Week 1:
Discovery and Collaboration in the Heart of Amman, Jordan

June 11, 2023

Hello! My name is Athraa Mhanna and I am a sociology major at Cornell College. This summer, I have an amazing opportunity to intern at Al-Resalah School in Amman, Jordan. The first week of my internship at Al-Resalah School has not only been a profound professional experience but also an adventure in the vibrant city of Amman, Jordan. Stepping foot into this rich history and culture, I find myself immersed in all of what makes this city so captivating. As I work alongside the passionate school staff, I am inspired by the warmth and hospitality of the Jordanian people. From exploring the markets and malls of downtown to savoring the flavors of authentic Jordanian Mansaf (Jordanian national dish) every moment outside of the internship adds depth and richness to this transformative experience. Join me as I explore and learn more about the intersection of culture and education, make professional and personal connections, and discover the impact of the work I am here to accomplish.

Upon arriving at the Queen Alia International Airport in Amman, I immediately felt at home. I was surrounded by my fellow native Arabic speakers in a country that I left when I was just 7 years old. Although my memories in Jordan from that time are fading away, I am beyond grateful to be able to make new memories throughout this internship experience. I have the opportunity to utilize my native Arabic language language skills and immerse myself into a culture of beauty, history, knowledge, and honor.

My first day on-site I was introduced to some of the faculty and briefly met with my supervisor, Mrs. Samia, as we discussed what my roles and responsibilities are going to be. During this experience, I noticed that there were a few similarities and differences between US schools and Jordanian schools. One similarity that struck me immediately was that the vast majority of the teachers at Al-Resalah are women. In most sociology classes we don’t usually learn about global societies, so it was interesting to see how sociological concepts and phenomena that we learn about in the US can also be applied to certain aspects of some global societies. Additionally, I was able to see firsthand the passion for teaching that many of the teachers have. Their love of teaching and shaping students into model citizens is very inspiring for someone like myself who values service.

Later in the week, I met with faculty from the English department and connected with students in the third grade class (featured picture above). I then met with Mrs. Samia and we went over school policies and practices. I learned that this school takes a very restorative approach to discipline, very different from most schools in the US. She explained that because of their religious upbringing, being Muslim, the students are known to be very polite and rarely commit offenses. She also explained that they don’t like to take punitive action against students because they prefer to solve issues through mediation rather than punishment. They also have a psychologist on site everyday for students to discuss issues with and solve any problems that might arise with other students. I find that their method of disciplining is much more effective than the punitive approach that many US schools take. In my Education and Culture class at Cornell with Professor DeeAnn Grove, we learned about restorative justice, a practice in schools that prioritizes mediation and empowers students to solve problems on their own and in small groups. I was able to make a connection between Al-Resalah’s approach to discipline and the concept of restorative justice.

In my free time, my family who reside in Amman take me out to explore the city and visit historical and religious landmarks. During my first weekend, I visited Abdali Mall in the heart of Amman and went to see a movie with my cousins. I also attended a multicultural festival at a local university where students from all backgrounds represented their culture through dress, food, music, art, and performances. I really enjoyed seeing my fellow Iraqis represent our heritage and culture through spoken word, traditional Chobi dance performance, and traditional dress and music.

In just one week, my internship at Al-Resalah School in Amman, Jordan has already exceeded my expectations. Immersed in the rich culture and history of the city, I am inspired by the passion of the school staff and their commitment to education. Beyond work, exploring Amman and experiencing its multicultural vibrancy has deepened my connection to my Iraqi heritage. With each day, I am excited to contribute further to program development and research, forging meaningful connections and making a lasting impact on the students’ educational journey.