Living and Learning Arabic: Ryder’s Immersive Experience in Jordan

"Being immersed in the Arabic language in Amman has had a profound impact on my learning. Learning Arabic has opened my perspective because it opened me up to [the] millions of people who speak Arabic around the world, to other worlds of literature, science, media, and poetry," reflected Ryder, a student from Atlanta who took the opportunity to live and study in Jordan as a 2022 Summer Scholar Award winner. This award allowed Ryder to strengthen his Arabic language skills while taking classes through an immersive three-week summer program.

Intensive Language Immersion

Ryder’s time in Amman allowed him to experience Arabic in its natural environment, providing the perfect setting for focused language learning. By taking Arabic classes at the Sijal Institute, Ryder was able to fully dedicate himself to his language studies. "Being in an environment where I had to use Arabic every day made a big difference. Whether I was at the institute or out in the city, every interaction was an opportunity to practice and improve my language skills," Ryder shared. This immersion enabled him to gain confidence and rapidly enhance his language skills, far beyond what a typical classroom setting could provide.

Structured Learning Approach

The Arabic classes at the Sijal Institute were meticulously crafted to focus on all the key aspects of language learning—grammar, vocabulary, and conversation. "The teachers at the institute were very knowledgeable and supportive, making sure we grasped both the structure and practical use of Arabic," Ryder recalled. The combination of formal lessons and real-life practice helped Ryder make tremendous progress, allowing him to feel more at ease with the language in everyday interactions.

He also highlighted the impact of his instructor, Ustaazah Zeina: "The teachers were very passionate about what they were doing, and they truly made an effort to help their students succeed in the class. Classes were usually spent going over grammar and vocabulary, and homework was given to help drill in these concepts. I really enjoyed my classes with Ustaazah Zeina, who was very kind and knowledgeable."

Practical Application of Language Skills

One of the most rewarding aspects of Ryder’s experience was the constant opportunity to apply what he was learning in real-world situations. "Every day in Amman presented new chances to use Arabic in different contexts—whether at the market, with classmates, or in casual conversations with locals," he said. This consistent exposure to the language allowed him to refine his speaking, listening, and comprehension skills in practical, everyday settings.

While the complexity of Arabic grammar and syntax posed challenges at times, Ryder soon discovered that the key to success was persistence. "Arabic is a challenging language, but the more I practiced, the more natural it started to feel," he noted. Being surrounded by Arabic-speaking classmates and teachers helped him push through difficulties, and as his skills improved so did his confidence in using the language.

Throughout his journey, Ryder was continually inspired by the warmth and openness of the people he met in Jordan. Despite the linguistic challenges, he found locals eager to share their knowledge and provide opportunities to practice, creating the perfect environment for his learning.

Reflecting on the Experience

Looking back on his time in Jordan, Ryder reflects on how the opportunity has shaped his growth, both linguistically and personally. He explained that "the immersive environment and the daily use of Arabic helped me take my skills to the next level. I now feel more confident in my ability to speak and understand Arabic."

For those interested in learning Arabic, Ryder’s advice is simple yet powerful: "The key to mastering Arabic is consistent practice and immersion. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, because each conversation is an opportunity to learn and grow. The chance to focus solely on Arabic during my time in Jordan made a significant difference in my progress. It’s a journey worth taking."

A Memorable Conclusion

Ryder's immersion in Jordan proved to be a turning point in his Arabic studies. "Being immersed in the Arabic language in Amman has had a profound impact on my learning," he reflected. The constant exposure to native speakers and real-world usage accelerated his progress far beyond what classroom learning alone could achieve.

He urges students interested in learning Arabic to explore the opportunity that the Summer Scholar Award provides, as it played a pivotal role in his language growth. This one-time award aims to support current Arabic students in high school/secondary school who are looking for additional opportunities to strengthen their Arabic skills by attending a summer Arabic program. "The chance to focus solely on Arabic during my time in Jordan made a significant difference in my progress," Ryder noted. The program's combination of formal lessons and real-life practice helped him improve his Arabic skills outside of the school year, enriching his overall academic experience with the language. Learn more about the Summer Scholar Awards and how you can apply here.

For students contemplating Arabic immersion, Ryder offered straightforward advice: "The key to mastering Arabic is consistent practice and immersion. Don't be afraid to make mistakes, because each conversation is an opportunity to learn and grow." He emphasized that the immersive environment helped take his skills to the next level and encourages other students to seek out similar experiences.