Amman, Jordan | Bridging the Distance
Spring Refugee Advocacy Experience
June 23 - July 1, 2023
Cultivating a global mindset and attitude of servant leadership.
"All advocacy at its core is an exercise in empathy." - Samantha Power
NINE DAYS / EIGHT NIGHTS
Join us in spreading awareness to the refugee crises continuing to unfold in Amman, Jordan. This experience fosters a unique understanding of the real-world challenges refugees experience upon cultural assimilation, and preparation with the knowledge and tools to become more empathetic and active global citizens.
to join us
Please read the Trip Details
document before applying.
Please note: This trip is for mature students ages 15 years- 22 years. You must be 15 years of age or older prior to our departure. Participants 18 years of age or younger will need to provide a parent or guardian form in tandem with their application.
Trip Mission
To not only expose students firsthand to the refugee crises continuing to unfold in Jordan but to also help students understand the real-world challenges refugees experience upon cultural assimilation, and to equip them with the knowledge and tools to become more empathetic and active global citizens.
Petra, Jordan
About Amman, Jordan
Amman is Jordan’s bustling capital, the city of seven hills. A thriving historical and cultural Middle Eastern hub, Amman is home to spellbinding ancient ruins, sensory-laden cuisine, and graciously hospitable people.
What to Expect
-
Build relationships with refugee families. Meet and befriend refugees of various ages like young Sirin Hamada, illustrator of Dear Tariq. Refine your empathy interview skills as you listen to the stories of refugees. Begin to understand their needs and hopes as a healing community from various vantage points.
-
Work with Arabic translators. Learn about the Arabic language and its linguistic and cultural nuances.
-
Meet refugee advocacy leading NGOs and organizations like the Syrian American Medical Society, the SAMS Psychosocial PSS Center in Irbid, the Ezwetti Initiative, We Love Reading, etc. Learn about their work and advocacy opportunities.
-
Experience Syrian and Jordanian cultures. Become immersed in rich cultural nuances while visiting people’s homes and discovering ancient wonders like Petra, Wadi Rum, or the Dead Sea.
-
Collaborate on a service initiative in the greater community that benefits refugees and their families.
-
Experiment with various modes of note-taking, reflective journaling, and creative writing techniques as you travel to meet refugee communities and process your experiences.
-
Learn how to embrace ambiguity, discomfort, adaptability, and a servant leadership mindset.
Meet Your Guides
Jordan Hattar
Co-Founder and Director | Help4Refugees.org
Jordan not only has intimate experience in Jordan both as a resident and experienced traveler, but also has native ties through his Jordanian grandfather, as well as relationships with the Jordanian government and royal family. His proficient grasp of Arabic, educational background in Middle Eastern culture, and previous student trip facilitation experience span over 20 years. He believes that refugee encounters make unforgettable and impactful humanitarian experiences for students and adults alike.
Dagne Furth
Educator and Founder | New Day Storytelling Advocates
Dagne Furth is a middle and high school teacher with over 15 years of experience teaching students around the world. She has taught in Washington state as well as Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and Shanghai, China. She has a rich background in student advocacy, storytelling, service, faith-based recreational programming, and international and domestic student excursions. Dagne’s students have worked closely with Jordan on a number of student storytelling advocacy projects throughout the years fostering awareness and empathy.
Interested in learning more about this refugee experience or other endeavors like these?
View the Trip Details document and apply to join us. A New Day representative will follow up with you in 72 hours or less.
to join us
Please read the Trip Details
document before applying.