-site orientation sessions will be held for all students during the week prior to the beginning of classes. Orientation is conducted in a relaxed informal atmosphere in which you will get the chance to meet the director, on-site staff and other students in the program, as well as Jordanian students and mentors. Besides exploring the university and the city, you will be introduced to Jordanian colloquial Arabic. There will also be in-depth sessions on living in homestays, dealing with homesickness, and harassment, among other issues. Please consult the School’s calendar for dates.
ORIENTATION SESSIONS ARE MANDATORY FOR ALL STUDENTS. Please plan to
arrive in Amman at least one day before orientation is scheduled to begin. (In most cases it
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will be fine if you would like to arrive a few days before the beginning of orientation. Please contact either the staff in Amman or in Middlebury well in advance if you would like to arrive early.)
University of Jordan is the oldest 4-year institution of higher education in Jordan. Established in
1962 with a student population of about 40,000, it is one of the most prestigious public institutions in the country.
Students in Middlebury’s School in the Middle East will take their courses at or near the Language
Center located on the University of Jordan campus. More information about the University of Jordan can be found at http://www.ju.edu.jo/.
A student’s workload must be approved by the
Resident Director in Jordan. Students are not permitted to take lighter loads, nor will they receive additional credit for heavier loads.
To facilitate the granting of major credit, students will be asked to complete and bring back a “Course
Information” form, available from the director abroad, for each course taken in Jordan. Students should attach to these forms course syllabi (available online), papers, and any other relevant documentation. Students should take these forms and supporting documents back to the home institution for the granting of departmental credit, if applicable.
Middlebury College students receive four units of credit for the fall, or five units for the spring semester, and nine units of credit for the academic year.
Middlebury College considers a semester/academic year abroad equivalent to a semester/academic year in the U.S.; students who transfer their credits to other institutions typically receive 15-16 credit hours per semester or 20-25 quarter units per semester for four courses. Because an undergraduate student’s home institution determines the number of credits awarded for work abroad, you are urged to consult with your advisers well ahead of time.
Registration for classes will take place in country under the advisement of the Resident Director in
Jordan. At that time, more detailed information about studying in Jordan will be given, and specific questions will be addressed.
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Single semester students and first semester academic year students:
1.
Advanced Modern Standard Arabic (6 contact hrs/week)
2.
Jordanian Colloquial Arabic (4 contact hrs/week)
3.
Two elective courses (3 contact hrs each/week), choosing from options such as Media
Arabic, Translation, Gender Issues in the Arab World, Introduction to Current Political
Issues in the Middle East, Political Transitions and Conflicts in the Middle East, Islam:
Politics & Ethics, Environmental Issues and Water Management Policies in the Middle
East, Refugee and Migration Studies, and Arabic Literature. Students who have had only the minimal amount of Arabic before the program typically are permitted to choose courses from Media Arabic, Gender Issues in the Arab World, Translation, and
Introduction to Current Political Issues in the Middle East. Course availability will depend on levels and numbers of students and availability of teaching staff.
Second semester academic year students’ curriculum will be developed based on their progress during the first semester, and may include an internship, and/or direct enrollment in a course at the
University of Jordan. (Only advanced level students may pursue this latter option, at the discretion of the Director, and should be aware that they will have to follow the University of Jordan’s academic calendar for these courses.)
The School in Jordan uses a number of factors to determine students’ language course placement: a proficiency exam given a few days after arrival, previous language study, recommendations, and classroom performance during the first two weeks of classes. Every effort is made to accommodate the academic needs of all students. In certain rare cases, however, a class may not be offered if there are not enough students. We are unable to determine actual levels until after the placement exam, and adjustments may be made after classes begin.
The relationship between teachers and students in Jordan is different from that in the United States.
It is often warmer, yet simultaneously more formal. For example, it is not uncommon for instructors to communicate with students via text message in Jordan. When you miss a class due to illness, it is not unusual for your teacher to show concern by inquiring about you or calling you. This does not mean the teacher is being nosy or that s/he doubts your illness; instead the teacher is demonstrating care for your well-being.
On the other hand, the classroom is generally a more formal environment in Jordan than in the US.
Students should show a high level of respect toward their teachers. Eating in class is NEVER done, and
American students routinely offend instructors by eating snacks during class periods. Food and drink
(with the occasional exception of tea within the language center) should only be consumed before or after class. It is expected that students will go to class on time, turn cell phones off during class, be well-prepared, and let the teachers know if they are sick or will otherwise miss class.
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Keep in mind that some behavior that is acceptable in a US university may convey a message of disrespect in Jordan. For example, it is not common practice for Jordanian students to converse freely with, or question the opinions of, their professors. This is both a matter of learning philosophy and classroom etiquette. You may encounter situations in which your professors scold or actively disagree with your opinions. This is a common part of the educational philosophy in the Middle East, and should not be taken personally. That said, our instructors are generally accustomed to the
American style of higher education.
Students from US universities will likely find less interaction and group discussion in their courses in
Amman than they are used to at home. Additionally, instructors may call on students whom they feel are not speaking up, rather than waiting for students to raise their hands.
Year-long students who choose direct-enrollment in UJ classes should keep in mind that they will likely have to work harder than their Jordanian classmates. Jordanian students who chat or read magazines in class will probably be able to cram for finals. They will be able to read large amounts of material during the short reading period at the end of the semester, while your language skills will limit your ability to do this.
Middlebury College encourages all undergraduate students to take full advantage of their experience abroad by participating in learning experiences outside the classroom. Community engagement and cultural activities provide students with opportunities to deepen your social immersion in Jordanian culture, enhance your language skills, and gain a better understanding of present-day Jordan.
Students who are in Jordan for a full year may pursue a for-credit internship during their second semester. Through an internship in a host organization, students can gain more in-depth experience and exposure to the host culture and work environment. This experience will also provide students with new knowledge and skills, which can lead to other overseas opportunities in the future.
Students wishing to contribute time and service to the community may choose to work as volunteers with organizations in the non-profit sector. The Director and
Resident Coordinators in Jordan will help students find volunteer opportunities through a variety of host organizations with which there are already established ties.
As part of our Community Engagement program, students are required to participate in at least one extracurricular activity, be it volunteering or another activity like meeting regularly with a language partner or joining a sports group. Students will be required to
write a report on their activity.
Other activities that facilitate student immersion include sports, cultural, and outdoor activities.
Amman provides plenty of cultural resources if one looks for them. Students are encouraged to explore and share opportunities advertised on campus and in community calendars online. The
Resident Coordinators are also available to advise students on the wide range of possibilities the city has to offer, including concerts, lectures, art exhibits, and more.
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It is our policy that students must live in an Arabic-speaking environment; you may not live alone nor solely with other English speakers. Students will typically live with a host family. During the second semester of a full year in Jordan, at the discretion of the Director, students may move into private apartments. In making housing placement decisions, we prioritize cultural immersion and student safety.
Students will complete a housing form on the online application (after admittance to the program) to convey housing preferences to the on-site staff, who will make housing placements. While every effort will be made to accommodate your housing requests, it is not always possible to grant everyone’s first choice. We encourage students to keep an open mind in terms of your housing, as with all other aspects of the experience.
There is no doubt that living in a Jordanian home can be a rewarding experience for a study abroad student who is willing to adapt to a different lifestyle within the context of someone else’s home. The use of colloquial Arabic in the home, and contact with Jordanians in their daily routine, are among the advantages of this experience. Nevertheless, you must be aware that your integration into the
Jordanian home will be gradual and that many things taken for granted in our own homes are often viewed from a different perspective in a Jordanian household. If you wish to feel like part of the household and have more active participation in the Jordanian way of life, you should seriously consider having dinner with them on a regular basis. Dinner then becomes the time to enjoy a relaxed atmosphere and to better familiarize yourself with Jordanian ways of life and to improve colloquial Arabic language skills.
Although living with a Jordanian host may sound ideal, you should also be aware that:
 Privacy will be relatively limited; people in Jordan do not have the same concept of privacy as we do, and “alone-time” may say to the family that you are sad, homesick, antisocial, or that something else is wrong.
 While a homestay may involve cultural exchange, it is also a business agreement in which each party has particular rules by which to abide;
 It is possible that a host family will not have internet access;
 Students, especially girls, will likely be expected to be in the house for the night (perhaps as early as 9 or 10pm)
 Kitchen privileges may or may not be granted;
 Homestay families may live anywhere from 20-60 minutes from campus.
During their second semester, students may choose to find and rent flats on your own in the city.
The Language Pledge remains in effect for students who rent flats.
It is very important to always keep the School in the Middle East staff informed about your current housing situation and cell phone number so that they can contact you in case of emergency. No housing changes may be made without consultation with, and approval of, the on-site staff.
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All housing arrangements will be organized by the Resident Coordinators. Students who have contacts in Jordan and wish to arrange their own housing must adhere to the policy above. The Resident Director has the final word on approving students’ housing to ensure their safety and maximum cultural immersion.
However, if academic year students choose to live in an apartment, the process of finding and narrowing down your options is your responsibility. Take your time in looking at various options and several different places before deciding where to live. It is the student’s responsibility to READ
ALL CONTRACTS CAREFULLY AND UNDERSTAND WHAT THEY SAY. Students should not hesitate to ask for assistance if the wording in a contract is unclear.
One of the questions we are asked most frequently is how to go about meeting local students. Those of your predecessors who have been successful in this respect would say that the best approach is to find a group activity that includes local people: choral singing, calligraphy lessons, biking, sports, volunteer work, etc.
You will need some courage and a good deal of initiative.
Results may not live up to your expectations, especially right away. Given cultural differences and expectations, your friendships with your Jordanian peers may not be quite the same as your relationships with friends at home.
But if you are patient, persistent, and open to relating to peers in a different cultural context with different social norms, you can still develop deep and life-long connections.
Your mentors will introduce you to other Jordanians and might also invite you to their homes. Do make an effort to be in regular touch with them because they may infer that you don’t want to meet with them if it is always they who try to maintain the relationship.
Keep in mind the strategies you would use at home to meet people you are interested in knowing: you try to be where they are, you try to share an interest or an activity that will bring you into contact with them, and you get to know people who know them. It goes without saying that if you have one or two Arabic-speaking acquaintances to start, it can only make things easier.
Jordanians are very friendly people and generally love to engage anyone in conversation. These conversations, whether they take place in a taxi cab, an ‘ahwe (coffee shop), or while shopping, can provide you with excellent opportunities to practice and refine your colloquial Arabic. Don’t be surprised if you are asked about your religious or political sentiments by a complete stranger. This is not a trap, but rather a common question for foreigners, though it often takes Americans by surprise at first. As a student of Arabic, you know that it is nearly impossible to have even the briefest exchange in Arabic without mentioning God. It should not be surprising therefore that Jordanians will be curious about your beliefs.
For your own well-being, it is best not to divulge much information about your religious beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital status to someone you do not know well (e.g. a taxi driver). Sensitive ideas are definitely topics to avoid with strangers, as certain issues can cause a lot of curiosity or
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tension, especially among the more conservative members of society. Once you get to know someone better, you can get a sense of their worldviews and judge when it is safe and productive to share your personal views, particularly if they are of a sensitive nature.
If you are of Arab descent, studying in Jordan may be the realization of a long held desire to learn more about your own heritage and roots. It is a wonderful opportunity to experience first-hand the country or culture that you’ve heard and read so much about and, of course, to improve your language skills. It may also be an important phase in developing your understanding of yourself. At the same time, some former students felt they were psychologically unprepared for the challenges to their self-identity that they encountered in the Middle East. There is often a feeling of being “caught between two worlds.”
You may be surprised by the assumption made by classmates, locals and even some teachers, that, since you are an Arab, you should speak the language well; when off campus with your classmates, some locals may mistake you as their guide. Or they may tell you how poor your language skills are while your non-Arab peers are complimented for their fluency! While being of Arabic descent will help you blend in and avoid the stares that your other classmates may regularly encounter, at other times you may be envious of the “novelty” treatment your fellow classmates receive—everything from photo requests to spontaneous invitations home for a meal. The vast majority of the time, however, people will simply be curious about your upbringing and keen to hear about your experiences as an Arab living abroad. Jordanians are proud of their Arab heritage, and will be pleased to learn that you have “returned” to study the language and culture.
While in Jordan, the following tourist guides are recommended:
 The Rough Guide to Jordan
 Lonely Planet Jordan
 Insight Guide Jordan
Whenever you leave the city of Amman overnight, you should contact the Resident
Coordinators and let them know where you will be going and when you expect to return to
Amman. An online form will be available for you to complete before travelling.
Many students travel within Jordan on the weekends. There are a number of cultural sites to visit as well as great outdoor opportunities. Jordan is relatively small, so traveling within the country is generally easy to do by way of a good in-country bus system.
When out and about in Amman, we recommend students travel in pairs or small groups for safety, as they would at home (particularly at night). Women should be aware that sexual harassment can be an issue on all forms of transportation; more information about dealing with harassment will be discussed in orientation.
Buses: The cheapest way to travel in Amman is via public bus. There are numerous buses and minibuses (“coaster”) that run along Shari’ Aljaami’a (University Street) and connect the area around the university with other parts of Amman. At first, buses can be a bit confusing as they don’t follow a fixed timetable or have desig nated stops. The more you use them, the easier it will be to recognize where to get on and off the bus.
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Taxis: The most convenient way to travel through Amman is via taxi. The main type of taxi is a yellow taxi which has the word Taxi on the top of its roof. Prices for rides to the university range between 1 and 3 JD, depending on where you live. Most drivers of private taxis use the meter but gently remind them when they don't. You need to be especially careful when you're laden with bags and searching for your hotel or being out late at night. Men riding alone will typically ride next to the driver, while women riding alone should sit in the back seat. Rates are higher late at night than during the day.
Service ) سيفرس ): The white taxis in Amman that have a panel that lights up in Arabic writing on their roof, are called a ‘service.’ These are shared taxis that carry up to four passengers at a time. Service taxis have fixed routes and stops at established points, and are typically quite a bit cheaper than yellow taxis. These are more common in less affluent parts of the city.
If you plan to travel to other countries, be advised that regulations vary and may change at very short notice. In some cases a visa and inoculations may be required. You can refer to the U.S. State
Department consular information website for specific travel regulations to other countries or consult a travel agent for current procedures. Travel to countries covered by current US travel advisories must be discussed with the Resident Director well in advance.
A note for year-long students: If you travel before you have received your official residency permit, you will have to buy a new visa when you re-enter the country, and will have to register with the police within a month of re-entry.
When traveling over land, check out the waiting hours on the border in order to be back for your classes on time.
When leaving the country, even between semesters, all students are required to inform the
Resident Coordinators about your travel plans and fill out the travel form online. This is simply a matter of safety, so that we have some idea of where you are if an emergency arises.
Hitchhiking as a mode of transportation anywhere in the Middle East is strongly discouraged as a matter of College policy. The practice is regarded by security officials to be extremely unsafe and is often illegal. Buses and trains provide a low-cost, safe alternative.
Lonely Planet Middle East provides an excellent and comprehensive guide to traveling in the region.
Whenever you go to any foreign country, you are exposed to germs against which your body has not yet built up a resistance. You may, therefore, be more susceptible to illness than local people are.
This is as true for Americans going abroad as it is for those coming to the United States.
The most common areas for health problems are digestive and upper respiratory systems.
Please keep in mind:
 Bring a supply of any prescription medicine to last your entire stay, as these may be difficult to acquire, and customs may prohibit shipping of medicines. Any medication that requires
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refrigeration should be brought to the attention of Middlebury prior to the departure as special arrangements may be necessary.
 When eating on the street or in restaurants, pay special attention to cleanliness of eating utensils and food.
 The School in the Middle East’s staff reserves the right to send any participant home who, in the judgment of the staff, is not mentally or physically fit to continue in the program.
Students who must leave Jordan early for documented health reasons may be eligible for a partial tuition refund. Please refer to the information in the Schools Abroad General
Handbook on tuition refund insurance and health insurance for further details.
(Gentlemen, please do not skip this section. You should be aware of this as well.)
A recent study has shown that studying abroad may increase your risk of unwanted sexual contact.
The Department of State has this to say: http://studentsabroad.state.gov/smarttravel/forwomentravelers.php
.
Our on-site staff is your primary resource for advice to keep yourself safe and can also direct you to local support resources.
Regrettably, for women studying in the Middle East, sexual harassment can be a part of daily life.
For the most part, this comes in the form of unsolicited comments, including not infrequent marriage proposals from strangers. However, groping, or an unwelcomed grab, while much less common, is not unheard of. It should be noted, however, that this behavior, and the attitudes that one can associate with it, should not be universally attributed to all men in the Middle East or
Jordan. Most men abhor these impolite actions and will berate the perpetrators when they are made aware of it. A woman's best defense from harassment in Jordan is awareness, and perhaps some reflection on what types of reactions feel most natural to you.
We will talk extensively during orientation about ways to deal with harassment, and our staff is here to be a support system throughout the semester.
Different countries view use of narcotics in a variety of ways. In the Middle East, there is a strict code of social mores.
In most countries, drug use for non-medicinal purposes is illegal, and the local authorities may take official action against anyone found using or possessing any kind of drugs.
Use of recreational drugs while attending the School in the Middle East is strictly prohibited.
While use of drugs by foreigners in Jordan may result in jail sentences and penalties, the penalties for
Jordanian nationals can be much more severe.
The tap water in Jordan is mostly safe to drink, but it is rough on tender stomachs, and a lot of locals prefer installing filters or buying purified water over using tap water. We recommend students drink filtered water.
An additional note on water: water is a scarce resource in Jordan. Most homes receive water only once or twice per week, and store water in tanks for use until the next delivery. We urge students to
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conserve water in all their activities, and to talk to their host families about expectations for water use/conservation in the home.
In addition to the general safety guidelines that are published in the General Handbook (which you really should read), below are a few suggestions that are more specific to students studying in the
Middle East. Middlebury College monitors all programs closely through news channels, regular communication with staff overseas, and special information and notifications from the United States
Department of State and other sources. Descriptive material and current warnings can be found on the State Department website . If for any reason a situation arises that we feel threatens the safety of our students, we will delay and/or suspend the program or program activities.
As in any large city, you should take reasonable precautions against crime. If you stay in a dorm or apartment, be sure to lock your room. Always guard your money and passport against pickpockets, especially on buses, and in other crowded places. When traveling, you should keep your eyes on your luggage, as theft is a risk in any location. We recommend that you use a money pouch or passport bag that can be worn inside your clothing. Students (particularly women) should be careful about jogging or walking alone.
Students should avoid any and all protests or demonstrations. Students should not photograph, record, or participate in protests, even out of solidarity.
At night, students are advised to go out in groups, ideally with Jordanian students. According to the social norms in Jordan, women are not normally outside of the home late at night. We advise you to avoid coming home late, out of respect for your host family and for your safety. In addition, students should generally avoid places where large groups of tourists congregate.
You should bring your passport with you whenever you leave Amman. It is recommended that you keep a photocopy of your passport in your wallet or purse at all times. Remember, when it comes to safety, a little bit of common sense goes a long way!
It is extremely important that students always have a charged, paid-up cell phone on your person, so that the on-site staff can communicate with you in the case of an emergency.
As is mentioned elsewhere in this handbook, it is both inconsiderate of the host culture, and unwise for reasons of personal safety to dress immodestly. Men should not wear shorts except when engaged in athletic activities, and women should not wear very tight, sleeveless or low-cut shirts or anything ending above the knee.
The on-site staff will go over safety issues and precautions particular to Jordan in detail during orientation.
The School in the Middle East does not carry insurance for stolen property, and students who are particularly concerned should look into taking out such a policy before leaving the U.S. The School in the Middle East cannot offer to store money or valuables for students.
To help protect yourself from violent crime:
 Do not appear drunk in public;
 Try not to dress in expensive-looking foreign clothes or carry American-style bags or luggage;
 Identify the dangerous areas of the cities you visit or live in, and stay out of those areas;
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 At night, be careful when walking around alone (especially women).
In other words, use common sense. As a foreign student, you should take the same precautions you would in any large city, anywhere in the world. During orientation, the issue of security will be discussed in greater depth.
Local officials may conduct searches at customs entry and exit points for drugs and other contraband. Anyone found with contraband is subject to punishment as specified by the laws of the host country. Neither Middlebury College nor your country’s embassy can be responsible for the consequences of such an arrest.
Travel and study in a foreign country can be very strenuous. It is important that you take action immediately when an illness or injury occurs.
When you are sick in Jordan, you need to be patient at a time when you may feel least able to be so.
Hospital visits can sometimes take hours. Such experiences can test your patience and cultural sensitivity.
In the event of an illness, use your common sense about whether or not to seek outside help.
Degrees of helpfulness vary as greatly from institution to institution as they do from individual to individual. You should speak with the Resident Coordinators in all cases of serious illness, and before agreeing to hospitalization. You can also contact the Resident Coordinators about accompanying you to the doctor. Depending on the issue, you may be taken to the hospital or a specialist.
Some people have diarrhea just changing countries; the adaptation period can be minimized by avoiding fruits or vegetables that are unpeeled, uncooked, or grown with irrigation water. These same precautions will also provide some protection from hepatitis, typhoid, and cholera.
Adequate medical and hospital services are available in Jordan. Amman has more than 20 hospitals and some of the best medical facilities available in the Middle East. The resident staff will provide you with a list of hospitals/doctors during orientation; some of the hospitals are listed below. You should always contact the on-site staff before seeking treatment at a hospital, as some hospitals specialize in one type of medicine or another.
 Al-Khalidi Medical Center
 Jordan Hospital & Medical Center
 Arab Medical Center
Students should be very realistic about their abilities to function in a high-stress environment. Jordan can be a difficult place to live at times, and certain mental and physical health conditions can be exacerbated by being abroad in general. Psychological counseling services are available in Jordan, but they may not be what you are used to in the US, in terms of personal counseling. Students with particular concerns in this area are encouraged to consult with staff at Middlebury prior to departure.
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The currency in Jordan is the Jordanian Dinar, which is subdivided into 1000 fils, or 100 qirsh or piastres. ($1 U.S. equals approximately 0.71 Jordanian Dinar as of the beginning of 2015.)
The exchange rates are usually set at a fixed rate. The private money changers tend to have longer hours and transactions are usually faster than in Jordanian banks .
Bank working hours are generally
Sunday to Thursday 8:30 am to 3:00 pm. Branches in hotels and shopping malls (especially in City
Mall) may have longer hours. There are two bank branches on the campus very close to the
Language Center.
We suggest that you travel with several sources of money (ATM/debit card, credit card, traveler’s checks, and cash). This will ensure that if one of your means for accessing money fails, you will not be stranded without money. ATM/debit cards can be used to obtain cash if they have a major credit card logo (Visa, MasterCard, Cirrus Network, or Plus Network) on them, but they should not be relied upon exclusively, since they are subject to breakdowns, fraud, and other scams. If you do plan to use debit or ATM cards while overseas, be sure to check with your bank regarding applicable fees.
These can be quite steep, but this is the most convenient way to access your funds. Also, be sure to notify your bank and credit card companies that you will be traveling so they do not freeze your account, and to insure that your PIN will work while you are abroad. If you choose to bring cash with you, please examine your bills carefully before departure to make sure they are in good condition.
CIRRUS, PLUS, Visa and MasterCard are accepted in Jordan, and you will see signs for them at
ATMs in all major Jordanian cities. Check with your bank to make sure your card is activated for overseas use and that your PIN will work overseas. By using ATMs you can get trade exchange rates, some of which may be better than those charged by banks for changing cash. Note that there is also a daily limit on ATM cash withdrawals, usually around 500 JD. It is recommended that you consult with your bank about the variations and rules or charges for Jordanian branches and carry the phone number of your bank in case you lose your ATM card. There are a couple of ATMs in the arrivals hall at Queen Alia International Airport; you get there after passing through customs, so make sure
you have some cash to buy your Jordanian visa if you did not purchase it in advance.
Credit cards are accepted at major hotels, expensive restaurants, most shops in West Amman, and airline offices. The vast majority of monetary transactions are carried out in cash. Where credit cards are used, the best known are Visa, MasterCard, and American Express. They are accepted more and more, although not to the same extent as in the U.S.
BEFORE you leave, you should discuss with your family a plan for getting more money during the program. The best way to be sent money is to have a family member deposit cash into your bank
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account which you can then access via an ATM. Following that, American Express money orders mailed through a reputable express mail carrier such as Federal Express, UPS, DHL, etc. is a good alternative. Western Union is also available.
Students who seek maximum immersion should note that regular communication with home can significantly hinder your language progress and your adjustment to the new culture. If your goal is maximum immersion, you should prepare family and friends for the reality that you may be difficult to contact and that, even when possible, regular calling or e-mailing may interfere with your language acquisition. If something has gone wrong, your family will learn about it immediately. Otherwise, you can remind them that no news is good news.
Some students have found keeping a blog to be a good way to keep family and friends up to date on their experiences without having to have multiple conversations in English. Please be aware, however, that as a Middlebury student you are a representative of Middlebury’s program and of the
U.S. as a whole. Make sure to keep your blog culturally respectful and open-minded, as any stranger reading it will take it to be a representation of the way American students studying in Jordan think.
The Pledge you will sign at the end of orientation in Jordan reads: "I will speak only Arabic until the day of my graduation from the School in the Middle East."
Arabic must be spoken at all times, except in the case of a genuine emergency, a visit from family
(English may not be spoken with family when within earshot of anyone related to the program), or when an exception is made by the staff in Amman. Phone calls to family and friends overseas, whether over the Internet, from a land line or from a cell phone, are allowed as long as one is out of earshot of other students and roommates.
Generally, there will be regular meetings with the students and program administrators when the
Language Pledge will be suspended. Speaking English at this time, of course, is not a violation of the
Language Pledge.
Students should have all mail sent to them through the Language Center at the address below:
University of Jordan
ةيندرلأا ةعماجلا
Language Center
تاغللا زكرم
Middlebury School in the Middle East
[Your name]
Amman 11942 Jordan
Packages should not be sent to arrive before the students have arrived in-country. As a general rule, we estimate fifteen percent of all international mail never arrives. Some packages of former students
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have never arrived, while others have arrived months after the end of the semester. We do not advise having packages sent from the States unless it is urgent (in which case, we recommend using
DHL, UPS, or FedEx, rather than standard mail). Airmail takes two to three weeks from North
America and between a week and ten days from Europe.
If you are sending mail from Jordan, service will be expedited if you write the country in Arabic.
Stamps can be purchased at post offices (e.g. on campus), hotel shops, and postcard stands. Post offices are generally open daily, except Friday, from 8am-5pm.
Computer facilities and/or internet access is available at the Middlebury “Janoura” office, on campus, and at some homestays. You should be able to access your home school account via a browser-based email service, and this is a good way to ensure you receive important information from your home campus. In apartments and some homestays you might have to purchase internet service, which onsite staff can help you procure.
Past students have reported that, unsurprisingly, the less time they spend online while abroad, the more they learn about the Arabic language and the country in general. Accordingly, it would be wise to minimize your time on chat, Skype, Facebook, etc.
Students usually use Skype, Viber, or GoogleVoice to keep in touch with family, though the internet can sometimes be unreliable in Jordan.
During orientation, you will have a chance to purchase cell phones; you will need to pay for these
(roughly $35 for a basic new phone). Alternatively, you can bring any phone that has a removable
SIM (all AT&T phones) and simply insert a Jordanian SIM, or you can bring a U.S. smart phone if you make sure that it is unlocked prior to arrival in Jordan.
• Basic cell phones (not smart phones) are inexpensive in Amman.
• Owners buy pre-paid minutes.
• The three phone companies are Zain, Umniah, and Orange, however, we suggest that you buy a
SIM card from Zain since most people (including the program administration) use this line and it will be cheaper to communicate with other Zain users.
• Cell phones may be used to call the U.S., but this is very expensive.
The telephone at the Middlebury office in Amman is for the use of the staff only. Students may not receive telephone calls through this office, except in cases of emergency.
The country code for Jordan is 00962.
The School in The Middle East’s photocopier is for office use only. Any photocopying required for coursework is the responsibility of the student, and the school photocopier cannot be used for such purpose. There are numerous shops outside the university opposite the North Gate with photocopying services. Faxes can be sent through any of the many public fax services. For scanning official documents, you can use the scanner at the office.
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During orientation, you will receive an emergency contact card that you should carry on your person at all times.
 Emergency Line for all kinds of emergencies (incl. harassment): 911
 Tourist Police : 06-5301465 - 75
Al-Umawyeen Street
Abdoun, Amman
Tel: 06-5906000
 Local numbers: 1212
 International numbers: 1333
 AT&T: 1-880-0000
 SPRINT: 18-800-777
 Al-Mumayyaz Taxi Service (Tel: 06-5799999)
Stores and other businesses in the downtown area generally stay open from 10:00am until 9:00pm.
In some neighborhoods you may find that they close for two or three hours for lunch. Other shopping opportunities can be found in one of the many malls all over Amman; and usually you will find smaller shops near the place where you live. There are also a number of more traditional souqs around the city.
Please refer to http://www.middlebury.edu/study-abroad/jordan/calendar for an accurate program calendar.
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