Zena Najjar
Zena Najjar, a graduate of the School of Languages at the University of Jordan with a specialization in Spanish and English, represents a model of passionate learning and cultural openness. She received the Erasmus+ scholarship to study at the University of Almería in Spain—an experience that became a rich chapter of academic growth, community engagement, and cultural exchange. During her time abroad, she proudly represented Jordan, introducing its culture and values and fostering mutual understanding between Arab and Spanish students.
Zena also volunteered with the Spanish Association Against Cancer, where she contributed to raising awareness about early detection, offered linguistic and cultural support to Arab patients, participated in school sessions on the dangers of electronic smoking, and took part in a psychosocial support program for cancer patients.
Her dedication and active involvement drew notable media attention, and La Voz de Almería, a prominent Spanish newspaper, published a feature highlighting her experience and her cultural and social impact. In the interview, Zena stated:
"Jordanian youth do not lack ambition or capability—they simply need a real opportunity to show what they can do."
On the linguistic and cultural level, Zena was also an active participant in language exchange programs, through which she taught Arabic to Spanish students, expanding her academic network and strengthening her cultural presence abroad.
After returning to Jordan, she continued her academic and professional journey as a part-time Spanish instructor at Yarmouk University, where she brings international experience to her students and broadens their understanding of global cultures and exchange opportunities. In parallel, she continues her work in the community development sector with NAYA Community Network, where her expertise in project writing, partnership-building, and donor engagement has grown to become a core part of her professional identity.
Zena was also honored to participate as a speaker at the Erasmus+ event organized in collaboration with the European Union, held under the patronage of the Minister of Education and the EU Ambassador to Jordan. During the discussion sessions, she shared her inspiring Erasmus+ experience in Spain and emphasized the important role international exchange programs play in expanding the horizons of young people, empowering them with confidence and knowledge, and strengthening their cultural and academic presence globally.
In addition, Zena has delivered numerous trainings and workshops with prestigious institutions and universities such as the Crown Prince Foundation, All Jordan Youth Commission, the Hashemite University, and Al-Hussein Technical University, focusing on leadership, digital awareness, personal branding, and guiding youth on how to leverage LinkedIn professionally. She now has an audience of more than 24,000 followers.
Zena’s story is an inspiring message to students of the School of Languages: international opportunities, volunteer work, and cultural experiences have the power to expand one’s future and shape a distinguished career path. Her journey proves that studying abroad is not just an academic opportunity, but a transformative experience that reshapes identity, broadens perspectives, and opens new doors for growth. With her passion, commitment, and community engagement, Zena has become a shining example of a Jordanian student who carries her country proudly wherever she goes.
She encourages students to believe in their potential, pursue international programs, engage in volunteerism, and represent Jordan in the best way possible—because Jordanian youth are capable of excelling wherever they are.
My name is Maria, and this is my story.
We usually walk through paths we think are made for us, until we reach moments that change our story forever.
My name is Maria, and this is my story.
In my last radio interview, I was asked about my Erasmus journey in Germany, which I joined through the University of Jordan. I described it as a “sensitive phase” because it showed me a more realistic side of life.
I honestly never expected that I would face serious inner challenges, moments where I had to understand where I truly belong.
I went through a lot, more than I can summarize in a few lines, but I will try to share a brief overview that might guide someone who is walking a similar path.
My social experience started when I interacted with many different groups in the city of Marburg, where I lived.
I met Arabs, Germans, refugees, residents, and international students.
I listened to their stories, and I learned about the circumstances that brought them all to the same city. I also had the chance to live with two families, which helped me understand their daily life more deeply.
Academically, the experience was special because it taught me “how to learn.”
I realized this through the research papers I prepared, the trial lessons I gave in different courses, and the assignments, which were honestly not easy, that tested my academic abilities.
My cultural experience grew when I traveled to several countries like France, Spain, Luxembourg, Austria, and others. There, I saw art, nature, and European culture in many different forms.
On the professional level, I was chosen to work with HR Media Agency, where I received intensive training in political, environmental, and local coverage. This improved my media skills and helped me see my career path more clearly.
The most important moment for me was being selected to represent all Erasmus students in a press interview published in a German morning newspaper. I talked about cultural differences and how much I missed Jordan.
In the end, I want to emphasize the importance of seeking knowledge and culture, locally and internationally, because they are the key to the development we all hope to achieve.
(an Assistant Professor in the Department of English Language and Translation at Middle East University/Jordan) .
I am Dr. Linda Al-Abbas, an Assistant Professor in the Department of English Language and Translation at Middle East University/Jordan. In 2015, I embarked on a remarkable journey in the Ph.D. Program in Linguistics at the University of Jordan. The intensive coursework equipped me with a robust foundation in linguistics and research methodologies that enriched my academic career and enabled me to publish numerous papers in esteemed journals. I am on track to be promoted to Associate Professor in a few months. I encourage students aspiring for a PhD degree in Linguistics to join the program, as it offers boundless opportunities for intellectual growth and professional development.
(an assistant professor at Al-Balqa Applied University)
I am Dr. Nedal Al-Masaeed. I am an English language and linguistics assistant professor at Al-Balqa Applied University. I was a doctoral student in the English Language Department at the University of Jordan, specializing in linguistics in the English language. I obtained my Ph.D. in the first semester of 2023/2024. I want to thank all those in charge of the program, as it increased my capabilities in my specialization and expanded my cultural and scientific awareness in multiple fields.
(an assistant professor at Arab Open University, Department of English Language)
My name is Dr. Sami Al-Khawaldeh. I graduated from the University of Jordan “Linguistics program" in 2019. Currently, I am working as an assistant professor at Arab Open University, Department of English Language. The linguistics program at the University of Jordan is one of the fascinating programs that equipped me with the knowledge and skills required in the job market. I spent four years of the most beautiful years in my life studying linguistics taught by professors and scholars who added a lot to my life.
After that, I began writing my doctoral thesis, where the university provided me with all the necessary research facilities through the library and the university's scientific platform. The doctoral degree in linguistics from the university of Jordan empowered me in the job market, where I was hired at the Arab Open University immediately after graduation. Many thanks to the professors who taught me at the university and to the University of Jordan, which introduced Linguistics specialization and enabled me to study it in Jordan.
(an assistant Professor at The Faculty of Educational Sciences and Arts (FESA) – UNRWA)
My name is Shatha Abualhommos. I got my Ph.D. degree in English Literature and Criticism from The University of Jordan in 2022. Soon after graduation, I competed for the position of Assistant Professor at The Faculty of Educational Sciences and Arts (FESA) – UNRWA, and I was eventually awarded this position among several qualified candidates. Since my appointment at FESA, I have been actively working on developing and improving my teaching and research skills. So far, I have two research papers accepted for publication in Scopus-indexed journals, and I seek to publish more in the upcoming years.
I aspire to keep my momentum going and get promoted to the position of Associate Professor within the next few years. I believe that studying at The University of Jordan has equipped me with the necessary knowledge and crucial skills to compete at the highest levels, and I strongly encourage everyone interested in a distinguished and high-quality education to apply for the University of Jordan.
( an assistant Professor of Linguistics in the department of English Language and Translation at Applied Science Private University)
Doaa Riziq is an assistant Professor of Linguistics in the department of English Language and Translation at Applied Science Private University. She obtained her Ph.D in Linguistics from the University of Jordan in 2022 under the supervision of Professor Jihad Hamdan. The exceptional experience of the Ph.D. program in Linguistics at the University of Jordan greatly enriched her academic journey and research pursuits. Today, she continues to make significant contributions to the field of Linguistics, inspiring both colleagues and students alike.
Dr Lina Sider
( an assistant professor at Zarqa University)
I am Dr Lina Sider, an assistant professor at Zarqa University. I received my PhD degree in English Linguistics from the University of Jordan. My main areas of interest include sociolinguistics, in particular, language variation and change studies. During my PhD journey, my supervisor, Dr Marwan Al-Jarrah, helped me to learn and engage in opportunities for career development and professional growth, such as participating in seminars and giving me the opportunity to work as a lecturer in the English department. The cultural diversity enriched my experience by exposing me to new perspectives and building strong communication skills. I recommend students to study at the University of Jordan for the high quality of teaching, qualified staff, and friendly atmosphere.