Please note that the Summer 2024 Arabic Language and Interdisciplinary Program through the Sijal Institute will no longer be running this summer. We encourage students to check the website during the 2024-2025 academic year for additional updates regarding the 2025 Summer Program.
Students who are interested in beginning or deepening their study of the Arabic language and culture, linking it with their interest in Middle Eastern Studies, including Archaeology, and/or embedding their language study within an externship, should read on and consider applying for the program.
Further information about the 2025 Summer program is available at: https://www.brynmawr.edu/inside/academic-information/departments-programs/arabic/summer-jordan-application
Opportunities for Summer 2025 include:
- Session I: Five weeks of intensive Arabic language learning (beginner through advanced), alongside a content course on a topic related to Jordan/the Middle East (in-person only).
- Session II: A five weeks of intensive Arabic language learning (beginner through advanced), alongside a content course on a topic related to Jordan/the Middle East (in-person only).
- Remote Externship: five weeks working with a local organization based in Jordan accompanied by continued Arabic language learning students without prior Arabic knowledge are required to complete the Session I academic program prior to the Externship).
You may find more information on the program below. Please contact Professor Manar Darwish (mdarwish@brynmawr.edu) or Leslie Lawrence (llawrence@brynmawr.edu) in the Arabic Program with your questions.
Application Checklist and Dates
The applications are currently open.
Students from Bryn Mawr College wishing to apply to the program should follow the checklist below. The first link is the application through Sijal, which must be completed for acceptance into the program. The second link is intended for students who wish to apply for funding for the program. Both of these applications are intended for current Bryn Mawr undergraduates, Freshmen through rising Seniors. The third link is to apply for funding for the remote externship through the Career & Civic Engagement Center. We advise that you write your personal statement in a separate word document because it might be useful for multiple applications (i.e., to Sijal and for BMC funding).
- Apply to Sijal (https://www.sijal.org/apply)
- Apply for Bryn Mawr College Funding (https://www.brynmawr.edu/inside/academic-information/departments-programs/arabic/summer-jordan-application)
- Apply for Externship Funding through the Career & Civic Engagement Center
About Sijal
Sijal is an institute of Arabic language and culture founded by scholars of Arab culture, history, and society. They offer intensive instruction at all levels for students seeking to learn Arabic in Jordan. The Institute also acts as a hub of intellectual and cultural events, bringing together scholars, artists, and specialists across a broad range of expertise and disciplines, for seminars, workshops and special programs. The Institute is housed in a historic villa and gardens lying in the heart of the Rainbow Street cultural district of Amman. From this inspiring setting, they host students of the Arabic language, post-graduates working on the Middle East, researchers, artists, and the local intellectual community in Jordan and Palestine. Surrounded by some of the oldest buildings in Amman, the students learn ‘Arabic in context’, benefiting from first- rate language instruction in line with the latest pedagogy, as well as cultural and historical literacy. Immersion is reinforced by the location in a pedestrian neighborhood packed with local galleries, restaurants, and cafés, and with residents of all ages and walks of life. Courses and special programs are enriched by a full calendar of events that take place at the Institute, providing students with the unique opportunity to interact with creative figures from the Arab world and beyond.
About the Partnership
Since 2018 the Bi-Co Arabic Program of Bryn Mawr College has been collaborating with Sijal Institute in Amman on the development of this program. Each year the model has evolved as the partnership has grown from a focus on language learning and cultural immersion to include a broader conception of Middle East Studies with an enhanced externship opportunity and a content course taught by Bryn Mawr faculty.
Dates for Summer 2025
- Summer Session I: June 14 - July 17, 2025
- Summer Session II: July 19 - August 21, 20245
- Summer Session I & II: June 14 - August 21, 2025
Courses Offered Summer 2025
Arabic Language: All levels beginner through advanced. This is a required course you must take while at Sijal, which will be taught by Sijal faculty.
Content Course vary but they may include: Cooking around the Arab World, The History of Arabic Music, The Archaeology of Jordan and the Middle East, or An Introduction to Arabic Calligraphy, taught by Sijal Faculty.
By successfully completing a summer session of the program you will earn one academic credit that counts towards graduation. Participation in both Sessions will result in two academic credits that count towards graduation. Please note that the summer program will not take the place of the college language requirement. Rather, studying the language for a semester or two would allow you to test into a higher level of Arabic.
Remote Externship
Students can opt to choose a supervised Remote Externship (short internship of 5 weeks). If interested, Sijal will give students a wide array of organizations as options and students will rank their top three choices. Sijal will then coordinate with the organizations and place students at one of their desired locations. Host organizations will be paid a stipend to ensure both accountability and equitable compensation for their work in supervising. Sijal will offer an orientation session to help guide students in navigating their work environment and a mid-semester reflection session to discuss students’ experiences while still at their work sites. Students who choose to do an internship, will also receive four hours weekly of private classes through Sijal, tailored to their level and their learning goals. Private classes are flexible, allowing students to work at their chosen organization alongside their Arabic studies and will help students better engage at their workplace, as they can tailor their classes to fit the needs that arise as they work with organizations based in Jordan. This option allows graduate students to work towards both their professional and academic goals. In the past students have externed with the American Center for Oriental Research (ACOR). Rainbow Street, and ECO Peace Middle East. Funding for the externship will include cost paid to the organization, private tutoring in Arabic, and living expenses for the student.
Program Costs
- Five weeks of in-person learning: $2000
- Ten weeks of in-person learning: $3600
To confirm their place in the program, students will be asked to pay a non-refundable deposit of $300 to Sijal. Students who discontinue their studies within the first week of enrollment are responsible for 50% of tuition and fees. Students who discontinue their enrollment after the first week are responsible for 100% of tuition and fees.
Timeline
Externship Application: *Check with the Center
Application to Sijal: May 20, 2025 (for session 1)
Bryn Mawr Funding Application: Apply by Spring Break (extensions may be granted afterwards.)
Confirmation of program attendance and enrollment deposit due: May 27, 2025 First Session
Orientation and tuition due: June 14, 2025 (some or all of which might be covered where
eligible.)
Last day to withdrawal for a partial refund: June 20, 2025