"5 Tips for a Successful Placement in your CBL Class" by Dr. Mjriam Abu Samra

You can find more information about Community-Based Learning (CBL) in Jordan here and check out a webinar from November, 2021 with Dr. Mjriam Abu Samra, Dr. Rachid Touhtouh, and Dr. Elena D. Corbett all about CBL.

1. Do not think of your placement as just the time you spend working on your tasks in the office or at your computer.

The placement is much more than that! It starts when you take a cab to get to your organization… and it never really ends! Every interaction in the office is an opportunity to observe and learn. Spend time just looking at how your colleagues deal with work, how they interact, how they plan their tasks, and ask them questions. You will be surprised by how much you will learn from these informal exchanges!

2. Do not miss coffee/cigarette breaks!

You will realize that a lot of work is actually done during the breaks! And you will learn a lot not only about the working culture in Jordan but also about its social meaning.

3. Your whole experience in Jordan is part of your placement!

Every interaction, every exchange, your time at the supermarket, a ride with a Careem…everything contributes to your understanding of Jordanian socio-political and cultural life. Bring everything to class, share your experiences, even the simplest ones… you will see that all comes together and helps you make sense of those aspects of your placement but also of your social life that you couldn’t really get elsewhere.

4. Be curious and open to appreciate diversity!

5.  Be ready to question predefined categories.

Be aware of your positionality and try to challenge stereotypes (negative and positive) in both directions (Jordanian and Western approaches). It will be an amazing journey of intellectual and emotional discovery!

Dr. Mjriam Abu Samra coordinates the Community-Based Learning (CBL) course and placements in Jordan.