
A professional development seminar for global educators, school administrators and teachers of history, religion, Arabic, and social studies. We explore the tensions between historical and modern identities in the Middle East.
All ages
Open
$1,250
Sleep under the desert stars in bedouin camps, immerse in rural home-stays, and visit with leading activists on complex global issues.
From the cradle of civilization to headlines fronting today’s news media, Jordan and the Levant represent a deep and storied culture that is often maligned and is little understood. In one of the world’s most significant geo-political regions, our Seminar for Global Educators participants focus on current perceptions of Arab identity and the influence of non-Arab actors that followed the dissolution of the Ottoman Empire. Through home-stays, meetings with community leaders and directors of NGOs, primary source readings and case studies of recent diplomatic problems, educators examine issues such as gender roles and identity, cultural change and transformation, and the management of valuable natural resources such as oil, water, land and sun. A special focus is given to the perceptions behind current regional conflicts and the potential for creating lasting peace in the region. How does one’s home-stay father find hope amidst conflict? How is Islam related to Judaism and Christianity…
From the cradle of civilization to headlines fronting today’s news media, Jordan and the Levant represent a deep and storied culture that is often maligned and is little understood. In one of the world’s most significant geo-political regions, our Seminar for Global Educators participants focus on current perceptions of Arab identity and the influence of non-Arab actors that followed the dissolution of the Ottoman Empire. Through home-stays, meetings with community leaders and directors of NGOs, primary source readings and case studies of recent diplomatic problems, educators examine issues such as gender roles and identity, cultural change and transformation, and the management of valuable natural resources such as oil, water, land and sun. A special focus is given to the perceptions behind current regional conflicts and the potential for creating lasting peace in the region. How does one’s home-stay father find hope amidst conflict? How is Islam related to Judaism and Christianity as an Abrahamic faith? How are farmers in the area reaching across political and religious lines to propose a rapid, peaceful solution? Our Jordan Educator participants return to the classroom with lessons and stories of personal connection, replacing stolid stereotypes with a fresh, authentic and human connection to the people of the Middle East.
Click on the gallery below to browse photos, videos and quotes from our participants and instructors.