<p>For language-learning purposes I plan to study abroad in Syria for a year most likely in the 2012-2013 school year. Do you know in study abroad programs? How far in advance should I apply?</p>
<p>In the current climate that would not be a good idea. I thought colleges (in the UK at least) were telling students not to go there.</p>
<p>^i agree; if you can, wait at least another year to go to syria- going there right now is a really bad idea. in fact, i doubt that many exchange programs would even offer to take you there right now with the current turmoil, unfortunately. hopefully the situation will stabilize in time for you to study there, but you may want to start looking into other options.</p>
<p>look into studying in Jordan…by the time you are considering going the climate may be different but Jordan is a more stable area, esp. for a young woman.</p>
<p>By the time you plan to be in Syria, the current situation will almost certainly have settled down. Just check with your university about getting credit/insurance.</p>
<p>CET in Aleppo is supposed to be fantastic, but I believe you have to have two years of Arabic under your belt in order to be considered, so keep that in mind. University of Damascus is also supposed to be wonderful. If you google “Syrian Studies Association,” you will find a great website with extensive information on studying in Syria. Most application deadlines are pretty late, and I know for U of D there is guaranteed acceptance as long as you show up in Damascus and register for the course, so good on you for thinking so far ahead!</p>
<p>The safety situation in the region fluctuates frequently, but you are far better off learning about how safe you will be by contacting the people running programs in Syria than listening to random people on the internet. The people who run study abroad programs will tell you not to come if they are not relatively certain that you will be safe. There are risks that you run anywhere, but the reward is infinitely worth it.</p>
<p>Also, a friend of mine was sexually assaulted while we were studying in Jordan, whereas nothing remotely comparable happened to me while I was traveling in Syria. Overall, though, the statistical risk that you will be assaulted as a foreign woman pretty much anywhere in the Middle East is far lower than your risk of being assaulted in any major American cities. Bad things happen everywhere. Be smart, keep your wits about you, follow locals’ advice, and you should be able to avoid most of the situations that might make your grandparents worry about you.</p>