Jordan University of Science and Technology (JUST)

One of the premier, comprehensive institutions of higher education in Jordan, JUST, as it is commonly referred to, boasts over 22,000 students studying in areas such as agriculture, architecture, computer and information technology, dentistry, dental hygiene and allied dental sciences, medicine and allied health sciences, pharmacy, nursing, veterinary medicine, engineering, and arts and sciences. JUST's goal is to become one of the top 500 international universities by 2012. The University is located in the Al Ramtha region just outside of Irbid, the second largest city in Jordan. Like most U.S. universities, JUST is interested in building a diverse student and faculty community and has invested in athletic facilities, the building of a new central library, and campus landscapes that include trees of pistachios, jojoba, and olives; flowers; manicured shrubs; and fountains. Most academic buildings are arranged in quads with beautiful interior courtyards for study and contemplation. An impressive castle-like, guarded gateway serves as the entrance to the campus, and clearly visible from that entrance point is the golden domed mosque that signals the importance of Islam in daily campus life.

Jan 14, 2010- My New Home in Irbid, Jordan

Having my orientation behind me, it was time to travel to my new home for the next 6 months, Jordan University of Science and Technology in Irbid, Jordan. The trip between Amman to Irbid takes about 1 hour by car and I was fortunate to have two drivers who were sent by the University. The countryside north of Amman is best described as rolling hills speckled with some greenery this time of the year. A few homes can be seen at a distance off of the highway, and there are cafes and vendors selling their products (fruits, spices, nuts, etc) all along the way. Once in Irbid, I moved into a wonderful, cozy studio apartment on campus that includes a small kitchen, bathroom, living / bedroom area, and a balcony from which I can watch the sunset.



 
An extemely large pine tree adjacent to my balcony attracts a variety of song birds and releases a fresh, earthy aroma that brings back pleasant memories of camping and Christmas trees. Beyond the tree are fields and the highlands typical of northern Jordan.

Jan 12, 2010-Arrival in Amman, Jordan

Amman, the largest city in Jordan, juxtaposes Roman antiquities with modern and Islamic architecture, and big city traffic jams. Americans would appreciate that one may park a car for free almost anywhere, and seeing parked, unticketed cars perched on sidewalks is not unusual. I stayed two nights in Amman to receive an orientation by the staff at the Jordanian-American Commission for Educational Exchange (aka the Binational Fulbright Commission in Jordan). Amman is 7 hours ahead of EST and our work week is Sunday through Thursday. Friday is the Muslim holy day. The photo, taken from my hotel's breakfast terrace, reveals the limestone buildings that cover the jebels (hills) of Amman .