Jordan vs Israel

Applying to College
1

<p>Hi everybody,
I'm currently down to two options for studying abroad next fall and I was hoping to get some feedback on what might make more sense. For some background information, I'm a Gov and Arabic major, so improving my Arabic is important to me although the opportunity to learn other languages would be really cool too. Cultural immersion is important to me, and I would love the opportunity to get an internship overseas since I've only had one so far (I'm a sophomore btw). In terms of language level, I studied French in high school and I'm in my 4th semester of Arabic - I'm taking intensive Arabic this summer in Nizwa, Oman through the Critical Language Scholarship so I'll be starting the fall with the equivalent of 3 years of Arabic study.</p>

<p>Note: these programs are of comparable price and I have been approved for both by my university.</p>

<p>OPTION 1: MIDDLEBURY IN THE MIDDLE EAST: JORDAN
-would be better for strengthening my Arabic; we take standard Arabic, colloquial Arabic, and elective classes in Arabic :)
-the classes will probably only be with Americans though :(
-they push us to get involved in clubs to meet Jordanians
-I can do a homestay or live in a dorm with Jordanians
-I'll have volunteering opportunities but they won't let me do an internship during my first semester since my Jordanian dialect won't be great yet</p>

<p>OPTION 2: UNIVERSITY OF HAIFA
-it wouldn't help my Arabic as much but I could stay with Arab roommates (there's a significant Arab population at the university, I think about 20%, but it wouldn't be the same immersive experience), plus learning Hebrew would be fun
-I'll have a single room in an apartment with Arab Israeli roommates, which would be super convenient
-it's unclear if Arabic classes will be offered at my level :(
-I'd be taking classes with international students as well as Israelis
-I could do an internship in the area, hopefully with Arab communities :)</p>

<p>It seems like both programs offer different things (possibly more cultural immersion and definitely more Arabic work in Jordan vs more independence and career opportunities in Israel) so it would be great to get any opinions on what factors I should consider weighing more.</p>

<p>Thanks for sharing any opinions you have! :)</p>

2

<p>I have visited both countries. It depends on what you are most interested in. If fluent arabic is the goal, go to Jordan, which is a relatively stable place though it has the reputation of being boring. Most people I met (while working for the World Bank) spoke english. There is a fair amount going on there, but the economy is a bit sluggish. Just don’t hang out with americans - you can choose not to.</p>

<p>Israel is better if you want to get into politics and controversies or business. But the scope of arab culture is fairly narrow, very angry, and they too speak english often. The place is a cauldron of clashing cultures and of course, predominantly jewish. You will meet tons of young americans there for a canned experience of patriotic indoctrination, like chirpy american girls asking you if want to buy t-shirts to support the israeli army or mossad.</p>

<p>Needless to say, there is plenty of refugee work you can do. From a base in Israel, it is possible to work on the west bank as a volunteer, Ramallah is supposed to be interesting and the people nice. </p>

3

<p>My friend went to Jordan, and said it’s great for their dialect of Arabic but that it is a bit boring. I currently have a friend in Haifa and she said the city is very fun, and good opportunity to get involved with locals </p>

4

<p>Israel hands-down!</p>