Students flock to Jordan to study in 'Middle East Lite'

Young Americans studying Arabic like to joke that Jordan is "Middle East Lite" - a safe way into a tumultuous region without Lebanon's violence, Syria's tense relationship with the US or the Gulf's conservative culture.

Drawn by that reputation, an increasing number of Americans interested in Arabic have been flocking to Jordan.

The capital, Amman, lacks much of the history and color that attract Americans to Cairo, the most popular destination for foreign students who want to learn Arabic. But Amman comes without the air pollution and crowds that plague Egypt's capital. It also feels more Western with its clean streets and numerous American shops and fast-food restaurants.