Middle East in focus

January 3 - 18, 2026
(J-Term 2026)

Four people standing and listening to a woman speaking on a rooftop with a cityscape in the background.

Explore Regional Geopolitics, Security, Migration and Development in Jordan

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Offered for 3 credit hours (INST 4990)

Dates: January 3rd - January 18th 2026
Faculty Lead: Eric Nigh (enigh@uwyo.edu)

Participants will join students from the University of Wyoming and other US universities to travel to Jordan to receive on-the-ground exposure to the people, politics, and realities of the region. As a unique part of their experiential learning program, students will actively engage with politicians, community leaders, non-governmental organizations, academic experts and practitioners from a broad spectrum of backgrounds and fields, exposing them to diverse perspectives, narratives, and human stories of people living in the region.

Cost: $4170, program fee is paid directly to UW Study Abroad & includes all in-country transportation, accommodations, meals, all program related excursions and entry fees. Does not include flights to/from region, UW tuition/fees, $325 study abroad fee.*

Themes: Students will analyze the dynamic nature of geopolitics in the Middle East, US foreign policy in the region, and the ongoing challenges of regional security with a focus on current events in Israel-Palestine. The program will delve into the human impact of migration and displacement, offering firsthand insights into refugee crises and humanitarian responses. Participants will investigate environmental challenges in Jordan and the broader Middle East, discussing internal and cross-border sustainable solutions for the future.

Itinerary Snapshot

  • Days 1-3: Amman - Introduction to Jordan's political landscape, regional security discussions, and cultural exploration in the capital city.

  • Days 4-6: Northern Jordan - Visits to Jerash, Ajloun, Um Qais, and Azraq, focusing on Jordan's minority populations, refugee issues and regional geopolitics.

  • Days 7-9: Back to Amman - Deep dive into recent events in Israel and Gaza and Jordan's role in the broader Israel-Palestine conflict, including meetings with key stakeholders and experts.

  • Days 10-11: Dead Sea and Surroundings - Exploration of environmental issues and sustainability efforts, with a mix of academic and field activities.

  • Days 12-16: Southern Jordan - Visits to Petra, Wadi Rum, and Aqaba, focusing on Bedouin heritage, tourism, and economic development.

Application

*For UW Students: Students enrolled in at least 6 credit hours for summer may be eligible to receive federal financial aid. Eligible students may also qualify for scholarships through UW’s Education Abroad Office, the Honors College and SPPAIS to help substantially defray the costs of participation.

Group of people, including women and men, inside a mosque with stone walls and religious signs, engaged in conversation.
Cityscape of a Middle Eastern city with mid-rise buildings, arid hills, and a clear blue sky, viewed from a rooftop with satellite dishes and water tanks.
Group of professionals in business attire walking out of a building on a sunny day.
A man in a gray blazer speaking at a conference table with a group of professionals listening, some taking notes, in a meeting room with a whiteboard and a flag in the background.
A meeting or conference room with people seated around a long table, some taking notes. There are flags and portraits on the wall behind the main speakers.
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