Sending Your Daughter to the War Zone

The “War Zone” is a term my grandmother uses to describe the beautiful country of Jordan, where I will be studying abroad this upcoming fall semester. It’s true that Jordan borders many countries that have undergone political turmoil in the past few decades, some of which are still technically at war with one another (Syria and Israel have never reached a formal peace agreement, although there has been an armistice in place for a number of years!). There has been no shortage of violence in the area, even today with conflicts between Palestinians and Israelis in the West Bank and Israel, chains of bombings in Iraq, and a potentially developing civil war in Syria. However, despite being in a “high-risk area,” Jordan has been a stable and safe center in the region. In fact, Jordan is considered the destination for many refugees who seek stability in the turmoil.

So off to the war zone I go! Having never studied Arabic before! Not being familiar with the customs and culture of the Middle East in general! Knowing no family or friends in the area to fall back on!

And yet, I couldn’t imagine any other way to do it. What a better way than to learn about a culture than to jump right into it! What better way to learn a language than to go to the country where the language is spoken! What better way to familiarize yourself with the area by making your own network of friends in the area!

The Middle East has always been an area of interest for me. Here at Clark, I’m a history major specializing in the area, with hopes to continue on to a graduate school that offers Middle Eastern Studies. Imagine the amazing opportunity that a study abroad program within Jordan holds for me!

My grandmother remains anxious and nervous, however for my studying abroad in the Middle East. Couldn’t I go to the other program in London instead? But honestly, what are grandmothers for if not to worry about their grandkids setting out into the world on their own, with potential dangers lurking everywhere?

Technically I could have applied to study in England, where there is a program designated for Middle Eastern Studies in London.

But I think my mother’s opinion on the situation best explains the reason why I chose to study in Jordan over London best:
“If I was twenty years old, and I had a choice between Jordan and London, the more adventurous option would have been the way to go. You should go to Jordan.”