The Ultimate Guide to Living & Studying in Jordan
Planning a trip to a new country for study or cultural immersion requires accurate knowledge of daily life details to avoid surprises. Jordan, with its strategic location and rich culture, has become the top global destination for anyone looking to study Arabic in Amman and practice the Levantine dialect with native speakers.
At Misbah Center, drawing from our 15+ years of experience hosting and training international students and visitors, we have put together this comprehensive guide to be your primary reference for everything related to the cost of living in Jordan, local cuisine details, and the unique weather of Amman.
1. Cost of Living & Transportation: Budgeting Smartly
- Housing & Accommodation: Students always prefer living in vibrant, cultural areas such as Jabal Al-Weibdeh or Rainbow Street. The cost of a room in a shared student apartment ranges between 150 to 250 JOD per month, including utilities.
- Daily Transportation: Getting around Amman is diverse. The most budget-friendly option is the “Service” (shared yellow taxis), where the cost does not exceed half a dinar per ride. For comfort, ride-hailing apps are widely available, costing between 2 to 4 JOD inside Amman.
- Shopping & Groceries: We advise our students to avoid giant supermarkets and head straight to the traditional markets in Downtown (Al-Balad), such as Souk Al-Sukkar. Shopping there cuts costs nearly in half and lets you practice Arabic with locals!
2. Jordan’s Climate: Weather & Best Time to Visit
- Spring (March to May): This is hands down the best time to visit Jordan. The weather is beautifully warm, and nature is breathtakingly green in northern Jordan, making it perfect for hiking.
- Summer (June to August): While daytime temperatures rise, the weather becomes exceptional and refreshing in the evening with the cool Amman breezes. It is the prime season for open-air cafes.
- Autumn (September to November): Moderate and pleasant weather returns, making it an excellent season to start long-term academic terms.
- Dress Code & Culture: To feel comfortable in the streets of Amman and traditional markets, it is preferred to dress modestly (clothes covering shoulders and knees). In winter, you will definitely need a warm coat.
3. Jordanian Cuisine: A Sensory Experience
- Jordanian Mansaf: This is the ultimate symbol of national identity. It consists of rice, local meat, and a unique broth made from “Jameed” (traditional dried yogurt). At Misbah Center, we organize special workshops to teach students the etiquette of eating Mansaf with their right hand.
- Hummus and Falafel: These represent the essential daily breakfast for every Jordanian. Historic Downtown restaurants offer this meal at very low prices, gathering all segments of society around simple tables.
- Knafeh: The most famous traditional dessert, specifically from “Habibah” sweets in the alleys of Downtown. Enjoying a warm plate of Knafeh after classes is a favorite ritual for everyone.
4. Drinks & Coffee Culture in the Streets of Amman
- Tea with Sage (Maramiya): The most popular daily drink. Served hot and sweetened, sage is a local aromatic herb found in every Jordanian home. Being offered tea is a warm sign of welcome.
- Turkish Coffee (The 60-Piaster Culture): You will instantly notice small booths selling Turkish coffee on every corner. You can get a hot cup rich with cardamom for the universally known local price of just 60 piasters! It is the perfect companion for walking tours.
- Al-Ameed Coffee (The Local Pride): Al-Ameed is a 100% authentic Jordanian brand. It is considered the ultimate symbol of quality and unique coffee flavor in every house. We highly recommend buying a souvenir pack to take back home.
- Traditional Arabic Coffee (Sada): Served in small cups at formal social events. It follows a strict etiquette; it is poured with the left hand and handed over with the right. When you are done and want to stop, you must shake the cup gently.
Go Beyond the Textbook.. Live the Experience in Amman
Learning Arabic cannot succeed behind closed walls alone. At Misbah Center in the heart of Amman, we design our programs to blend language grammar with these vibrant lifestyle details. If you are interested in learning Arabic, please click the button below to visit our contact page:
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