The Jordanian Culture Internship Program: This program provides participants with a first-hand view of Jordanian culture, art, history, and industry. Interns in Jordan will have the opportunity to explore the beautiful and historic city of Amman, take day trips to neighboring cities such as Bethlehem and Jerusalem, and explore other cultural and historical sites. The immersive internship focuses on how participants can enhance their experience of everyday Jordanian customs and culture.
This program would be ideal for a wide range of participants, whether native English speakers or not, ranging from students to young professionals and retirees, or anyone interested in Jordanian culture. The program would also suit university students interested in an internship program (from 1-13 Weeks) that would be shorter than the typical semester or quarter system. Through its partnership with the Jordanian Education Authority, the Excellence Center in Jordan can also provide academic credits to all participants.
The Jordanian Culture internship program is an excellent opportunity for those interested in learning Jordanian or Levantine Arabic, as they will do so as part of a fully immersive linguistic experience. By participating in this program, those eager to learn Arabic will have many opportunities to speak the language daily with shopkeepers, restaurant owners, and other members of the Jordanian community right here in Amman!
Table of Contents
The Jordanian Culture Internship Program 2026-2027
We are delighted to announce that applications are now open for the Jordanian Culture Internship Program for 2026-2027!
This program is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Jordan’s rich and vibrant culture. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of Jordanian traditions, language, history, and daily life through hands-on experiences and meaningful interactions with local communities.
Program Components
The Jordanian Culture Internship Program includes 3 hours of Arabic language lessons each week. These classes are designed to provide participants with the linguistic tools to fully embrace Jordanian culture and communicate with all sections of society. By learning Arabic, participants will better communicate with many Jordanians in local shops and businesses, taxis, local charity organizations, and much more. Participants need not worry about their language proficiency; however, most Jordanians are very friendly and will be happy to see visitors from overseas who are interested in their culture.
In addition to Arabic classes, female participants (and some male participants, depending on accommodation availability) will have the option to reside with a Jordanian host family. There are many benefits to staying with a host family, such as the daily opportunities it provides participants to practice their Arabic through conversations. Furthermore, participants will have the chance to experience Jordanian cooking, customs, festivities, and family dynamics. Most importantly, participants will very likely leave the program having made lifelong friends here.
If a host family is unavailable, male participants in the program can stay in an all-male dorm or a shared apartment in the city of Amman.
Excursions Into Amman
The Excellence Center in Jordan operates regular excursions to Amman in order to introduce participants to the city’s cultural sites, restaurants, markets, industries, museums, and religious monuments. Participants will also have the opportunity to visit local Jordanian organizations and interact with people in many different sectors of Jordanian life.
Ultimately, this internship program is intended to bring foreign nationals to Jordan for cultural exchange with Jordanians and their people. Jordanians are a hospitable and welcoming people, with family structures that are embedded in a dynamic and vibrant culture. Why not visit Jordan to learn more about its history, culture, and people?
Internship Program Components:
- 3 hours of Arabic classes per week
- Homestay with a Jordanian host family (if available)
- Center-led excursions to Amman
- Day trips to neighboring cities in Jordan
- Attendance at local cultural festivals
What You Will Contribute
As an intern for the Jordanian Culture Program, you will engage with and contribute to the Arabic community of Amman while broadening your understanding of the culture of Jordan.
There are many ways internships can benefit the Amman community, such as participants creating programs for school and university students. Examples of these programs include cultural information sessions, Q&A sessions, or programs that focus on an intern’s field of study.
Furthermore, interns can design and implement community development activities that leverage the Center’s connections and resources. For example, interns can collaborate with local universities and NGOs.
In addition, interns will have the opportunity to create constructive and educational workshops focused on cultural and humanities studies. In these workshops, interns can create dialogues about their respective cultures with local university students.
Finally, interns will have the option of assisting local Jordanian schools in teaching English to Jordanian children. This service is of the utmost importance, as exposure to other cultures and languages is very significant to children. By taking part in the Jordanian Culture Internship Program, interns will learn as much about Jordanian culture as local Jordanians will learn about theirs!
Summer Internships in Jordan
The Excellence Center in Jordan’s Jordanian Culture Program is also available as a summer internship for those interested in traveling to Jordan while also seeking to gain academic credits. Participants in this program will receive internship credit upon completion and a certificate verifying the internship.
As a member of the summer internship program, participants will dedicate their time to learning about Jordan’s culture with added emphasis on the intern’s chosen field, whether it be religious studies, refugee aid, community development, or any other specialization. If you are interested in a cultural immersion and community development summer internship with the Excellence Center in Jordan, do not hesitate to contact us via email, putting the phrase “Summer Jordanian Culture Internship” in the subject line. This program is an ideal opportunity for any student looking to enroll in a unique internship during their summer break.
Things To Know About Jordanian Culture
Modern-day Jordan lies at the center of the Levant, which itself lies at the central axis of the Middle East, the Mediterranean, Asia, Europe, and North Africa. Because of its unique geographic location, Jordan’s culture has been influenced by numerous nations and peoples. This combination has not led to Jordan being divided, but rather has created a unique blend of cultures like few other places in the world!
1. Jordanian History
Jordan, located in the Middle East, has been home to ancient civilizations like the Nabateans, Ammonites, and Moabites. It later came under Roman, Byzantine, and Islamic rule, followed by Ottoman control for over 400 years. After World War I, it became the Emirate of Transjordan under British oversight and gained full independence in 1946 as the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. Today, Jordan is known for its stability, rich cultural heritage, and historical sites like Petra and Jerash.
2. Food And Cuisine
Jordanian cuisine is highly reflective of its diverse history, with Greek, Mediterranean, Turkish, and Middle Eastern influences being predominant. Food and feasting are highly symbolic of community in Jordanian culture, often being the focal point at festivities and family gatherings.
The Jordanian diet includes bread, meat, rice, sauces, spices, soups, and desserts. Jordanian food culture is famous for its various breads, such as Taboon (sometimes called Laffah) flatbread, and its unique white cheese, Jibneh Baide. This cheese is made from either goat’s or sheep’s milk and is renowned for its nutritious value and distinct flavor. Jordanian food is also famous for its meat dishes, which mostly consist of either chicken or goat. An example of a world-renowned Jordanian dish is Qidreh, which is made from rice, chickpeas, and chicken cooked in broth and various spices.
Not only will the Center’s staff provide a traditional Jordanian breakfast every morning, but we will also occasionally cook dinner for all of the Center’s members. This includes volunteers, interns, students, and staff. And, of course, the Center’s staff know all the best places in town where you can grab a quick bite to eat!
3. Jordanian Language, Literature, and Oral Tradition
Jordan’s rich and diverse history also means an array of languages is spoken within its borders. Arabic is the most widely spoken language, but there are also a large number of English speakers, as well as a small Hebrew-speaking minority.
The main Arabic style spoken in Amman is the Jordanian dialect, a subsection of the larger Levantine dialect that is spoken by approximately 13 million people worldwide. Jordanian and Levantine Arabic are the dominant dialects throughout the Levant – the region that borders the Mediterranean, including Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan. Because of Jordan’s unique position at the center of the Levant, its dialect is widely spoken and understood throughout much of the Middle East and North Africa, as well as among the Arabic diaspora.
Jordan’s culture, particularly its oral tradition of poetry and music, has significantly influenced the development of Arabic, particularly its grammar. With the founding of Islam, written Arabic has continued to evolve. When these two important influences, the oral and the Islamic, are combined, they ensure that Jordan is now a very literary society. As a participant in the Jordanian Culture Program, you will be introduced to Jordanian poetry, music, and literature both at the Center and throughout Jordan.
4. Jordanian‘s Social Customs And Traditions
The people of Jordan are tightly knit and family-oriented, and typically have large extended families. These families are often (but not always) patriarchal, meaning that a senior male figure leads them. As a rule, members of Jordanian families are pretty supportive of one another, with family members often taking on the role of caregivers to supplement any welfare gaps. In addition, members of the Jordanian diaspora working abroad send their earnings back to their families in Jordan, providing vital economic support for their loved ones at home.
Jordan has a highly educated population, with the public school system prioritizing skills such as reading, writing, science, and mathematics. Given the high demand for quality education, the Excellence Center in Jordan provides additional educational support to the public school system in Amman. For more information, please take a look at our website under the heading of “Volunteer Programs.”
5. Jordan Arts And Music
Jordan is home to many widely recognized arts and crafts, including olive wood carving, a technique associated with Bethlehem and famous for its depictions of religious scenes and figures. The city of Amman is especially renowned for its glassblowing craftsmanship. The art of henna, which became prominent after the rise of Islam due to the religion’s prohibition on tattoos, is especially noticeable in Jordan during festivals and local holidays.
The performing arts are another key component of Jordanian culture, often depicting themes of cultural pride and national resistance when performed at public venues. Jordan is home to a unique form of dance called Dabke, which is traditionally performed at celebratory events such as weddings, festivals, and holidays. The Excellence Center in Jordan actively participates in and contributes to local festivals and traditions, and would be happy to include participants on such occasions.
Benefits Of The Jordanian Culture Program
There are numerous benefits to enrolling in our Jordanian Culture Internship Program, including:
- 12 hours of complimentary Arabic lessons for each month that they are enrolled (3 hours per week)
- Participants may choose between Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) and Colloquial Arabic – either Levantine or Jordanian
- Accommodation with a Jordanian host family or in a shared dorm or apartment
- Complimentary breakfast in the center 6 times per week
- Engagement with the Jordanian community through Center-led activities and workshops
- Visits to various sites in the city of Amman, including refugee camps, the old city, and different factories, as well as other cities and tourist sites such as Aqaba, Petra, Jerash, Madaba, Wadi Rum, the Dead Sea, Umm Qais, and Ajloun Castle
- University credit
- Certificate upon completion of the program
Accommodation
When residing in Amman, participants in the program will have the option of either staying with a host family (depending on availability) or in a cozy apartment. Both options offer unique advantages.
Whichever housing option the participant chooses, their time in Jordan will be immersive, enriching, and memorable!
Interacting With Jordanian Culture
Interns in Jordan will find that most Jordanians are incredibly friendly and open to foreigners. If participants utilize their Arabic skills, no matter how well-developed, they will find that most Jordanians are enthusiastic and patient communicators who will be delighted that people are interested in their language and culture.
In addition, Jordan is located at the heart of the Levant (the area associated with the Eastern Mediterranean), providing ample opportunities to visit cultural sights, historical monuments, and many other landmarks.
Who Will Benefit?
Those looking for a unique internship experience that will connect them with the culture and life of contemporary Jordan will benefit from this program, as it delves deeply into Jordanian history, culture and communities. This internship will suit students of archaeology, linguistics, and other fields who are looking to pursue a summer internship or enhance their present studies. Anyone thinking of traveling through the Levant will benefit from the Jordanian Culture Program’s breadth and scope.
Program Costs And Information
The Excellence Center in Jordan is priced competitively in comparison with other programs at 300 Euros per week. Program costs cover language courses, accommodation, complimentary breakfast each day that the participant is at the center, operating costs, and group excursions. No additional or hidden fees are applied to these programs, as the price quoted above is the complete and final cost that participants will pay.
Program Fees Cover:
- Accommodation
- Language courses
- Operating costs
- Complimentary breakfast
- Group excursions to Amman
In Which Language Is The Program Run?
All of our programs are geared toward English speakers. However, for the sake of immersion, the higher the course level, the less English will be utilized in the classroom. Additionally, students will have the opportunity to utilize their Arabic skills to the best of their ability while traveling through Jordan, thereby ensuring a fully immersive experience.
The Jordan Culture Internship Program: Overview
| Internship Program location | Amman, Jordan |
| Program Fees | 300€ per week (confirm prices here) |
| Age | 18-70 years old |
| Duration of internship | 1-13 weeks |
| Housing Options | Host family A shared apartment All-male dorm |
| Arabic language classes per week | 3 hours in total |
| Class duration | 45 Minutes |
| Number of participants per program | 1-5 |
| Internship Program Focus | Jordanian cultural immersion Daily life in Amman |
| Start/End Dates | Flexible to fit the participant’s schedule |
| Application Deadline | No deadline |
| University Credit | Available |
| Program Language | English and/or Arabic |
Traveling to Amman
Traveling to the Excellence Center in Jordan’s center in Amman is stress-free and straightforward. You’ll fly directly into Amman, and from the airport it’s only about a one-hour drive — roughly 40 km — to reach our school. If you have any questions about your journey or need help with arrangements, our team is always happy to assist. You can find our contact information at the bottom of this page.
Reviews And Awards
The Excellence Center in Jordan has proudly earned several Community Awards, including recognition as the Best Arabic Language School overseas, one of the best Online Programs for Jordanian Colloquial Arabic Providers, and the Top Provider of Volunteer and Internship Opportunities abroad for the years 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024. For further details, please visit our profiles on GoOverseas.com and GoAbroad.com.
- +900 reviews (96.8%) on gooverseas.com
- +190 reviews (93%) on goabroad.com
- Participants’ video testimonials
- Our Awards
Summary
The Jordanian Culture Internship Program in Amman is designed to immerse participants in Jordanian culture, particularly that of Amman. This will entail learning Arabic, venturing into the city to interact with local Jordanians, residing with a local host family (depending on availability), visiting important cultural sights, learning about Jordanian cuisine and arts, participating in local festivities, and much more!
If you are seeking a career in or are interested in the fields of Social Anthropology, Arab culture or any similar field, this internship will provide you with invaluable experience and insight into Jordanian culture and daily life.
How To Apply:
If you want to participate in our Jordanian Culture Program, please email us at Info@studyarabic.org. We should be able to respond to your initial inquiry within two business days.
In the subject line of your email, write “The Jordanian Culture Internship Program.” Upon your response, we will attach an application form for you to complete and return to us to begin the process.
Contact Us
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at:
WhatsApp: +962 7 8509 1450
Address: Badr Ad Din Zaza, Jabal Al Lweibdeh, Amman 11190, Jordan
Website: https://ecjordan.org/
Volunteer in Jordan: https://volunteerinjordan.org/
Study Jordanian Arabic: https://studyjordanianarabic.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/excellence.center