I have been privileged to be a Fellow at the Fulbright-Hays Summer Abroad Program Seminar, Jordan & Oman: Middle East Neighbors, hosted by the America-Mideast Educational and Training Services, Inc. (AMIDEAST) , summer 2009. Situated in different parts of the Arab world, Jordan and Oman together provide an ideal case study of this diverse region. The program - held on site June 17 to July 26, 2009 - included meetings with journalists, government officials, economists, activists, entrepreneurs, and educators. Islam's role in society was also addressed. Fellows visited key archaeological and other sites in Jordan and Oman to gain historical perspective and an appreciation for geography as a cultural and social determinant. Cultural events were arranged to provide Fellows with the broadest possible exposure to contemporary society.

My curriculum project provides a case study of tourism with a focus on Oman and Jordan to help improve student's understanding of the world's largest industry and its most dynamic component, historical tourism. The project intent is to engage faculty and students in specific activities that will help increase students’ comprehension of the tools for comprehending the human drama in the movement of people seeking culture, leisure, and recreation.

The project module Historical Tourism includes a portal page, activity curriculum guides and resources (print and online). Additional project site items include a list of participating Fulbright Fellows, a travel blog (may be viewed without log-in), links to the American Mideast Educational and Training Services, Inc, (AMIDEAST), the host Fulbright Commission Web site Jordan, and Photo Albums for the Oman/Jordan historical tourism case studies and the Study Abroad Program Seminar activities.

Fellows | AMIDEAST | Fulbright | Acknowledgements