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The Red Sea - Photo courtesy of Jacob Mennear |
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One of CGE’s most distinctive study abroad programs over the last few years has been the Arabic language program in Amman, Jordan. This program, operated out of CGE’s international center in Amman, provides students with the opportunity to learn Contemporary Arabic by providing the chance to experience the language both within and beyond the classroom. The program encourages cultural engagement by the students and allows them to experience the history and beauty of Jordan and the Middle East through excursions to various historic sites.
This summer, Jacob Mennear, a student from North Greenville University in Tigerville, SC, participated in the CGE Arabic Study Abroad program in Amman and was able to take part in an experience that he will never forget. CGE asked him to tell us a bit about his time in Jordan, and this is what he wrote:
“I encountered many things in my time in Jordan and studying at CGE Jordan. Thankfully, I was able to grow in unique ways that many college students are not forced to in the United States.
“It was an exhilarating experience to be independent in a foreign country at a young age. The CGE Jordan staff is gracious to the students in many ways by making the ones studying abroad a part of their life after class.
“Learning Arabic is the most academically challenging endeavor I have ever encountered. The staff is excellent, and they devote themselves to you and your success in the great language inside and outside of the classroom.
“Living and taking part of a special culture, such as the Jordanian culture, has increased my cultural awareness in ways unexpected. I am assured that I would not understand the things which I do had I not studied abroad at CGE. This experience has impacted my life and given me crucial insight into my place in our global world.
“While living in the marvelous, diverse city of Amman, CGE offers memorable excursions in Jordan and to Egypt. The Ancient city of Petra, the Dead Sea, the Red Sea, Jerash, and Wadi Mujib became neat places from National Geographic to real, physical places with an enamoring history or beauty.
“I would encourage anyone to come to Jordan if they want the most unique summer experience of their college career, or anyone with a desire to live and work among Arabs anywhere in the world.”
For more information about how you can take part in an experience like Jacob’s, check out the Global Connections Study Abroad section of CGE’s website to learn about our programs in Amman and throughout the world. CGE has programs for Spring, Summer, and Fall of 2014, so apply now and sign up for the semester that will make your college experience truly great!
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