Intensive Arabic in Amman

Language Requirement: None

Academic Standing by Program Start: Sophomore or Above

Location: Middle East, Jordan

GPA: 2.5

Program Overview

This 9-week summer program is for students who have a strong interest in learning Modern Standard Arabic through an intensive language program in the Middle East. You will attend Arabic classes at the Qasid Arabic Institute in Amman. Students of all levels of Arabic, from novice to advanced, can be accommodated and no prior experience in Arabic language is required. To further enhance your cultural learning and understanding of the country of Jordan, you have the option to participate in excursions to sites of natural, cultural and historical significance in Jordan, such as Petra, Wadi Rum, Dana Nature Reserve, and the Dead Sea.

The Qasid Arabic Institute is housed in a commercial complex near the Madina Circle on University Street in Amman, Jordan. See a campus video tour here. Within walking distance are numerous malls and shopping outlets, art and cultural centers, sports and gym facilities, and bookstores. It is an ideal location for those desiring to immerse themselves in the lively hustle and bustle of one of the most dynamic capital cities in the Arab world.

The economic, political, and cultural center of Jordan, Amman is a city of more than 4 million residents. Amman is considered to be among the most liberal and westernized Arab cities, and is a major regional destination.

Scholarship Opportunity: UO students are encouraged to apply for the Suhaimi-Goodwin study abroad scholarship, for which Jordan is a priority country. For additional information and the application, click here. Students who receive a Pell Grant are encouraged to apply for the Gilman Scholarship.

Program Dates: Qasid program dates may conflict with the UO spring quarter; please speak with the Program Coordinator for more information.

Dates and Deadlines

Term	Year	Deadline	Arrival Date	Departure Date
Summer	2026	03/15/2026	Mid-June	Mid-August

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Academic Details

In this program, you will study Arabic alongside international students from all over the world. The Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) class meets for four hours per day, five days per week during the nine-week program. The MSA program uses the standard al-Kitaab series textbooks, ensuring a smooth transition from the UO Arabic classes. As an intensive and rigorous Arabic language program, the Qasid curriculum covers a full year of Arabic language, allowing you to rapidly progress in your language proficiency.

Modern Standard Arabic refers to the standard literary and communicative language of the Middle East and North Africa, recognized as one of the UN’s six official languages. It is the common medium for nearly all formal communication, both printed and spoken. And, as the official language of all Arab countries, it provides the most versatile tool for those interested in living or working in an Arab country, or those whose professional interests intersect with any aspect of the Arab world.

Jordanian dialect: In addition to studying Modern Standard Arabic, you have the choice to enroll in an optional Jordanian dialect class for a total of 30 contact hours (3 UO credits). Please note that taking both MSA and the dialect class will be a significant workload. There is an additional cost to participate in the dialect class - see the budget on the sidebar for more details. In your GEO application, you will indicate whether you want to enroll in the dialect class.

On this program, UO students will earn:

15 UO quarter credits of Modern Standard Arabic
Optional: 3 UO credits of Jordanian dialect

Course Equivalencies

UO students: please refer to the UO Course Equivalency Process and the UO Office of the Registrar Course Equivalency Database.

Non-UO students: Actual credit awarded is determined by the relevant department at your university in consultation with the study abroad office. Check with your study abroad advisor for more information.

Housing Description

You will reside in Qasid-managed apartments located within a 15 minute walk of the Institute in the residential neighborhood of Al-Madina Al-Riyadiya (Sport City). Most apartments are clustered close to other Qasid housing units, helping to create a sense of community with other students of Arabic. You will live with other international students studying at Qasid, but you may request a UO roommate. You also have the option to request a single room within a shared apartment, for an additional cost. See details on the program budget. Each building has an Arabic-speaking staff member on site who attends to building maintenance and security. The apartments are conveniently located near a supermarket, the Mukhtar Mall, several restaurants, and a gym. Easy access to public transport facilitates your movement throughout Amman.

Budget and Price

2025 Summer

**Program Fees Paid to GEO**
UO Study Abroad Fee	$500
Program Tuition	$2,987
Housing & Included Meals*	$800
Insurance	$200

**Other Estimated Expenses**
Estimated Airfare from Eugen	$2,500
Estimated Additional Meals	$450
Estimated Additional Excursions and Cultural Events**	$350
Estimated Books and Course Supplies	$50
Estimated Local Transportation	$200
Estimated Cell Phone Expenses	$50
Estimated Cost of Acquiring Passport	$150
Estimated Visa Expenses	$60
Estimated Travel Clinic and Pre-Departure Physical	$50
Estimated Additional Living Expenses	$540

**Optional Fees Paid to GEO**
Housing - Single Supplement	$185
Jordanian Dialect Course (3-credits)	$263

**Total**
Total Estimated Cost of Participation	$8,887

Included in Program Costs: Program tuition, some excursions, housing, medical insurance, on-site orientation, pre-departure, and on-site support.

*You will need to pay a refundable housing deposit of $212 after arrival. This can be paid in USD or dinar.
** Students are encouraged to budget around this amount for signing up for additional excursions and cultural events arranged by Qasid Arabic Institute. Excursions to Petra, Wadi Rum, Dana Nature Reserve, and the Dead Sea are included in the program fee.

* Non-UO Students: study abroad fees and application fees vary by campus; check with your home campus study abroad office.

Please visit GEO Billing Information for information about how you will be billed and when payments are due.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation Date	Cancellation Penalty
Upon acceptance to the program	Student agrees to $500 non-refundable program deposit
8 weeks before program start date	Student is responsible for 50% of total GEO program fees
Program start date or after program begins	Student is responsible for 100% of total GEO program fees

IMPORTANT: The GEO Cancellation Policy is effective from the time a student agrees to pay their non-refundable program deposit or electronically signs the program commitment form, regardless of application or acceptance status. It is essential to read this policy before a potential cancellation takes place, to fully understand the withdrawal and cancellation penalties, and to understand what it means financially to commit to a study abroad program.

Students who cancel their participation must notify GEO in writing. Email is acceptable (geoinfo@uoregon.edu). Verbal notification to GEO or notification given to a non-UO campus study abroad office is not sufficient.

For full details, see the complete GEO Cancellation Policy.

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