About
The University of Virginia-Yarmouk University Summer Arabic Program has been in operation since 1984, and is an intensive, eight-week Program in Modern Standard Arabic, designed for undergraduate and graduate students currently pursuing a degree program. The Program focuses on all language skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing. In addition to the course in Modern Standard Arabic, all students will take a course in the Jordanian dialect. All courses will be taught in Arabic. Course instructors will be members of the Yarmouk University faculty. Four levels of skill-based instruction will be provided.

The Program is held at Yarmouk University in Irbid, Jordan. Yarmouk University is a comprehensive university with an enrollment of about 18,000 students. Irbid is a city of approximately 300,000 inhabitants, 90 kilometers (about 60 miles) northwest of Amman, the Jordanian capital. It is located in the hills of northern Jordan and enjoys temperate weather during the summer months.

One of the primary goals of this Program is to completely immerse the participants in the Arabic language. Irbid is an ideal setting due to its Arab-Muslim society. This setting has a minimal number of foreigners that use English.

Important historical and archaeological sites such as Amman, Jerash, Um Qais, the Dead Sea, the Jordan Valley, Petra and Aqaba, are easily accessible from Irbid. Students will have ample opportunities to visit these and other places of interest during the two Program-sponsored educational excursions, on weekends, during the mid-session break, or at the end of the Program.

Housing
Students will be housed in Yarmouk University facilities double occupancy. Roommates can be chosen by students at the Orientation Session in New York. Men and women are housed separately. Cooking facilities are provided.
See housing photos.

Orientation
An orientation session will be held in New York prior to departure. This orientation session is mandatory for all participants. Students accepted into the program will be given details as to the place and time of the orientation session so that they can arrange to arrive in New York on time.

Travel
All Program participants and Program administrators will leave together from Kennedy Airport in New York and travel to Jordan as a group. The program makes the necessary international travel arrangements for the group. Students must travel with the group and may not make separate travel arrangements.

Program Information
Summer Arabic Program
(8 weeks; 7 - 9 credits)

Important
The university's International Studies Office manages the application process for all UVA study abroad programs. To complete the study abroad application, click the "Apply Here" icon above.

Course Information
Program Director's Message

Considerations Before Applying

2010 UVA-Yarmouk Program Information

2010 UVA-Yarmouk Program Schedule

2010 UVA-Yarmouk Program Courses

UVA-Yarmouk General Program Info

Frequently Asked Questions

Study Abroad Policies
Refund Policy
Withdrawal and Refund Policy

Health Insurance
Participants in the program are responsible for their own health insurance during the program. Prior to departure, all participants are required to take out health and accident insurance for the duration of stay in Jordan. You may want to check out options such as parents' insurance company or coverage through your university. Please note that the program requires verification of the insurance you choose.

Cost
International Airfare is included in the program cost. The program cost and payment schedule are listed under the "Budget Sheet" link at the top of this page.

In addition to these costs, students are responsible for the following expenses:

• Health/Accident Insurance
• Meals
• Transportation costs to Kennedy Airport (NYC)
• Personal expenses

Financial Aid
Students in need of financial assistance are encouraged to investigate scholarship and loan possibilities at their own institutions. We strongly urge you to begin seeking your own source of funding well in advance. In addition to personal sources, opportunities may exist through your own university, from FLAS, or other sources.

UVA students are encouraged to contact ISO Study Abroad Advisor Lisa Marks to discuss financing options.

Further Information
Program Director:
Mohammed Sawaie
Department of Middle Eastern
and South Asian Languages and Cultures
PO Box 400781
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, VA 22094
ms@virginia.edu
UVAYARMK@virginia.edu