Living in Jordan can be a very rewarding experience on many different levels. Jordanian culture has Arabic and Islamic elements with substantial Western influence. Its population is diverse because of its strategic location. There are many attractive natural and historic sites and numerous places to explore. Jordanians are known to be gracious and friendly hosts and Jordanian cuisine is delicious, fresh, and varied. The climate is hot and dry in the summer and cooler and wetter in the winter.
The academic year for both universities and schools in Jordan is from September to May/June and is usually divided into two semesters. All schools in Jordan, including public, private, and international schools follow a school calendar set by the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research.
U.S. Fulbright grantees to Jordan are highly encouraged to actively expand their professional and academic expertise, engage in meaningful research collaborations with international scholars, build lasting professional and personal networks, and contribute to fostering strong connections between their home and host institutions. Fulbrighters to Jordan should fulfil their agreed terms and conditions of award and carry out the academic program outlined in their original applications.
The Commission provides directories and resources to support the grantees’ efforts towards fulfilling these requirements. The Commission also organizes a volunteering-specific session during grantees' orientation in Jordan. Grantees are also welcome to reach out to program staff for additional guidance and support as needed.
As part of the Fulbright Program in Jordan, grantees are expected to contribute to broadening its impact through volunteering for a minimum of 30 hours over the course of their grant with a CSO/NGO, educational institution, or community initiative. They are also expected to organize and conduct at least three knowledge-sharing initiatives, such as holding a workshop, delivering a public lecture, or publishing content (articles, blogs, social media posts/reels, etc.), to convey their knowledge to the broader public. Scholars are encouraged to document and share their experiences, supporting the program’s mission of cultural exchange, mutual understanding, and community engagement.
The Binational Fulbright Commission in Jordan, officially known as the Jordanian-American Commission for Educational Exchange, is the main point of contact for all Fulbright grantees. Our offices are located in a villa in the quiet residential district of Abdoun in Amman. The Commission serves Jordanian and American students, scholars and professionals, and provides a support network for all Fulbrighters in Jordan.
The Fulbright staff is committed to ensuring that each grantee becomes a member of our Fulbright family and feels that a home-away-from-home is ever present from the day of their arrival in Jordan. The Fulbright staff in Jordan supports incoming Fulbrighters in settling in by conducting an in-country orientation that introduces them to Jordan, familiarizes them with the Fulbright grant requirements, and assists them in identifying housing options. The Commission staff also provide assistance in securing residency and/or work permits, locating medical care, and providing guidance regarding medication needs.
For more information, please visit the following helpful links:
While Arabic proficiency is not required and all teaching will be in English, grantees may occasionally need to use basic Arabic for classroom instructions and student support.