Are study abroad students tourists in the country in which they study? I have been asking myself this question for the last four months, and I am still not sure of the answer. However, I do know that as temporary visitors (okay, so maybe we are tourists) we have the responsibility to leave the country …
Author Archives: leahcooper
The Promised Land
Earlier this week we had the opportunity to visit Mount Nebo (the land of Moab, now Jordan), where God showed Moses the Promised Land. This is also where Moses was said to have died. The view from the top of Mount Nebo is spectacular. From it, you can see the Dead Sea (far left), Jerusalem …
Facts about Jordan you wouldn’t read in a guidebook
As I prepared for my time in Jordan I did a LOT of research about what culture, food, and life in Amman was going to be like. A lot of the information I found was helpful, but there are some things that guide books just don’t tell you! I have been a long time lover …
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Summaq, sitting rooms, and shisha
As I prepared for my time in Jordan, one of my biggest concerns was what my host experience would be like. So many students cite living with their host families as the most rewarding part of their study abroad experience, whereas some have horror stories that would knock your socks off. SIT tends to keep …
24 hours in my shoes
One of the best ways to get to know a place is to walk around in it–to get your own shoes dirty and get lost in a new city. While you may not be able to visit Amman yourself, today I thought I’d let you walk in my shoes for 24 hours and see a …
Overcoming Isolation
During the pandemic the term ‘isolation’ took on an uncomfortable meaning, one that most of us became all too familiar with. While preparing for my time abroad, I spent time emotionally preparing myself for several aspects of the program. I mentally prepared myself for trying and eating new foods, for missing home, and for feeling …
Dunes & Deserts
During our excursion in the south of Jordan, we visited Wadi Rum, Jordan’s most famous desert. Wadi Rum is famous around the world, and chances are you have probably seen it on the big screen once or twice. The Martian, Transformers Revenge of the Fallen, Rogue One: Star Wars, Aladdin, The Rise of Skywalker, and …
Petra
If you have ever seen Indiana Jones, you’ve seen Petra. Located in Southern Jordan, Petra is known as one of the seven wonders of the world. Its history dates back to as early as 7000 BC, settled by the Nabateans around 3000 BC. Just a thousand years later it was developed as the main trading …
A Day at the Dead Sea
This week I floated in the Dead Sea and visited Jesus’ baptism site.
My First Jordanian Wedding
On Our Way My ears are still thumping from last night when I had the privilege of attending my first Jordanian and Muslim wedding. After a week of orientation, I was picked up from the Grand Hyatt in Jabal, Amman, and swept to Sweileh, a neighborhood in northwestern Amman. At 4:30, I rode with my …
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