Banner photo credit: Wolff, 2024.

Hello Everyone!

My name is Charlie Perricelli, and I am a sophomore at Villanova University currently studying in the intensive Arabic summer program in Jordan. In many ways I am a stereotypical New Yorker, who loves eating pizza and playing baseball, and can ride public transportation half asleep.

My roommate Mikka and I enjoying some shade atop the hill holding Amman’s ancient ruins. Photo credit: Amideast Staff, 2024.

Two months ago, I would be unable to comprehend the scene that surrounds me as I write this journal entry. Sitting with me on the couch are my host family, along with their extended family, and my roommate, as a world cup qualifying game blasts while the family cheers on their Jordanian national team.

Some might say that this environment makes it impossible to focus, but from what I’ve seen so far, Amman hums along every day, not to be stopped by the bustling and happily intense social environment. The speed of life in Amman waits for nobody. I say as someone who grew up in New York City, the organized chaos of the streets of Amman are not replicated anywhere in the United States.

Me enjoying some pizza in New York during a quick trip from campus for a basketball game at Madison Square Garden. Photo credit: *Perricelli, 2024*.

It was growing up in New York, surrounded by a multitude of cultures and diverse experiences, that made me curious about global culture and politics, ultimately leading me to study Global Interdisciplinary Studies and Political Science at my university. This is my first experience studying abroad, and I look forward to continuing with the Arabic studies I began last fall at Villanova. I have only had two days of class so far, and I can say that I already feel more confident in myself speaking and engaging in Arabic. I’m not surprised seeing that I am one on one with my teacher for six hours a day!

Even though I’ve just started my studies this summer, I already am so encouraged and excited for what is to come. I have trips planned to several places throughout Jordan, and in the meantime, I can’t wait to continue watching Jordanian drama TV shows with my host family.

I can’t wait to share my experiences this summer in my blogs! Stay tuned!

Charlie Perricelli is a student at Villanova University and is studying abroad on the Amideast Intensive Arabic Program in Jordan this Summer, 2024.