NOTE: SIT will make every effort to maintain its programs as described. To respond to emergent situations, like COVID-19, SIT may have to modify programs.
Witness the massive humanitarian response to the regional refugee crisis, with a focus on refugee health. Understand the impact of refugees in Europe during an excursion to Switzerland.
WHY STUDY REFUGEE CRISIS IN JORDAN?
Get a firsthand look at humanitarian emergency action in Jordan and Switzerland, two countries critical to the response to the current refugee crisis. This is a unique opportunity to view the policies and priorities of UN agencies, international relief organizations, and Jordan’s government. In Amman, you’ll learn about the political and cultural factors behind the influx of refugees to Jordan, which continues to receive waves of refugees displaced by regional conflicts. You’ll also travel to Geneva to learn from experts at health and humanitarian agencies like the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, World Health Organization, and International Red Cross.
Please visit the
SIT Study Abroad website for details on the program highlights and details of coursework,
educational excursions, and housing.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Visit Palestinian and Syrian refugee host communities, healthcare facilities and NGOs.
- Understand the political and economic factors behind the influx of refugees to Jordan.
- Travel to Geneva to learn from health and humanitarian policy experts.
- Contrast humanitarian responses to Syrian refugees in Jordan and Switzerland.
- Explore the role of UN and international relief agencies in refugee assistance and humanitarian action.
MONEY MATTERS
SIT is an all-inclusively priced study abroad program – including academics costs, excursions, accommodations and meals, airport transfers, and health insurance. Be sure to discuss how study abroad costs are handled at your school with your study abroad advisor and read the website for more specific information.
SCHOLARSHIPS
CONTACT SIT STUDY ABROAD
Academic Program
The program begins with a one-week orientation in Amman. After orientation, the following academic components of the program begin.
All students enroll in the following courses for a total of 16 U.S. semester credits (4 Pomona credits):
- Refugees and Displaced Populations in the Context of Jordan (0.75 Pomona credits)
- Research Methods and Ethics (0.75 Pomona credits)
- Independent Study Project (ISP; 1.0 Pomona credit) or Internship and Seminar (1.0 Pomona credit)
- Students elect to take either a 6-credit Modern Standard Arabic language course (1.5 Pomona credits) or s 3-credit Modern Standard Arabic language course (0.75 Pomona credit) and a 3-credit elective course, Refugee Health and Humanitarian Action (0.75 Pomona credit)
There is no CR/NC option on this program.
Excursions
Excursions help you learn about, analyze, and assess the humanitarian response to Syrian refugees and the socioeconomic impact of refugees on host communities and to hone your research skills. Excursions outside Jordan’s capital illustrate the sharp contrasts between urban and rural lifestyles. Please note that in order to take advantage of dynamic learning opportunities, program excursions may occasionally vary.
Living Arrangements
Except while on excursion, you’ll live with a family in Amman. The homestay provides an outstanding window into Jordanian urban life and culture. Most homestay families are middle class and maintain the customs of a typical Arab home.
Number of Students
SIT enrolls 10 - 35 students, selected from a national pool.
Host Institution
School for International Training (SIT)
Faculty Liaison
Zayn Kassam
Eligibility
A college-level course with Middle Eastern content is highly recommended.
Student Experiences
Read about Ethen Lund's (PO'19) experiences in Amman.
Travel Advisories
