Visit from Bethel University, January 2010
21 Days in Amman-The Power of Changed Perspectives
Alex Potter, one of the participants from Bethel University, describes her experience in Jordan.
A common question friends and family asked of my impending trip to Jordan was: “Why would you want to go to the Middle East?” I wondered the opposite – why not? It is a beautiful area steeped in culture, with people renowned for hospitality, and has many different religious perspectives.
Though it has been the epicenter of change since the beginning of time, recent decades have brought a struggle for peace and a need for cultural understanding in a time of ignorance. As the education hub of the Middle East, Jordan provides a great atmosphere for students from the eastern and western worlds to share culture and develop friendships. “As a country low on oil, water, and exportable resources, Jordan has demonstrated to the Bethel students the importance of relationships and cooperation.”
East-West Initiatives has been instrumental in making these partnerships a reality. It brings together students from Western nations to discuss leadership, spirituality, and culture with young adults in Amman. They are also given the opportunity to participate in volunteer work, making an impact in the Jordanian community. Salwa, an EWI leader, described her experience, “The unique part of EWI is this: students lead all the activities, meaning we basically run the program. We can address change, look at social development, attend conferences, meet others, and explore culture. You can expand you vision for the world.” Salwa also attended conferences in the United States; she returned with changed perceptions and a positive vision for relationships between people of the East and West. Kawthar Rayyan, another EWI participant, expressed her desire to help people. “There are volunteer opportunities within EWI; also, I enjoy spending time with people outside of university and work. This way, we can get to know one another.”
I came to Jordan with 9 others from Bethel University in the United States. Located in Minnesota, Bethel is a Christian liberal-arts university working toward understanding culture and forming relationships with people around the world. The month between semesters, called January Term, provides students with the opportunity to study and interact around the world; this course was designed to study change and decision making in another cultural context. Students spent some time touring, learning the history and culture, but the main focus was on meeting leaders in their respective fields. Ahliyya School, the Business Development Center, Amman Arab University, Sheikh Amjad Qoursheh, and the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature are only a few of the influential people and organizations that we met.
Professor Naomi Ludeman Smith was the teacher and leader of our trip; she previously lived in Amman for five months researching for her doctoral degree. It was here she recognized the potential for intercultural relationships and decision-making in the region. “Jordan is an excellent laboratory to study how leaders are bringing innovative ideas and new ways of doing things to influence society for good. Students are able to learn how Jordanians are leading change in the Middle East, and hope to bring what we learn back to our University and the United States.” The change in Jordan is evident everywhere, visible from the excellent education, to outstanding healthcare. The late King Hussein ushered Jordan into a new era of peacemaking, democracy, and innovation; King Abdullah II is successfully continuing his work. As a country low on oil, water, and exportable resources, Jordan has demonstrated to the Bethel students the importance of relationships and cooperation. Truly, people are the most important natural resource. Early on in the program, it was evident to students that cross-cultural contact is essential to understanding Arab culture and decision-making. Nick Cedergren especially enjoyed “…the emphasis of relationships and hospitality Arabs present in the culture.” The sincerity between friends, business partners, family, and humanitarian organization allows for a peaceful understanding of one another, which is essential in our changing world.
As most people of the Middle East are aware, the media of the United States does not tell the whole truth to the public. The news and conflicts of the Middle East are misrepresented, especially when it comes to the Islamic faith. Many people in the West have misconceptions; though many of the people realize the media is not completely truthful, they still do not have access to accurate information. The mixed messages have caused students to seek the truth about the faith and conflict here in the Middle East, like Bethel student Dan Swenson. “I wanted to come here because I feel that there are many incorrect beliefs that Americans have…I wanted to be able to share this with people back home. The partnership between East-West Initiatives and Bethel enables young-adults to form a trusting, open, and multicultural dialogue to eliminate stereotypes and encourage intercultural communication. Only when we respect and understand each other can the world be changed for the better. “Jordan is doing great things here in the Middle East,” said Bethel student Madison Pattridge. “At its very core, it seeks peace as a nation across ethnic and religious barriers.”
The partnership between young leaders from Jordan and the United States, East West Initiatives and Bethel, officially lasted less than one month. Yet the lessons learned and relationships formed will endure. After all, that is the reason many participants became involved. Zaid of EWI still desires to “…develop leadership skills and build relationships of trust and love with people of different cultures and faiths.” The daily interaction between the Jordanian people, EWI leaders, and Bethel students will never be forgotten. Paul Bruhn-Ding of Bethel stated, “My favorite part of Jordan has been the people I’ve met and friendships formed. The outreach from the locals as well as their time and effort has been truly delightful. I can’t wait to return to Jordan.” One month is a short time to learn how to change the world. Yet, by bridging the culture-gap with knowledge and relationships, it might just be possible.
“I wanted to come here because I feel that there are many incorrect beliefs that Americans have…I wanted to be able to share this with people back home.” Dan Swenson
“My favorite part of Jordan has been the people I’ve met and friendships formed.” Paul Bruhn-Ding
