Brigid M.
My impression of JLA is that the academy provides everything you could need as a student while studying abroad. They provide the best of the best professors, host families, and administration. The school is beautiful and provides the students with plenty of space and resources to successfully study the Arabic language.
The instructors subject matter expertise is top notch. It was the most valuable experience being able to study with the instructors who are experts in the language and from countries who speak the Levant. The instructors interacted with the students in a very engaging and helpful way. Additionally, while they were instructors, they also became mentors to the students and formed connections with the classes.
The speaking partners were a valuable experience for the students at JLA. By having a speaking partner for 1-2 weeks we were not only able to learn more about the language, but also the culture and the daily lives of adults who live in Jordan. The students also formed meaningful connections with the speaking partners through discussing topics provided by the university like art, music, current events, and more or by going to the market or cafe nearby. This helped the students receive outside language experience by using words they might typically use every day and learn more about the culture in Jordan. I enjoyed the opportunities I have received with my different language partners and formed connections and friendships with each of them!
The administration at JLA is very helpful and kind. The administration provides the students with everything they could possibly need and is always available for help. The students were able to additionally create a relationship with the staff members and enjoyed seeing the administration every day. They truly made the experience at JLA that much more enjoyable.
I would come back and study at JLA again. This is my first time studying abroad and I truly enjoyed my time in Amman, and at JLA. I felt very safe while in Amman, and I believe JLA contributed to a big part of that. I believe my Arabic improved greatly while at JLA and I would like to reach an advanced level and would like to receive that opportunity again through JLA. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming with so many opportunities available from the classes, to speaking partners, to the cultural clubs. My experience at JLA is one I will never forget!
Heiwad A. - USA Virginia
JLA exceeded my expectations in both its academics, and their ability to show us Jordanian culture and history. If I had the opportunity I would definitely come back
It was clear that the instructors were incredibly educated and experienced with the subject matter.
Speaking partners were a great way to apply the knowledge we learned in class to a practical experience
The staff were incredibly diligent and on top of things, while still being kind and welcoming.
Caroline B. - United States
Very professional and eager to improve and accommodate to students' needs.
Speaking partners were helpful. Everyone at JLA is very friendly and eager to help.
I would love to come back again and study at JLA if given the opportunity.
-Annie Webster:
I have been studying Arabic for 4 weeks, the teaching standards were very good with a wide range of requirements used to engage and encourage learning among of students. The most things I liked about JLA that are staff, friendly atmosphere, student and cultural club and my favorite cultural club was the lecture on archeology around Jordan. In addition that the life in Jordan is very interesting and stimulating, the JLA's arrangement with the host families, was a very rewarding experience and really enhanced my experience of Jordan. I have visited Roman Citadel, Dead Sea, Jerash, Madaba, Downtown, Petra and Mount Nebo. And of course do not forget the Jordanian people they are friendly and welcoming people, at most point of my stay people went out of their way to help me, in particular the community carried around the JLA was really welcoming. A major component of my trip in Amman was the food! My host-mum, the academy and local restaurant went out of their way to ensure I have a wide range of traditional Jordanian food- all of which delicious!
- James McClaren, University of Manchester
I have been very happy with my studies at JLA from day one with the Amman tour, it was clear that every effort was being made to make our time studying beneficial and fun. In terms of my classes the group sizes were fantastic (only 4 in my class) which gave me great opportunities to talk and made me feel comfortable and relaxed – My class in Damascus was about 25 and I felt quite awkward at first.
The Mix of العامية and الفصحى was great too. The quality of the teaching was excellent.
If I had one criticism it would be that the classes were too long and the lunch break of half an hour not long enough. I struggle with my concentration levels at times! Thanks for a great three weeks.
- Joe Emmons
I had a positive experience at JLA. My instructors were knowledgeable and engaging and receptive to my needs and preferences. The cultural clubs were by and large informative and interesting. The staff was kind and a wonderful source of assistance during my stay in Jordan.
My vocabulary in both Modern Standard and colloquial Arabic increased enormously as a result of the course, and the instructors were able to increase my comprehension of grammatical concepts. Upon returning to my university's language program, my instructors complimented me on my improvement in language, thanks to JLA.
- Amy Rinkle, University of Utah
a.rinkle@utah.edu
I knew I was stuck and didn't know what to do! I wanted to learn how to read Arabic but I was not sure where to go or what to do first. JLA approached me on a personal level teaching me the fundamentals and basics of the Arabic language. Now I'm more confident and motivated to learn even more. I am learning to enjoy and understand Arabic thanks to the wonderful Staff and Administration at Jordan Language Academy... JLA you’re highly appreciated.
- Eyad Nafal
I am a political science student at Yale University and took private lessons at JLA in the summer of 2011. The JLA program was very responsive to what I needed - they answered emails promptly when I was in the US and found a wonderful teacher that was available while I would be in Jordan, even though I was not there during their regular course offerings. The director was very kind, and invited me to many special lectures and demonstrations. The JLA facilities are also great, with a computer lab and wireless internet access. My teacher was amazing - she was very knowledgeable in fusha and had helpful activities that taught me common phrases and how to better read the newspaper. I learned what speaking mistakes I tended to make and how to continue studying Arabic without Al-Kitaab. In short, JLA is well-organized, friendly and has excellent teachers!
I also stayed with a host family. I believe JLA is one of the only places that is able to organize a stay with a host family and that alone is a great reason to study with JLA. The family I stayed with was incredibly warm and welcoming. And the food was delicious! They even took me on a trip to Madaba! It always requires flexibility to live with a family that is not your own, but it is a great way to learn about Jordanian culture and daily life. Highly recommended.