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L E A R N A R A B I C N O W
U N I V E R S I T Y O F J O R D A N
UJLC
C O M M I T M E N T T O E X C E L L E N C E
www.ujlc.ju.edu.jo
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I am pleased to welcome you to the University of Jordan
Language Center (UJLC) website, and I hope this site will be of
great help and provide answers to all of your questions about
our Arabic program for speakers of other languages(ASOL) and
the Arabic & English communication skills courses.
Here, at the UJLC, we are proud of the experience we have
gained throughout the years in teaching Arabic for non-native
speakers from all over the world and for the University
communication skills courses offered each semester to well
over 9000 University students.
What makes our Arabic for speakers of other languages (ASOL)
program special is the diversity of its students and renowned
curriculum and instructors. With over 300 international
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students registered in our ASOL program each semester, the
Language Center has become a pioneer in the field and
number one choice for most of the international students
worldwide.
My office and staff will support your success at the Language
Center. In conclusion, we will make all efforts and will provide
all educational means available to serve that goal and make
your stay in Jordan an unforgettable one.
Welcome home.
Professor Mahmoud Shra’ah
Director
UJLC
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OUR MISSION
The University of Jordan’s Language Center (UJLC) teaches
Arabic and English communication skills to all university
students and Arabic courses to non-native speakers. It also
serves the local and global communities by holding local and
international exams, and by holding training courses for
students and teachers in English and Arabic.
Our mission is to provide first class education and services by
supporting the linguistic, intellectual, social and cultural
development of our students through talented and
professional instructors, emerging in the native community and
having a positive and supportive learning environment. We also
provide opportunities that enable students to develop the
knowledge and skills needed to achieve their academic and
professional goals.
The Language Center looks to be distinct and active in the local
and global hub, particularly in the areas of teaching Arabic to
non-Arabic speakers. Our broad vision is not limited to only
language instruction-but-also extends to the Center becoming
a leading research facility.
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Here at UJLC, every minute of our students' time counts. We
promise our students a one- of- a- kind lifetime experience: A
total immersion of language and culture where students make
new friends and families away from home.
ARABIC FOR SPEAKERS OF OTHER
LANGUAGES
The University of Jordan Language Center (UJLC) is one of the
leading institutions in the region and the world in teaching
Arabic to non-native speakers. UJLC started offering Arabic
courses for speakers of other languages in 1979. Since then,
UJLC has taught Arabic to thousands of students from all parts
of the world. UJLC has become known for its excellent teaching
and friendly atmosphere and is committed to providing quality
language instruction and over the years, the Arabic program
has since grown in professionality and reputation. The
Language Center has a vision and a commitment to provide
exemplary instruction and extra-curricular activities to all its
students to ensure a unique immersion experience. Arabic at
UJLC is taught not only through linguistic frames but also
through literature, culture, history, media, and common daily
life materials.
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THE REGULAR PROGRAM
The Arabic program is designed to deliver Arabic language
instruction to non-native speakers from all over the world. The
UJLC offers six levels, and may offer nine levels based on the
results of a placement test, of intensive Arabic (Beginners,
intermediate and advanced) throughout the year. The fall and
spring semesters last for (16) weeks each including registration
and examinations. The summer semester lasts for (8) weeks
including registration and examinations. Classes in the regular
program run from Sunday through Thursday in two sessions
from 9:00 a.m. -12:40 p.m. with a short break between the two
sessions. This includes 20 hours per week or around 300 hours
per semester for the fall or spring semesters and around 150
hours in total for the summer semester (note: every class hour
is 50 minutes). Students will mainly learn modern standard
Arabic in addition to Arabic integrated into the program.
Students with previous knowledge of Arabic are required to sit
for a placement exam at the beginning of each semester. Those
who have not studied Arabic will join level one.
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Students joining UJLC with different and diverse cultural
backgrounds enrich the experience at UJLC. Students will forge
valuable friendships and contacts not only with fellow
classmates but also with locals as well. The Language Partner
Program (LPP) represents a unique way of complementing what
students are studying inside the classroom.
Culture plays a vital role in our program. Through LPP, trips,
guest speakers and cultural clubs, students will experience first-
hand the richness of Jordanian culture and will have, as a result,
a better understanding of Arabic language.
Evening classes are also offered upon request and need.
The calendar & course description can be viewed and
downloaded from our website.
TEXTBOOKS
In the regular program, textbooks authored by UJLC’s talented
instructors are used. UJLC authored six books of Arabic with
supplementary materials carefully designed to covers the
necessary tools for students to practice and master the four
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basic language skills of reading, writing, speaking and listening,
and the sub skills of vocabulary, pronunciation, and grammar.
The Language Center is a pioneer in the country and the region
in authoring its own books and the curriculum has carefully
been designed to match and complement the students’ needs,
demands and backgrounds.
OUR TEACHING TEAM
Our students come first. That is why they will have the best
tuition from the very best instructors – dynamic, qualified,
highly skilled professionals experienced in teaching Arabic to
speakers of other languages. We aspire to provide our students
with the perfect language and cultural experience, and that is
why our teachers inspire and challenge students to maximize
their potential. Once hired, new instructors are required to
undergo extensive classroom and on-the-job training. Our
instructors hold Ph.D. and M.A. degrees in Arabic and in
teaching Arabic as a second language. The intense focus we
place on hiring the best instructors for our programs results in
not just superior program outcomes, but it keeps our students
coming back. Our instructors not only share their experiences
but also their passion and devotion to the programs offered by
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UJLC. Their work is always driven by and focused on student
learning.
THE TAILORED PROGRAM
The Language Center also offers tailored courses with private
instruction (individual or small group instruction) throughout
the year and upon request to those who cannot join the regular
program, to students or groups who want to take extra hours
of Arabic or to those who want to study Arabic for specific
purposes for shorter or longer periods of time.
With this option, students will tailor a course that corresponds
to their needs in terms of dates, times, and content. The focus
in these courses is on students’ individual needs. Students may
study standard or/and colloquial Arabic, media, politics,
diplomacy, business, culture or any other discipline in Arabic or
in English. The program costs USD 100 per hour per group
(note: A group consists of 1- 6 students). If the number of
students in a group exceeds 6 up to 16, additional USD 10 per
person will be added.
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In these tailored courses, we hire the best in the field to
guarantee a worthwhile experience with satisfactory and
guaranteed results.
Please contact us for more info or if you have any additional
questions.
THE QUARTER SYSTEM
To satisfy and accommodate all of our students’ needs, UJLC
will offer Arabic classes following the quarter system. Unlike
the regular semesters, which are typically 15-16 weeks in
length, quarters are 10 weeks in length including orientation
and final examinations, occurring in the fall, winter, spring and
summer. Students will study 20 hours per week with a total of
around 200 hours per semester. The textbook used in this
system is “Al-Kitaab fii Taallum al- Arabiyya”.
Please contact us for more info.
PREPARATION ENTRY EXAM AND PROGRAM
UJLC offers evening Arabic courses to students enrolled at UJ’s
various faculties and departments to improve their Arabic
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communication skills. The test places students into three
different categories based on the results of an entry placement
exam.
APPLICATION
Applying and registering for our programs is easy.
All incoming students can register in our programs without the
need of an acceptance letter. Students need to show up at the
time of the registration period with the following documents:
Application / registration form
Two passport size photos
Photocopy of passport (photo and entry stamp pages only)
Fees in cash (in USD or equivalent Jordanian Dinars JOD)
Students who need proof of enrollment can submit the
application via mail or email. All other students can register in
person before the designated deadline.
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To apply, please download and fully complete our application
form (found on our website) and bring it with the other
required documents during registration period.
FEES
Fall USD 1800 (Or equivalent JOD)
Spring USD 1800 (Or equivalent JOD)
Summer USD 1200 (Or equivalent JOD)
Tailored courses USD 100 per hour per group (Or equivalent
JOD). If the number of students in a group exceeds 6 up to 16,
additional USD 10 per person will be added.
Quarter semester USD 1600 (Or equivalent JOD)
Registration fee: USD 50 every semester.
ALL FEES ARE NONREFUNDABLE
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS OFFICE (ISO)
Our staff members will make you feel like you are in your home
away from home. They will help you adapt to UJLC, UJ, and
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Jordan while making sure that you have a successful academic
and personal experience. They have helped thousands of
students from the first steps of learning to processing official
documents needed to settle in. We are dedicated to helping
international students thrive in the UJ community. Whatever
questions or concerns you have; we are here for you.
Our staff members are here to:
- Assist in the application/admission process.
- Assist in managing and coordinating the admission
services, providing information and advice relating to
courses offered, arranging interviews and placement tests
when required and processing individual enrolments for
fee-paying students.
- Assist with useful information concerning the visa process
and residential living.
- Assist in organizing students’ orientation and briefing
sessions.
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- Assist in promoting the ASOL program worldwide.
- Assist in keeping our international students informed on
current education and academic issues and services.
- Assist students in providing general information about
housing when available.
- Answer all students’ academic questions
ISO is open Sunday through Thursday from 8:00 until 16:00
Come and meet our friendly staff.
STUDENTS WILL ENJOY:
Library access
Sports facilities
Language partners
Cultural clubs
Wireless Internet connection at the Language Center premises
Computer lab
Listening labs
Weekly trips
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Basic health insurance at the UJ clinic
They may also make use of the following:
A post office
Two banks
ATM machines
Main restaurant and cafeterias
Mini shops
WHY CHOOSE UJLC?
- The University of Jordan campus is nestled on a beautiful
hill in the north-western part of the capital, Amman. It
provides an excellent opportunity for students enrolled in
the program to interact with students who are native Arabic
speakers in what is called the Language Partner Program
(LPP). Such interaction is vital for the acquisition of both
standard and colloquial Arabic due to the rich intellectual
life in Jordan.
- The campus is well secured and a safe place.
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- Courses are taught by highly qualified native speakers, who
are capable of creating a friendly learning environment.
Students are encouraged and expected to participate
actively in various academic and cultural activities.
- The Center also organizes weekly extra-curricular activities
including guided tours every Saturday to historical and
cultural sites in Jordan such as Petra, Jarash, the Dead Sea,
the Baptism site, Wadi Rum and many more.
- Other extra-curricular activities include: open days,
receptions, breakfast gatherings, field visits, guest
speakers, workshops, and graduation ceremonies.
- Classes at UJLC are small to meet individual needs.
- All classrooms are equipped with projectors, dish operated
TVs, and high quality audio systems.
- Students may enjoy inexpensive meals or sandwiches at the
UJ restaurant or cafeterias.
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- Spoken Jordanian is the closest to Modern Standard Arabic
(MSA) hence, students will learn and use both with ease.
- Students can be exempted from paying the residency
extension fees.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
LEVEL ONE
This level is designed for students with no prior knowledge of
Modern Standard Arabic. It will introduce the students to the
fundamentals of Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) and to the
culture of the Arab World. Students learn the 28 basic letters of
the Arabic alphabet.
Students will also learn the sound system, the writing system,
elementary grammar, vocabulary items, and language
constructions. The course also involves regular use of audio-
visual materials in Arabic. By the end of the course students will
be able to read and write using Arabic script. You will also learn
the correct pronunciation, learn to distinguish different sounds
in the language and verbally
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communicate on a basic level.
Students at this level have no real or minimum language skills
functionality. At this level, students will learn the basic
interactions. They will be able to give their identity, say
greetings, ask and answer basic questions, use vocabularies
they learn in real-life conversations.
Pronunciation at this level is carefully taught and correct
pronunciation is highly stressed as a tool to build confidence
and better speaking skills. They will be able to write words and
short sentences as part of dictation and from memory.
Students will also learn to connect speaking with writing.
Combining the two will ensure better speaking and writing skills
at this early stage. Writers at this level will be able to write short
and simple paragraphs about themselves, family, friends, and
the weather among other topics.
Topics covered in level one that fully integrate the four skills
include: Countries, Continents, Jordanian cities, Directions,
Seasons, Months, Days of the Week, Topography (river,
mountain, valley…), Geometric shapes (pyramid, circle…),
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Colors, Animals and birds, Plants (vegetable and fruits), Clothes,
The Human Body, Family, Transportation, Parts of a House,
Kitchenware, Drinks, Furniture, Office equipment, Numbers,
Calculation (+, -,=), Parts of a City, City facilities, Jobs/
employment, Verbs (past, present, imperative), Pronouns,
Grammatical gender, Singular and plural (masculine plural,
feminine plural, broken plural), Demonstrative pronouns,
Possessive pronouns, Nationalities, Adverbs (after, before,
under…), Adjectives, Using the dictionary, Sentence structure
and usage.
Students attend two hours of listening weekly in the linguistic
lab in addition to reading and writing (16 hours weekly) and
four hours of spoken Arabic weekly.
LEVEL TWO
This level is a continuation of elementary Arabic (level one). In
this class students will continue to work on both Standard
Arabic and Spoken Arabic (Levantine). The overall goal of this
course is for students to speak, read and write Arabic and
improve your listening skill. This class will continue introducing
students to the basic structures of both types of Arabic, to
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expand their vocabulary in key areas and use the vocabulary
they study to form sentences and describe what is happening
to you or around them. Specific functions to achieve include the
ability to: write and construct correct Arabic sentences, talk
with ease about yourself, food, hobbies, studies, likes and
dislikes, initiate conversations and understand what others say
when they speak at a normal pace using words and
constructions students have learned. They will also learn a
number of social formulae that will allow you to interact in a
more Arab- like manner. Culture will be an integral part of this
level and students will learn about Arab culture and habits as
they advance in the book.
Topics covered in level one that fully integrate the four skills
include: extended greetings and civilities, finding an apartment,
extending residency, touring downtown, at the restaurant, at
the doctor’s, at the mall, at the bank, at the library, a trip to a
Jordanian city, visiting a friend, broken plurals, demonstrative
pronouns, interrogative pronouns, negation, relative pronouns
and prepositions.
Students attend two hours of listening weekly in the linguistic
lab in addition to reading and writing (16 hours weekly) and
four hours of spoken Arabic weekly.
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LEVEL THREE
In this level students will be able to read Arabic texts,
understand them and express their general ideas. They will also
construct cohesively correct sentences describing items or
talking about different subjects, to actively employ
vocabularies in daily life. Speaking and reading are stressed
more in this level and a combination of standard Arabic and
spoken Arabic will boost students’ self-confidence and use of
the language. Culture topics molded in daily life situations
continue to be an integral part of this level. Students are
introduced to simple short stories and articles introducing new
literary genres serving the language skills taught at this level.
Such topics include: spending time, sports, reading a
newspaper, visiting places, writing about favorite topics,
listening to popular TV shows, introducing media items in
addition to group speaking sessions.
Students attend two hours of listening weekly in the linguistic
lab in addition to reading and writing (16 hours weekly) and
four hours of spoken Arabic weekly.
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LEVEL FOUR
Students at level are able to handle a variety of communicative
tasks. They are able to participate in most informal and formal
conversations on topics related to media, newspapers, school,
home, and leisure activities. They may also
speak about some topics such as: Employment, current events,
resources in the Arab world, democracy in Jordan, Arab
authors, education in Jordan, in addition to matters of public
and community interests.
Listening is in class and at the language lab is stressed in this
level. Learners using pre-learned vocabularies and structures
will be able to summarize and rephrase listening tasks. They will
also develop their silent reading skills and pinpoint main ideas
in texts written or recorded.
Introducing current events is a key component in this level.
Students will be able to read and analyze newspaper articles
through developing their media and journalism vocabulary and
constructions. As a result, and with ease, students will be able
to move smoothly between ideas and concepts. Language
components introduced include: verbal and nominal sentences,
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demonstrative pronouns, use verb conjugations properly to
serve speaking and written assignments.
Students attend two hours of listening weekly in the linguistic
lab in addition to reading and writing (16 hours weekly) and
four hours of spoken Arabic weekly.
LEVEL FIVE
Students at this level are able to handle with ease and
confidence a large number of communicative
tasks. They participate actively in most informal and formal
exchanges on a variety of concrete topics. Skills at this level
tend to
be combined and interwoven in order to relate relevant and
supporting facts in connected, paragraph-length discourse.
They can also understand communicative and descriptive texts.
These texts reflect and use the linguistic competence students
achieved so far and present the learner with the necessary tools
to identify the rich and diverse Arabic culture in which Arabic is
used. This level also builds and enhances students’ language
intuition. Students can predict the meaning of new words and
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string from context and perform linguistic task with substantial
flow.
Students at this level will use the four skills in a consistent and
coordinated way to use the language with more confidence and
produce well organized texts and thoughts.
Topics in this level include but are not limited to: Arabic society,
media, current events, debates, expressive writing, translation
and journalism.
Students attend two hours of listening weekly in the linguistic
lab in addition to reading and writing (16 hours weekly) and
four hours of spoken Arabic weekly.
LEVEL SIX
Students at level six perform all advanced-level tasks with
linguistic ease, confidence, and competence. They are
consistently able to explain in detail and narrate fully and
accurately in all time frames. In addition, they can provide a
structured argument to support their opinions.
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This level boosts students’ rhetoric through introducing
different literary texts. Students will enjoy in full frame the
beauty of the Arabic language. They will also analyze news
items and discuss with ease current and urgent events. This
level also introduces the students to famous and prominent
Arabic writers.
They can write summaries and reports of a factual nature. They
can also write extensively about topics relating to particular
interests and special areas of competence.
All four skills are integrated to enable the students to use the
language with confidence and ease. Critical thinking, speaking
and writing are of great importance at this level.
Students attend two hours of listening weekly in the linguistic
lab in addition to reading and writing (16 hours weekly) and
four hours of spoken Arabic weekly.
LEVEL SEVEN
In level seven, students can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics. They can also understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and
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recognize implicit meaning. They Analytical thinking is stressed at this level as students use the language skills they have developed to forge useful discussions about different topics.
They will also develop and use their writing skills in different genres. They will be asked to present reports, articles and essays on a wide array of topics. Students will also develop their media skills tools and will learn how to critically talk about and respond to a wide range of media reports. Functional syntax will be used and will serve the aforementioned skills and goals. Compiled and authentic teaching materials will be used at this level.
Students attend two hours of listening weekly in the linguistic
lab in addition to reading and writing (16 hours weekly) and
four hours of spoken Arabic weekly.
LEVEL EIGHT
In this high advanced level, students are expected to interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular
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interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party. They can also produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue. They can give extended warnings, suggestions, recommendations or advice. For example: give a detailed suggestion on how to solve a problem. They are able to write about a variety of topics with notable precision and detail. Students are expected to understand conventional narrative and descriptive texts, such as expanded descriptions of persons, places, and things, and narrations about past, present, and future events. The speech is predominantly in familiar target-language patterns. Listeners understand the main facts and many supporting details. Field visits, debates and guest speakers will serve the aforementioned skills and goals. Compiled and authentic teaching materials will be used at this level. Students attend two hours of listening weekly in the linguistic
lab in addition to reading and writing (16 hours weekly) and
four hours of spoken Arabic weekly.
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LEVEL NINE
In level nine, students can express ideas fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions and can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic, professional purposes and topics of community, national, or international interest making use of the Standard Spoken Arabic combination. They can also can produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organizational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices. They are consistently able to explain in detail and narrate fully and accurately in all time frames. In addition, they can handle the tasks pertaining to the advanced level across a variety of topics. They can provide a structured argument to support their opinions, and they may construct hypotheses as well. Students bat this stage simply can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read. They can summarize information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation and express him/herself spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in the most complex situations.
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Students can write about a variety of topics with significant precision and detail. They can handle informal and formal correspondence according to appropriate conventions. They can write summaries and reports of a factual nature. They can also write extensively about topics relating to particular interests and special areas of competence. Compiled and authentic teaching materials will be used at this level.
Students attend two hours of listening weekly in the linguistic
lab in addition to reading and writing (16 hours weekly) and
four hours of spoken Arabic weekly.
ASOL DIPLOMA
The Language Center at The University of Jordan is offering
“Teaching Arabic for Speakers of Other Languages” diploma
program to UJ students and individuals and groups from the
community at large.
The program aims at preparing and graduating its students to
be highly qualified professionals knowledgeable in the theories
and applications, ins and outs of the ASOL program.
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The diploma is a one-year program consisting of 8 courses (24
credit hours) in addition to the on-the-job training component.
More info and the study plan can be found on our website.
Teacher Training
Methods of Teaching ASOL
UJLC offers two teacher training programs: One is a long term
program of 120 training hours offered upon request, and
another of 40 training hours is offered every semester.
The two programs aim at providing the necessary tools to
prepare the trainees to become qualified Arabic instructors.
The two programs focus on the application side of
training making use of the expertise present at the UJLC.
Inquiries about this training program are welcome
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Weekly Trips
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UJLC organizes weekend trips to Jordan’s historical and
recreational sites to all of its students. These trips support the
academic view of the program and present the students with a
full view of the language and the country.
Creative Writing Award
Each year, the Language Center hosts the Creative Writing
Award (CWA) in Arabic and English. This contest aims at
discovering new talents and at presenting them to the
community. UJLC has a solid belief that the UJ body is full of
potential and creativity. The CWA honors talented students in
fields of poetry, short story, play, thought and acting.
Clubs
The Language Center also organizes clubs with the aim of
deepening cultural diversity and awareness. These clubs relate
to many topics and go in conjunction with the Arabic program’s
philosophy. These clubs include: Folkloric dancing,
conversation club, sports club, movies and many more.
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The Language Partner program (LPP)
Language partners are the perfect opportunity to practice
Arabic outside the classroom. Students will not only enjoy
practicing Arabic with peer UJ students but will also forge
valuable friendships that last beyond classrooms and borders.
The Language Partner program’s (LPP) main philosophy is for
students to exchange languages and experiences in less formal
settings.
GENERAL INFO
Amman is the capital and most populous city of Jordan and the
country's economic, political and cultural center. Situated in
north-central Jordan, Amman is the administrative and
economical center of the country. It has an estimated
population of 4,000,000 people.
Today, Amman is considered to be among the most liberal and
westernized Arab cities. It is a major tourist destination in the
region among Arab and foreign tourists.
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Amman's position on the mountains near the Mediterranean
climate zone places it under the semi-arid climate classification.
Summers are mildly hot and breezy; however, one or two heat
waves may occur during the summer. Spring is brief and warm,
where high temperatures reach 28 °C (82 °F). Spring usually
starts between April and May and last about a month. Around
the end of November is the period in which winter usually starts
and continues till March. Temperatures are usually around 17
°C (63 °F).
The city has several bus connections to other cities in Jordan,
as well as to major cities in neighboring countries. The city is
also served by service taxis. Internal transport is served by a
number of bus routes and taxis. Service taxis, which most often
operate on fixed routes, are readily available and inexpensive.
The two main bus and taxi stations are the North Station
connecting Amman with other Jordanian cities and the
Raghadan Central Bus Station near the Roman Amphitheatre in
the city center. Taxis are the most common way to get around
in Amman due to their high availability and inexpensive Fares.
Taxis use meters and the starting fare on the meter is JD 0.25
(around USD 0.35).
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UJ
Founded in 1962, the University of Jordan (UJ) is the oldest and
most prestigious university in Jordan. The university is
internationally recognized for its global outlook, progressive
thinking, and the diverse background of its students. UJ thrives
as both an instructional institution and as a research institution.
This academic excellence is evident in the classrooms of the
more than 1086 faculty members who deliver quality education
to more than 40,000 students each year.
UJ is an excellent choice for students interested in taking Arabic
Language courses, as well as courses instructed in English.
Campus life at UJ is rich and plentiful, and students will feel
right at home on UJ's sprawling campus. Students can spend
their time studying in the library, catching up with friends at a
coffee kiosk, or attending one of UJ's numerous educational
events- for there is never a dull day at UJ! The university has
strong ties to the local community, and greatly encourages
student involvement in service projects.
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If you have any questions or inquiries, please
do not hesitate to contact us.
www.ujlc.ju.edu.jo
Language Center
The University of Jordan
Amman 11942, Jordan
Email: [email protected]
Tel. : 00962 6 53 55 000, extension: 23709,
23701, 23704
Fax: (00962 6) 53 00 255