Amman, Jordan, is an intersection of global history and contemporary politics. It is located along the fertile crescent, where many of the earliest forms of written history, pluralistic empires, and the world’s monotheistic faiths emerged. Today, it is a place of refuge, serving as the stable and welcoming home for waves of refugees from Iraq, Palestine, and Syria, in addition to several hundreds of thousands of migrant laborers from Egypt, South Asia, and elsewhere around the world.

Fortunately for visitors interested in learning about contemporary culture, Jordan has a tradition of generous hospitality and exceptional food. Arabian and Bedouin cultures combine to feature plates full with hummus, pomegranates, feta cheeses, olives, lamb, and … so much more. The variety – and spices – are extraordinary, drawing from a breadth of traditions as only Jordan can. At this crossroads embodied in cuisine, culture, and country, civil society actors are embracing the challenge and complexity of building an increasingly inclusive and sustainable Jordan. 

Haverford students with no previous Arabic experience up to Advanced level Arabic speakers have opportunities to intern with many of these organizations advancing civil society work and humanitarian causes. Example opportunities shared here include working with a podcasting project, an initiative dedicated to democratic transitions, and an environmental advocacy and restoration effort. But Amman is a dynamic capital, and many more opportunities are available. 

Sowt translates from Arabic as sound, voice, and vote. Sowt is also a podcasting project, bringing long-form narrative storytelling to the Arabic-speaking world, with as many as 1 million story downloads a month.  

Fortunately for English speakers, Sowt has translated a few fan favorites, including, “Mal Amal: On Labor Rights: Reflecting on the Experiences of the Working Class.” Sowt’s approach to storytelling engages critical, complicated intersections – a continuous theme for anyone willing to embrace this region with open eyes.

Bringing that critical, complicated lens to public policy and civil society Al-Quds Center for Political Studies “is an independent think-tank that is not affiliated with any partisan agency.” Al Quds was founded in 1999, in an effort to better understand and support political reforms toward democratic transition in Jordan and in other Arab countries.

Al Quds serves as a bridge between academic conversations and civil society, writing reports and op-eds, while also hosting conversations on such critical issues as reform and democracy in the Arab World, youth empowerment, and citizenship rights among minority populations.

These two organizations provide examples of the kinds of opportunities available to Haverford students through CPGC internships supported in cooperation with the Sijal Institute of Amman. 

Last year, the CPGC supported two students through the Sijal Institute. Seamus Fraser ’25 (Biology) and Omar Kenawy ‘23 (Environmental Studies; Anthropology). Both students interned with environmental organizations. Kenawy ’23 interned with a nonprofit called ECO Hikers. He had a variety of duties there, including serving as the social media editor. Near the end of his internship, he organized an ECO Hike which a Singapore based broadcasting network joined, filmed and aired as a documentary.

Fraser contributed to the work of WADI for Sustainable Ecosystems Development. WADI restores forests and rangelands for climate resilience, community livelihoods, and long-term water security.

These opportunities have been made possible by The Robert W. 1965 and Vivian S. Toan Fund for Engagement with Humanitarian and Middle East Issues, enabling Haverford and the CPGC to support internships with these or similar organizations through summer fellowships. (Other CPGC Fellowships and programming are also supported through extraordinary alumni generosity). Fellowships are competitive and particularly generous, supporting the costs of flight, accommodations, most meals, internship placement, personalized language instruction, and a stipend. Additionally, during Eid, students will have an opportunity to learn more about the history and culture of the region through excursions to Petra and Wadi Rum. Every week, the Sijal Institute offers lessons on Jordanian history, culture, food, politics, and much more.

Interested students should schedule an advising appointment with Stephanie Zukerman or, if during the last half of January 2023, with Eric Hartman. The Fellowship Application deadline is February 12.