Today the Rotary Scholarship coordinator started a Yahoo group for all of the scholars that will be going to Jordan this year, and all of the ones from the past years. I'm so relieved that I will be able to have a sense of community and support even before I set foot in Amman. I think that the importance of this cannot be underestimated.
In other news, I am currently trying to figure out how to make sure I have the right visas for Jordan and for Syria (if I want to visit, I have to get the visa in America before I leave). I'm also looking into getting a second passport, which I hear is possible if you are interested in traveling to Israel and to other Middle Eastern countries who forbid entry to people with Israeli stamps on their passports.
24 February 2007
18 February 2007
February Update
It's been a while since my inaugural post, and although I'm no closer to Amman in terms of physical distance, I feel like I have already begun the emotional journey towards the Middle East.
One of the main things that I have realized is that I should not hope to become "Jordanian," even culturally. I think one of the mistakes I made in Paris was having a constant dream of becoming une vraie parisienne. I loved it when people couldn't pick me out as an American, and I worked hard to train my attitudes and intonations to blend. But, I must remember that I am who I am! I will learn the cultural traits in Jordan enough, perhaps, but I will always be an American. I think this more realistic frame of mind will serve me well in my travels.
When I think of how my departure nears, I alternately clench sweaty palms of nervousness and feel calm confidence that I have made the right choice.
As for applying to the University of Amman, I've learned what I'll have to do from the current Rotary scholars. They were extremely helpful, although the the bureaucratic process that they explained still sounds daunting: once I graduate, I have to collect my diploma and my transcripts and send them off to be notorized by the U.S. State Department. I then have to bring them, along with my passport and birth certificate, to be re-notorized in Amman. Then I submit them to the Jordan Ministry of Education...after which, I'll finally have my admission to the university!
One of the main things that I have realized is that I should not hope to become "Jordanian," even culturally. I think one of the mistakes I made in Paris was having a constant dream of becoming une vraie parisienne. I loved it when people couldn't pick me out as an American, and I worked hard to train my attitudes and intonations to blend. But, I must remember that I am who I am! I will learn the cultural traits in Jordan enough, perhaps, but I will always be an American. I think this more realistic frame of mind will serve me well in my travels.
When I think of how my departure nears, I alternately clench sweaty palms of nervousness and feel calm confidence that I have made the right choice.
As for applying to the University of Amman, I've learned what I'll have to do from the current Rotary scholars. They were extremely helpful, although the the bureaucratic process that they explained still sounds daunting: once I graduate, I have to collect my diploma and my transcripts and send them off to be notorized by the U.S. State Department. I then have to bring them, along with my passport and birth certificate, to be re-notorized in Amman. Then I submit them to the Jordan Ministry of Education...after which, I'll finally have my admission to the university!
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