Studying abroad in Jordan: My experience

Sanea Zerghani’s translation degree at the Université Libre de Bruxelles in Belgium required her to spend a semester in a country that speaks either Spanish or Arabic.  

While completing this section of her degree, Sanea was keen to discover more about the culture in the Middle East. With a strong languages and translation department, Al-Ahliyya Amman University seemed like the obvious choice for Sanea and so she went on a study exchange trip there in 2021. 

One thing that surprised Sanea about studying in Jordan was how welcoming the people were.  

“I say this because back in the West, the Middle East in general is depicted in the media to be this unsafe place, a warzone and a place that represses women,” she said. “I found that it was not at all the case. I was respected as an individual in my true self, and I was supported, listened to, and helped whenever I needed it.” 

In her spare time, Sanea would often travel into the city centre and read a book in a café, occasionally having a conversation with locals. Other times she would sit on one of the hills that overlooked the olive gardens and chat with her friends.  

When asked what she would say to students who are considering studying abroad in Jordan, Saneo replied:  

“I would tell them to go for it. Do not hesitate one second. It will be one of the best trips of their lives.  

“If you like to learn about history, religion, culture and music, if you want to eat good food while feeling safe enough to be in a position of learning, if you want to see the most beautiful works of architectural art and sleep under the stars in the middle of the desert, you should without any doubt choose to study in Jordan.” 

Pharmacy graduate Eyman Meknas was drawn to Al-Ahliyya Amman University due to its high quality of teaching and the fact that it was a private university that provides the best services and facilities to its students.  

“Jordan is a very good option for studying abroad and I advise other students to consider the high quality of education there,” he said. 

By studying in Jordan, students will benefit from a combination of an excellent standard of education and student life that is rich with experiences. 

Eyman said: “There are a lot of things to do for fun in Jordan. While studying there we visited almost all the tourist places in Jordan, such as Petra, Ram and the Dead Sea.” 

He added: “The food in Jordan is so special and so delicious. My favourite foods were mansaf and maklouba [meat, rice, and fried vegetables served in an upside-down pot].”