Welcome to Lydia's Jordanian Adventures, a blog all about the imminent adventures I plan to have as I move over to Amman for my study abroad quarter.
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| Here's a photo of Jordan (thanks Google Maps). |
Why Amman, Jordan?
Instead of heading back to Northwestern for Fall Quarter 2013, I've decided to study abroad. Since I've been studying Arabic for the past two years, traveling to a country where I could practice that Arabic made sense! Why Jordan specifically? In Jordan, they speak a Levantine dialect, which is what I've been (kinda) learning in class!
Starting Sept. 1, I will be taking part in CIEE's Language & Culture program. I'll be taking classes at the University of Jordan — two language classes (spoken and formal) and two culture classes. The University of Jordan is Jordan's largest and oldest higher education institution. It has a student body of about 37,000 — far bigger than Northwestern, that's for sure!
Where will you be staying?
I opted to live in an apartment instead of a home stay during my time in Amman. Because I lived in an apartment last year at school, I figured it might be double culture shock to go back to living with a family while at school. I'll be living with one or two other girls in one of the neighborhoods in Amman. They'll give us our housing assignments once we get there.
How long will you be in Jordan?
I'll be there until Dec. 21, which means I get to celebrate my birthday while abroad!
With all that is happening in the Middle East, is it safe to go to Jordan?
As you can see on the map, Jordan is pretty much smack dab in the middle of all the conflicts in the Middle East and North Africa. However, it has maintained a stable monarchy throughout the Arab Spring and even more recent events. CIEE provides us with cell phones so that we can be reached in case of an emergency. There's always a certain degree of danger while studying abroad, but as long as I keep my wits about me and make good choices I should be fine.
Check out this NPR article for more information about Jordan's relationship to the Middle East.
Are you ready?
Right now, I'm finishing my last week at my internship and frantically trying to figure out what I'm forgetting to do. I seriously can't wait to get started, إن شاء الله !!
I'll try to post as often as I can to this blog, but for more immediate updates, feel free to follow me on Twitter @lydiaramsey125 or on Instagram (lydiaramsey125)
