Oct 1

Oct 1 FIE Conflict and the Struggle for Peace Program Opportunity

Dear Colleagues,

We are excited to update you on the AMIDEAST Summertime Peace and Conflict program, presented in partnership with FIE: Foundation for International Education. London-based FIE is committed to the development of creative learning environments wherein an understanding of, and appreciation for, the privileges and responsibilities of international citizenship is fostered. This commitment is driven by the belief that interaction among peoples of diverse cultures is the basis upon which empathy is built. More information on FIE is available on their web site at www.fie.org.uk/about-us/what-we-do.

The program starts in Dublin, Ireland and explores the Anglo-Irish peace process. It includes a Study Tour to Northern Ireland, United Kingdom before moving to Amman, Jordan (this flight is included in the price!). Using the Irish peace process as a case study, students examine conflict both specifically and broadly in the region, including that for Palestine. At the end of this portion of the program, students have the option to add AMIDEAST’s intensive Arabic language program to make it a summer-long experience.

The faculty for this program have substantial experience as negotiators in the Irish and Middle East peace processes and are internationally renowned academics. Dr. Paul Arthur, Professor of Politics, Emeritus Director of the Graduate Program in Peace and Conflict Studies, and International Conflict Research Institute Honorary Associate at University of Ulster teaches the program in Ireland and is the Director of the program. A career diplomat, Dr. Omar Rifai joined the Jordanian Diplomatic Service in 1975 and served in Jordan’s missions in Cairo, Bern, New York, London, and Washington between 1976 and 1994. He was a member of the Jordanian delegation to the Jordan-Israel peace talks in 1994 and between 1994 and 1996 held the position of Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process and Director of the Special Bureau at the Foreign Ministry in Amman. Dr. Rifai then became the first Ambassador to Israel from Jordan. Dr. Rifai leads the program in Amman.

Both faculty bring theory and practice into their classrooms. Classroom activities in both Dublin and Amman are enhanced through meetings with politicians, negotiators, diplomats, and religious, civil society, and community leaders.

Students also explore the history, culture, and daily life of Jordan through coordinated excursions to Petra and an overnight visit to Wadi Rum. Family homestays in Jordan enhance this immersive experience.

This program repeatedly attracts strong students with a commitment to understanding conflict resolution, conflict management, peace studies, international diplomacy, security and intelligence, human rights, and the multiple conflicts in our contemporary world. The program is open to both undergraduate and graduate students.

For more information visit www.amideast.org/abroad/programs/jordan/conflict-and-struggle-peace-summer/conflict-and-struggle-peace-summer. Please encourage your students to visit the FIE web site and to sign up for more information here.

This is truly a life-changing experience for students. Ryland Arnold, a participant from the University of Arkansas summed up his experience:

The FIE Peace and Conflict program was a great cultural experience and an incredibly eye-opening opportunity. From the discussions with guest speakers to the insights provided by our teachers, Jordanian host families, and everyday conversations with new people, the program provided me with a new viewpoint that has fundamentally changed the way I look at International Affairs. You can attend lectures and study textbooks, but you can’t understand conflict and the ways in which it affects countries and their peoples until you listen to their thoughts, fears, and concerns. I hope anyone interested in the process of conflict resolution or the complicated dynamics of international affairs will strongly consider this program.

I hope you will encourage your students to attend the 2019 program. If you’re interested in getting a short taste of the program by visiting FIE Dublin next summer, please sign up for more information found here. In the meantime, please let me know of any questions that you or your students may have.

Sincerely,