Learn about the political, social, cultural, and economic factors behind the influx of refugees to Jordan, a country that continues to receive waves of refugees displaced by regional conflicts.

What makes this program unique?

• Visit Palestinian and Syrian refugee host communities, healthcare facilities, UN agencies, international relief organizations, and local NGOs.
• Contrast the humanitarian response to Syrian refugees in Jordan and Switzerland.
• Explore refugees’ challenges, such as identity crises, social exclusion, and risks relating to gender.
• Travel to Geneva, Switzerland, to learn from experts at health and humanitarian agencies such as the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, World Health Organization, and International Red Cross.
• Conduct an independent study project or an internship examining public health, health and the environment, alternative medical treatment, public health education, or related topics.
• Take three or six credits of Modern Standard Arabic. 
• Go on excursions to the Dead Sea, Mount Nebo, the ruins of Greek Decapolis cities, the Red Sea port Aqaba, Wadi Rum, and Petra, staying with a Bedouin family along the way.

Why Jordan and Switzerland?

Jordan is at the heart of the Syrian refugee crisis.  Northern Jordan hosts more than 80 percent of Syrian refugees; an excursion to northern Jordan will enable you to assess the impact of refugees on host communities. In southern Jordan you will visit health centers and associations providing health services to communities and urban refugees in host communities. You will experience everyday life in this part of Jordan and study alternative medical treatments.  Your home base will be Amman, capital city of Jordan known for its many Roman and Umayyad ruins alongside its modern amenities.

On your excursion to Switzerland, you will spend most of your stay in Geneva, a major international capital. This excursion give you a chance to learn from experts about the international refugee system, the global refugee status, and the challenges health and relief agencies face in providing refugee protection and assistance. You’ll visit the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the International Committee of the Red Cross, the World Health Organization, and the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.

How do I choose among programs?

• See the Office of Global Learning’s “Selecting a Program” page for information on program types and considerations
• Use the search features on the Experience Cornell  Opportunities page to filter for programs approved by your college, and by particular subject areas
• Go to the “Get Advice” page for information on drop-in advising hours, scheduling an advising appointment, returned student contacts, and college advisors for study abroad
• Find out about upcoming events, check out FAQs, and read stories from returned study abroad students

How do I apply?

Applying to study abroad is a two-step process. You may complete both steps simultaneously, but the Cornell approval process must be complete before your program advisor in the Office of Global Learning can submit any approval or nomination to the program.

1. For Cornell Approval, click on the "Apply" button on this webpage. Applications are approved by the Office of Global Learning on a rolling basis until the application deadline listed on this page.
2. For Program Admission, complete an external application directly on the program’s webpage, using the link in the “Snapshot” section. (Note: This deadline may be in advance of the general Cornell deadline for approval. Many programs fill by rolling admission.)