AMIDEAST - Education Abroad in Jordan

The program is managed by AMIDEAST/Jordan in conjunction with AMIDEAST headquarters in Washington, D.C. AMIDEAST works collaboratively with the Qasid Institute to oversee the academic curriculum and implementation of the program. It also manages all logistical elements of the program, including the on-site orientation, host family placement and supervision, arrangements for optional travel excursions, and the planning of special events and extra-curricular activities. Finally, AMIDEAST provides comprehensive support to both participants and administrators in the event of any problems or unusual circumstances.

Program Manager - Hala Qubein

Hala Qubein is AMIDEAST’s Education Abroad Program Manager in Jordan. A Jordanian, born and raised in Amman, she lived in the US for 4 years and received her bachelor’s degree from High Point University in North Carolina. She has travelled extensively throughout Europe and the US and has been involved in several inter-cultural projects throughout her life. Having studied abroad, and gone through the challenges and triumphs of adjusting to a new culture and speaking a different language, she is able to help students adjust to new surroundings and overcome the challenges of being away from familiar surroundings. Hala has been working in Jordan for the past ten years and is well acquainted with the professional, social and cultural aspects of Amman. She is involved in different cultural and volunteer organizations, and has worked with people from different cultures and backgrounds for many years. She has also worked with young adults for over ten years in both a professional and volunteer capacity. Hala joined AMIDEAST at the start of the program in the summer of 2009. In that role she coordinates all aspects of the program, including orientation, housing, excursions, scheduling, student activities and much more.  A resident of Amman, Hala loves music, travelling, meeting new people and chocolate!

Program Officer - Safa’a Nimir Al-Adwan

Safa’a received her bachelor’s degree in German and English from the University of Jordan in Amman and from the University of Heidelberg ‘s Department of Modern Languages and European Culture in Germany. Throughout her studies, Safa’a was involved with several non-governmental organizations, such as Mercy Corps and Queen Zein Al Sharaf Institute for Development (ZENID). Additionally, Safa’a served as a project coordinator for one of Princess Basma Youth Resource Center (PBYRC)’s programs and in 2010. Safa’a worked in London and Scotland on the Global Citizen Corps (GCC) Project as an initiative from Mercy Corps. Safa’a is also extremely accomplished linguistically, as she speaks five languages, including Arabic and English. Safa'a's many work and educational opportunities have exposed her different world cultures and religions, and these past experiences greatly influence her work at AMIDEAST. Safa'a began working with AMIDEAST Education Abroad program in 2012.

Program Officer - Majd Alrafaia

Majd Alrafaia graduated from the University of Al-Balqa’a in Jordan with a bachelor’s degree in planning and management with a focus on regional planning. During his time at the University, Majd volunteered for the Fund of Abdullah II and INJAZ, a Jordanian non-governmental youth development organization. Following graduation, Majd worked at INJAZ and organized a summer camp for youth. Majd’s first experience with American culture was though participation in a program called the Students Leadership Forum, where he represented Jordanian culture in a program of East-West cultural exchange. That intercultural experience helped Majd realize that he wanted to find a career working with different cultures and people. Majd found such an opportunity at AMIDEAST, where he has been working since 2012.

What is AMIDEAST?

America-Mideast Educational and Training Services, Inc. (AMIDEAST) was founded in 1951.  It has field offices in 23 cities in 145 countries in the region, giving it a well-developed infrastructure, capacity, and institutional record of successful exchange programs rooted in more than five decades of in-region experience administering scholarships and exchanges on behalf of U.S. and Arab governments, private companies, and individuals.

AMIDEAST in Jordan beyond Education Abroad

Since 1958, AMIDEAST has been providing quality educational services in Jordan. Its office in Amman’s Sweifieh district will be the program’s headquarters, with classes meeting there.  Located in a bustling commercial area, the office includes classrooms, a small library and a wireless network that students can access.  It is also within easy reach of public transportation, malls and shopping centers, restaurants, gym facilities, and bookstores.

AMIDEAST/Jordan reaches thousands of students and professionals annually through English and Arabic language courses, academic advising, standardized testing, and cultural exchange programs. AMIDEAST/Jordan has designed and administered numerous programs for youth, undergraduates, and educators, and has arranged homestays, transportation, excursions, community service, language training, professional meetings, and lectures for groups of American students.