10. The Food. It’s amazing, especially the home cooking.
9. The Language. Arabic is difficult and infuriating, but as my ability improved and I gained confidence, I really started to enjoy it--and I loved the thrill of seeing new doors open because of my growing ability.
8. Discovery. There’s always something new to discover in Jordan, whether it’s exploring the same desert that T.E. Lawrence did, scrambling around Roman ruins, watching Jordanian entrepreneurs showcase their newest inventions at a tech fair, or trying to piece together the politics surrounding reform. It’s almost like putting together a puzzle; every new bit of language, culture, politics, history, or geography adds to the overall picture.
7. Challenge. Jordan challenged and stretched me in unbelievable ways.
6. Representing the U.S. I loved building trust with my Jordanian classmates, while simultaneously challenging some of their views about the United States and presenting alternative views. These one-on-one interactions are where people really change and grow, and where more public diplomacy needs to happen.
9. The Language. Arabic is difficult and infuriating, but as my ability improved and I gained confidence, I really started to enjoy it--and I loved the thrill of seeing new doors open because of my growing ability.
8. Discovery. There’s always something new to discover in Jordan, whether it’s exploring the same desert that T.E. Lawrence did, scrambling around Roman ruins, watching Jordanian entrepreneurs showcase their newest inventions at a tech fair, or trying to piece together the politics surrounding reform. It’s almost like putting together a puzzle; every new bit of language, culture, politics, history, or geography adds to the overall picture.
7. Challenge. Jordan challenged and stretched me in unbelievable ways.
6. Representing the U.S. I loved building trust with my Jordanian classmates, while simultaneously challenging some of their views about the United States and presenting alternative views. These one-on-one interactions are where people really change and grow, and where more public diplomacy needs to happen.
5. The reformists. In my final semester, I spent more and more time among Jordanian reformers--political activists, civic society leaders, business pioneers, and technology innovators. I loved their passion, enthusiasm, and dedication to improving their country. I also met so many University students with the same ambitions, especially among the young ladies. I wish I could stick around to see them build Jordan’s future.
4. Hanging out. It’s a simple country with simple people. No trips to the movie theater; no video games. A good Jordanian social visit means sitting out on the patio, enjoying the evening breeze, downing tea and puffing on the nargeela while you chat. I like that.
3. Hospitality. Jordanian hospitality is legendary for good reason. This is a country where cab drivers will insist you keep your fare because you speak Arabic and security checkpoint guards will invite you to their homes for dinner.
2. Family. Collectivist culture has its downsides, but there’s also something to be said for a culture where family is everything and where life is shared in community.
1. The value placed on children. It’s a beautiful thing, and you have to be a parent to appreciate it. In the U.S. parents love their own kids, but it’s not common to meet people who really appreciate or value other people’s children. In Jordan, every child is the most precious treasure in the universe.
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