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SUMMER DOMESTIC PROGRAMS: FEBRUARY 27, 2024 @ 11:59 PM (EST)

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University of Montana: Arabic (Hybrid)

Location: Missoula, Montana and Amman, Jordan

Country: Jordan

Language: Arabic

School: University of Montana

Dates of Program: May 20, 2024 - July 27, 2024

Program Type: Summer Combined Domestic and Study Abroad

Program Level: Year 1 , Year 2 , Year 3 ,

Classroom/Study Hours:

Classroom/Study Hours:
Year 1 Year 2 Year 3
Credits offered 2 Domestic - 12 Abroad 2 Domestic -12 Abroad 2 Domestic -12 Abroad
Number of Classroom Hours per week 25 Domestic - 25 Abroad 25 Domestic - 25 Abroad 25 Domestic - 25 Abroad
Number of Self-Study/Homework Hours per week 3 Domestic - 5 Abroad 3 Domestic - 5 Abroad 3 Domestic - 5 Abroad
Number of Hours With a Language Partner per week 5 Optional Abroad 5 Optional Abroad 5 Optional Abroad
Number of Hours of Other Activities per week 3 Domestic - 6 Abroad 3 Domestic - 6 Abroad 3 Domestic - 6 Abroad

Textbook:

Core: Since we believe textbooks don’t always help students reach their learning goals, we decided not to waste our students' time teaching them old dated textbooks like "Al-kitab" and "Mastering Arabic". We have designed the University of Montana Course PowerPoint Presentations instead. The course is organized thematically and follows task-based and proficiency-based approaches to get the students to speak from the very first session without the grammar stress and words in isolation that can be found in old dated textbooks. Class materials will be provided in electronic forms at the beginning of the course.

Supplemental Materials: Authentic materials (audio, videos, transcripts, websites) to get the students ready for the real world.

Program Details

The University of Montana Project Go program is a Summer combined domestic and an intensive study abroad program, in Jordan for ROTC cadets. This program is 10 weeks long, 2 weeks domestic in the beautiful city of Missoula, Montana (50+ instructional hours), and an 8-week abroad, in the ancient city of Amman, Jordan (200+ instructional hours).

This summer program will provide ROTC cadets with the best quality and the most fun language experience, relying on project-based and task-based instruction in Jordan to allow them to speak Arabic as much as they can in the form of a project and task they will do every day. With that being said, students won’t sit in the classroom to be showered with boring grammar rules, verb conjugations, and irrelevant topics. Rather, they will get a totally one-of-a-kind tailor-made classroom experience that will prepare them to speak Arabic fluently, engage with the locals, and top up their Arabic language skills.


Not only that, When in Jordan, ROTC cadets will primarily stay in hotel apartments during their time in Amman, Jordan. However, in addition to their hotel accommodations, they will have the unique opportunity to connect with the local culture through various activities and interactions with assigned Jordanian families. These families will generously open their homes to cadets, facilitating cultural exchange and providing opportunities for cadets to participate in activities like cooking, watching movies, and spending quality time together. These arrangements are designed to enrich the cadets' cultural experience while ensuring they make the most of their time in Jordan.

ROTC cadets will also be assigned language-speaking partners to help them skyrocket their speaking skills, along with the scheduled group excursions and field trips that will make the study abroad experience fun and rewarding.

What sets our program apart is that it offers a comprehensive, well-rounded experience that extends far beyond language instruction. It's a journey of personal growth, cultural enrichment, and career development. Cadets who embark on this adventure emerge not only as fluent Arabic speakers but as global citizens ready to tackle the challenges and opportunities of an interconnected world.

Program Timeline: 

Program Locations: 2 weeks in Missoula, Montana, and 8 weeks in Amman, Kingdom of Jordan.

Domestic Course (2 weeks in Missoula): May 20 - May 31, 2024 (2 credit hours).

Pre-Departure Orientation: May 30, 2024.

Overseas Course (8 Weeks in Jordan): June 1 - July 27, 2024 (12 credit hours).

Full Program Dates: May 20, 2024 - July 27, 2024.

Why Choose Project GO Arabic at the University of Montana:

Before we delve into what sets our program apart. Can you imagine yourself speaking Arabic with such fluency and natural flow after just two months of learning Arabic through our PGO program? Check out the video of one of our outstanding 2023 cadet participants who joined us at absolute beginner level: WatchNow . Dive deeper and watch a full documentary about the 2023 PGO journey of two of our exceptional graduate cadets: WatchNow. 

Our program offers a wide range of compelling reasons to choose us for your Arabic language education and cross-cultural experience, as we'll explore below:

  • Language Proficiency: Graduate cadets emerge equipped with a well-rounded set of language skills that are immediately applicable in real-life Arabic-speaking situations. We emphasize the development of listening, reading, speaking, and writing abilities to ensure that cadets are not just a passive observer but an active participant in Arabic communication. Our program places a strong emphasis on speaking skills. Cadets gain the ability to engage in meaningful conversations, express their  thoughts fluently, and connect with native speakers on a deeper level. Our program ensures that cadets not only master Modern Standard Arabic but also become proficient in the Levantine Dialect, giving them the confidence to engage with the average Jordanian person in their language.
  • Continued Education: Our commitment to cadets' success goes beyond the PGO program. The University of Montana ROTC graduates receive ongoing support. After successfully finishing the PGO program, graduate cadets have the opportunity to continue their education through online classes with the host institute funded by the University of Montana. They also can enroll in the University of Montana Online Spring PGO program. This allows ROTC graduates to apply, maintain, and keep honing the language skills they learned while in Jordan.
  • Dedicated Support In Jordan: Jordanian PGO coordinator will accompany the students throughout the study abroad period. PGO coordinator has fun activities and cultural trips scheduled for students to make sure they are having the best study abroad experience full of fun and excitement. If tutoring is needed, ROTC cadets can schedule tutoring sessions with the program coordinator at a time and place that works for them. 
  • Expert Instruction: The University of Montana is partnering up with the best Arabic language center in Jordan that has highly qualified Arabic language instructors and wide extensive experience working with DOD of different countries in the world (air force, embassy diplomats, army, ROTC, and Navy). 
  • Exploring Montana and its beauty: The domestic portion of the program will be conducted in Missoula, Montana, one of the most beautiful states in the US. This will allow ROTC students to not only learn Arabic but to take this opportunity to explore Missoula and take in all the beauty and fun that Montana offers.
  • Fun Excursions and Fantastic Field Trips: When in Jordan, cadets will have the chance to participate in group excursions. The excursions are designed to increase cadets’ cultural and historical knowledge while also having fun. Cadets will get to visit (Petra, The Dead Sea, Aqaba, Wadi Rum, Mount Nebo and Madaba, Jerash and Ajloun, and Ancient Desert Palaces). Students will literally explore every single breathtaking place in Jordan.
  • Dynamic Learning: Instruction will be around cadets’ needs, interests, and goals and will follow the best teaching approaches. This means that there is no room for the old-fashioned method of teaching nonsense grammar, old phrases, and irrelevant topics.
  • Cultural Engagement: When in Jordan, there will be different cultural activities designed by the MALIC Center(The host institute) on a weekly basis. These activities will bring fun to the study-abroad experience, and will fully immerse ROTC cadets in Jordanian society. Cadets will have the opportunity to participate in multiple cultural fun activities like (cooking, making Turkish coffee, dancing, visiting rural areas, singing, etc.…)
  • Proven Success: All University of Montana ROTC PGO graduates got their proficiency levels increased as per the PGO official tests. This means that the development of ROTC cadets'’ Arabic language skills is 100% guaranteed.
  • Language Partners: There will be 1 daily optional language-speaking partner hour from day 1 at the host institute in Jordan. This is a great opportunity for ROTC students who are interested in boosting their language skills.
  • Cultural Enrichment: When in Montana, 1 hour a week of culture and regional studies will be offered to the ROTC students in order to armor them with a cultural understanding of Arab culture, answer all their questions, and prepare them for the study-abroad experience.
  • Hands-on Military Experience Instruction: Instructors at the University of Montana including the Program coordinator have extensive experience teaching the DOD personnel(Special Forces, Marines, Navy, and Air Force). This means that the instructors understand the language needs, and professional goals of the ROTC cadets and will help them learn as fast as possible. 
  • Unique Blend of Educational Excellence and Life-Enriching Experiences: This program is a meticulously crafted and all-encompassing opportunity for ROTC cadets seeking to master Arabic language skills, deepen their cross-cultural competence, and advance their military careers. With a focus on experiential learning, cultural immersion, and personal growth, this program offers a unique blend of educational excellence and life-enriching experiences. 
  • Experience the Rich Cultural Tapestry of Jordan: Jordan is a country steeped in history and tradition. Cadets will get to explore the ancient archaeological sites, visit bustling markets, and engage with the warm and welcoming Jordanian people. From the archaeological wonders of Petra to the serene waters of the Dead Sea, Jordan offers a myriad of cultural and historical experiences that will enrich cadets' cross-cultural journey.

Learn more about Arabic PGO at the University of Montana and discover the transformative experiences that await you in our program:

Program Website: https://www.umt.edu/mansfield/dclcp/project-go/arabic-project-go/

All Project GO programs provide funding for:

  • Tuition/fees
  • Room and Board
  • Travel to/from study location
  • Books
  • Insurance
  • Visa (if applicable)

The following costs will not be included in Project GO Funding: personal spending money, personal travel, costs for obtaining a passport, medication, and expenses for dependents.

Please Note: Project GO participants planning to travel abroad MUST have a valid U.S. passport in their possession no later than 90 days before anticipated travel date. Many destinations require student visas, which take additional processing time. For further information, visit our FAQs.

Additional Details:

There are no prerequisites for this program. Any ROTC cadet can join our program whether they are absolute beginners or at the most advanced level. Students joining our program will get a tailor-made class based on their interests, goals, and skill levels. 

Program Structure:

  • Cadets are scheduled to start their journey on May 19th, 2024, when they will depart for Missoula, Montana, where they will spend a duration of two weeks. Subsequently, with the program coordinator, they will depart for Jordan on June 1st, 2024. During their time in Jordan, they will engage in an eight-week study program. The conclusion of their international program will see them return on July 27, 2024
  • For the domestic portion of the program in Missoula, Montana: ROTC cadets will stay with a roommate(s) in DoubleTreeByHilton hotel, 5 minutes of walking distance to the University of Montana. Cadets will be provided with a rental van to go from/to the University of Montana and to get their groceries. Please note that the domestic portion of the program is fully funded. 

  • While in Missoula, cadets will engage in daily classes lasting 4-5 hours. These classes are carefully crafted to significantly enhance their speaking skills and prepare them for seamless communication in Jordan, catering to participants ranging from absolute beginners to those at the most advanced levels. Cadets will actively participate in a variety of activities, including hands-on falafel preparation, Arab movie viewings, and virtual interactions with current special forces students stationed at Fort Campbell. These military students are also studying Arabic through the University of Montana.

    Beyond their scheduled class hours and activities, cadets enjoy the freedom to plan their own adventures. They can explore the natural beauty of Montana by visiting Yellowstone or Glacier National Park, take in the sights and experiences of the state, hit the gym, or pursue their personal interests as they see fit.

  • When in Jordan, cadets will stay in hotel apartments as their primary accommodation, enjoying the comfort and convenience of hotel facilities. Additionally, they will be spending time with assigned Jordanian families. These families will welcome students into their homes, where they can engage in activities such as cooking, watching movies, and enjoying quality time together. This will foster cultural immersion and provide more understanding of the Jordanian family structure, while also practicing the speaking skills learned in the host institute in authentic settings. Students’ meals will be covered with a student stipend.
  • When in Jordan, Arabic classes will take place at MALIC Centre(Modern Arabic Language International Center), Jordan, located in the beautiful Al-Jubeiha, a neighborhood in Western Amman, a 3-minute walk from the University of Jordan and prominent shops and restaurants.
  • Upon successful completion of the program, cadets will get 12 academic credits from the host university, and 2 academic credits from the University of Montana.
  • Yes there are gyms in Jordan. (: 
  • When in Jordan, the MALIC Center offers an inclusive and vibrant environment for our students. The center's doors are always open, providing a welcoming space for students to connect, relax, and engage in various activities. Whether they want to hang out, study, or socialize with fellow MALIC students, the center is a hub of community and camaraderie.
  • In addition to their academic pursuits, we believe in the importance of holistic development and having fun while learning. After classes, cadets have the flexibility to shape their experience. They can head to the gym to maintain their physical well-being, spend quality time with friends, or embark on adventures to explore the city of Amman, discovering its rich history, diverse culture, and vibrant atmosphere. 
  • Get to know our program coordinator: If you have any questions, concerns, or need assistance with your application, or simply want to chat about the program, don't hesitate to drop the program coordinator an email at [email protected]. 

Application Deadline: January 18, 2024

Separate application?: No, a separate application is not needed.

How to Apply:

To embark on this exciting journey with us as a Project Global Officer (GO) for Summer 2024, We invite you to apply for our program. The process is simple and starts with submitting a completed online application at: https://apply.iie.org/projectgostudyabroad. In addition to the application, applicants are required to provide a commander recommendation, an academic recommendation, and academic transcripts, all of which can also be submitted at: https://apply.iie.org/projectgostudyabroad.

Our selection committee will review all applications and reach out to successful candidates. We can't wait to welcome you into our vibrant community. If you have any questions or need further information about the University of Montana Arabic PGO program, please feel free to contact our program coordinator, Moayyad Al-Azzam, at: [email protected].

Summer 2024 promises to be a memorable and enriching experience, and we are excited to share it with you!!

Program Images:

Name: Moayyad Al-Azzam

Email Address: [email protected]

Phone: 4063048344

Thank you very much.

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