Despite its size, Jordan hosts one of the largest refugee populations in the world. It’s estimated that 33% of its population is comprised of international migrants and refugees. It offers an interesting case on supporting displaced people from across the region.

This summer, the Gilman Program, in partnership with the Fulbright Commission in Jordan and the Jordan Language Academy, will host a week-long seminar for Gilman Alumni to explore how refugees are (and are not) being integrated into Jordan’s national fabric. Participants will hear from local experts, policy makers and civil society engaged on refugee and migration issues. They will interact with different refugee populations to learn more about their current challenges. Currently, UNHCR recognizes more than 66,000 Iraqi refugees, 13,000 Yemenis, 5,000 Sudanese, and others from over 50 nationalities, for a total of more than 760,000 registered people of concern in Jordan. Separately, Jordan hosts 2.2 million Palestinian refugees, most of whom have Jordanian nationality. Gilman Alumni will also meet with representatives from the UN High Commission for Refugees and partake in relevant site visits and cultural activities. Seminar participants will return home with a deeper understanding of and connection with refugees, as well as the political, economic and social environment in the Middle East and Jordan in particular.

These events and the Gilman Program are programs of the Department of State’s USA Study Abroad in the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, U.S. Department of State.