COUNTRY REPORT: JORDAN
Jordan, and especially Amman, is a beautiful place with friendly people and a rich culture that is intertwined with the history of its area and neighbors. This section will give you a glimpse into aspects of Jordanian culture that are important to know about before traveling abroad.
CLOTHING
Jordanian people are incredibly friendly but there are some significant differences between American and Jordanian cultures that are important to know. Although less so in Amman, Jordan in general has a conservative society. What does this mean? For starters, what one wears is drastically different then in the US. No matter what the temperature, walking around the city, men or women, will always be wearing pants (or for women, clothing that goes down to their feet). Shorts are acceptable for working out and exercising (even for women) and for men, would be okay (however you would stick out) wearing on the streets however not near downtown Amman. Women should not wear shorts as well as shirts that are low cropped or a shirt that doesn’t cover their shoulders. One would not be arrested for breaking these conservative dressing norms and you would most likely be fine. However, doing so might one, show disrespect towards Jordanians who see your dress as not modest or two, bring on harassment especially if you are a female. Unfortunately, the conservative dressing applies disproportionately towards females and wearing clothing that doesn’t adhere to these norms can often result in harassment from men. The last point about clothing in Jordan is that unlike American universities, whereas students often attend class in casual dress such as sweatpants, sweatshirts, etc., when attending class in Jordan students ‘dress-up.’ Now this is less important if you’re taking classes at Study Abroad center (where you might just invoke a comment from your professor about ‘wearing pajamas to class’) but if you are taking classes at the University of Jordan, you would definitely stick out.
CONSERVATIVE SOCIETY
Another aspect of Jordanian conservative society is the relationship between males and females. This is a point that will be addressed in orientation repeatedly no matter which program you pursue so consider this the abbreviated version of what is to come. For starters, there are important aspects to know about the relationship between men and women in public. If you are a man you can ride in the front seat of a Taxi but, if you are a woman, you should ride in the back unless all those seats are already filled in which case you can sit in the front. As well, on buses, men sit on one side and women sit on the other (this will be evident if you ride a public bus). Unless married, men and women do not hold hands or hug in public and, even married couples would not kiss in public. Now this is not to say women and men cannot be friends and talk with each other just like in the US, this is normal. But there are important differences that are distinct from US norms that are a part of Jordan’s conservative society.
RELIGION
Jordan is a religious society which largely explains its conservative culture. Upwards of 90% of Jordanians are Muslims, the majority of which are Sunni Muslims, and the rest are Christians. Any Jewish presence is non-existent in Jordan. Because the Sabbath for Muslims is Friday, the weekend in Jordan, like many other countries in the Arab world, is Friday and Saturday (Sunday is the start of a new week). Furthermore, during the month of Ramadan, in which muslims fast every day for thirty day from sunrise to sunset, muslims cannot eat or drink anything (as well as other restrictions). This means that during the month of Ramadan in Jordan virtually all restaurants, except Western fast-food chains like McDonalds, are closed during the day. As well, it is illegal to eat or drink publicly, like on the streets or in a park, between sunrise and sunset during Ramadan. Non-muslims in Jordan during Ramadan do not fast however and there is no problem eating privately, respectively away from those observing the holiday.
PRIVACY
Jordanians are incredibly nice people and will welcome you enthusiastically to their country. However, the notion of privacy is not one deemed in high regard in Jordan. How does this manifest? Well, in the US, there are some questions that are deemed private matters and thus not asked about unless someone brings it up voluntarily. These include things like if one has a significant other, one’s religion, one’s political views, etc. However, in Jordan, these are all acceptable questions when meeting a stranger on the street or taking a taxi ride and you are likely to be asked all three. Know that this is normal in Jordanian society and that they are not being ‘weird’ or ‘strange.’ You will get used to being asked constantly about your political views as an American so be prepared to speak on the subject! The other way the lack of privacy in Jordan manifests is if you decide to live in a homestay. Some families have been hosting foreign exchange students for years and understand US norms of privacy but others have not. This means that although you will have your own room it is normal for your host-family members to just walk in to initiate conversation without knocking (this does not apply to the bathroom, do not worry). As well, most Jordanians when they are in their home and not sleeping or eating spend their time in the sitting room. In the US, it is normal for one to spend time in their bedroom even when they are not sleeping. Your Jordanian family may think you are sad or depressed if you spend a lot of time in your room alone. Everyone needs a little time for themself and if you struggle with this aspect of the homestay, you can always say you are going to your room to study which will appease your host-family.
FOOD
Zakee Katir (very tasty)! That is how I can best describe Jordanian food. Jordanians have a diet that consists of a lot of carbohydrates. However, if you are gluten free, do not worry. Many students studying abroad cannot eat gluten and there are a plethora of resources available online to discover tips on this while in Jordan (This article is helpful). Others like vegetarians will have plenty to choose from including falafel, tabouleh, eggplant and stuffed grape leaf dishes. Those that like meat can enjoy the plentiful shawarma food stands lining the roads or partake in the traditional eating of Jordan’s national dish, Mansaf. In general, Jordanian food is not spicy.