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 …
Tag Archives: Middle East
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 …
Two Days ’til Takeoff
Hey guys, I’m Leah, and in just a few days, I will be writing to you from Amman, Jordan! I am going into my senior year here at Hope College and will be wrapping up my degree in Global Studies and Spanish. It has been a wild few years on campus, and I am so …
How to Extend And Then Cancel a Study Abroad Extension
What a rollercoaster! So for a variety of reasons and a lot of planning, I decided it would be in my best interest to stay a year. Now, what does that process look like? Well, I can only speak for CIEE. The first thing I did was email the Center for Global Engagement at Hope …
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Celebrating My Birthday Abroad
In all honesty, I’ve never really liked where my birthday is placed in the year. I grew up moving around a lot, and September 22nd was always just way too soon in the academic year. When I’d go to a new school, it was nearly guaranteed that it’d be forgotten just because, unless I went …
Hello Nepal and My Sweet Host Family
During these past few weeks, I have transitioned from Chile to Nepal. While some parts of transitioning are challenging, I have had an amazing experience. I live with my host dad and his mom who are Newari, and my host mom who is Japanese. I have two host siblings, a little sister who is four, …
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