Amman! A journey.

The "Sleepy Sultanate" of Oman would most like be nothing like any of the other options. To further complicate things, my alternate options were already limited to the programs that would accept a late application. All other timelines had caught up with my "superior" planning that had a carefully detailed Plan A, but absolutely nothing of a Plan B.

Although the UAE, Oman's closest neighbor, would provide interesting adventures, it's small Arabic-speaking population would be difficult to find and interact with. Turkey would most likely not be supporting many programs. Israel and Morocco were too different for me to feel comfortable changing too in such a short amount of time. Egypt and all others that had at some point been options were closed off. 26 Middle Eastern countries, give of take. Four fully possible countries. Four. Which narrowed my choices to Jordan. Which by no means conveys Jordan as my last or least favorable pick.

CET Jordan was very welcoming and accommodating, allowing me to submit an application up to July 1. But their lack of a homestay option brought my focus to CIEE, which was more expensive and needed a submitted application within the week. A homestay was something that would not have been possible for me in Oman. I brought home long-lasting friendships and memories after my experience with a host family in Turkey and I hoped another host family experience would make for an great abroad experience again. CIEE required a host family survey and letter:

Dear Future Host Family,

Firstly, shukran! You will hear me say “shukran” very often! Thank you for agreeing to bring me into your home and into your family. I first studied abroad for a year when I was sixteen years old. My host family in Istanbul was the one of the best parts of my exchange. My most memorable times during the year were those spent with my host family.

I am 21 years old and have lived in Florida most of my life, although I prefer living and going to school in Massachusetts, where I was born. My parents are divorced and I have one younger brother. I see both my parents equally and enjoy spending time with grandparents and relatives during the holidays. I keep in touch with my Turkish host family, including siblings and cousins, and visit them every few years.

I am very focused on academics and I will be trying to use and practice my Arabic. Don’t let me speak too much English please! I can be quiet sometimes, but please push me to speak; I may just be shy at first! I love to try new things and would love to help with cooking. I also love to watch and play sports, read, listen to music, play the violin, and explore new places. I hope to travel to Oman, Tanzania, and possibly Indonesia during the year.

I am looking forward to living and studying in Amman, but most of all I am looking forward to meeting you!

Sincerely,

Jane Viviano

With CIEE I'll be entering their Diplomacy and Policy program on August 28th in Amman, Jordan. I hope to complete an internship as one of my courses. So far, that's what's certain and I'd like to keep it that way! My shortened time frame will allow me to read up on Jordan and know a bit before I arrive, but more reading and researching may bring expectations that do not play out as I expect. I knew a comfortable amount about Turkey before I arrived and I hope to do the same before take-off to Jordan. One thing I do know is that I will have an amazing experience in Jordan, 1. because the experience is what I make it and 2. because from what I've heard, Jordan is a wonderful country with lovely and hospitable people. I am ready to begin my next adventure!