Finances

Money in Jordan is centered around the Jordanian dinar (JOD), which is the country’s official currency and one of the stronger currencies in the Middle East. The dinar is divided into 100 piastres (or qirsh) and is commonly used in both cash and electronic transactions. Jordan has a stable banking system, with modern financial services widely available. While credit cards and digital payments are common in urban areas, cash is still widely used in smaller towns and local markets.

In general, you should plan to spend as much in a given month in Jordan as you would at home, if not more; though if you are accustomed to living on a residential campus, you might at first be surprised by how quickly the expense of taxis can add up. Keep in mind that the amount of money you spend ultimately depends on the lifestyle you choose. Western-style cafes and restaurants in West Amman are often more expensive than in the U.S., and you will often need to take a taxi to reach them. One staff member noted, “I would even make a direct relationship here: the less money you spend, the better the experience. Think of yourselves as travelers rather than tourists. Oftentimes, the in-country facilities used by foreign tourists are not those used by the locals…”

Currency in Morocco is based on the Moroccan dirham (MAD). The dirham is divided into 100 centimes and is widely used in everyday transactions across the country. While cash remains the most common form of payment (especially in markets, small shops, and rural areas) credit cards are accepted in larger cities, hotels, and tourist areas.

Credit/Debit Cards

Credit cards are widely used in Amman. The best known are Visa, MasterCard, and to a lesser extent, American Express. Be prepared to show identification in order to use the card (this rarely happens but you should always have your ID with you anyways!)

Be sure to notify your bank and credit card companies that you will be traveling so they do not freeze your account and to ensure that your PIN will work while you are abroad.

Have a 4-digit pin number for ATMs. While 6-digit pins are increasingly common in the US, you'll need a 4-digit pin in Jordan! Check with your bank to make sure your card is activated for overseas use and that your PIN will work overseas.

ATM/debit cards can be used to obtain cash if they have a major credit card logo (Visa, MasterCard) on them. There are numerous ATMs in, including Bank of Ireland & Ulster Bank, both of which have agreements with certain American Banks (check with your bank rep). The exchange rate for ATM withdrawals is usually the best available since it is the bank’s own bulk rate plus a 1-2 percent charge. Keep in mind that when you change cash abroad at an exchange business, they may have what appear to be low exchange rates, but they frequently also charge a commission.

Most cards outside the US have a chip on the front. If your card does not have a chip, contact your bank to see if it’s possible to get a card with a chip. MOST PLACES PREFER THE CHIP (the payment method where you simply tap your card rather than insert or swipe).

It is recommended that you carry the phone number of your local bank in case you misplace your ATM card.

Study Abroad Billing: what to expect

All students will be charged Holy Cross tuition and the Holy Cross standard room charge.
The standard Board/meal plan will be charged since you will recieve 3 meals a day abroad.

All students will be billed a mandatory fee of approx. $235 per semester for Global Security Assistance and international Medical/Travel Insurance provided by International SOS (ISOS) and Cigna Global Health/Lloyd’s Insurance (students will NOT be charged the Health Service fee). This fee is considerably less than the cost of the policy and is subsidized by Holy Cross.

If a student is on campus at Holy Cross for one semester, they will be charged the Student Activity Fee. If a student is abroad for the academic year, they will not be charged this fee.

Why am I being billed Holy Cross tuition?

The College of the Holy Cross Study Abroad Program operates on a Home School Tuition Model. Students on Holy Cross approved programs will remain continuously enrolled at Holy Cross while studying abroad. This allows students to receive Holy Cross credit for their courses abroad and for grades to be posted on their Holy Cross transcript.

The College is committed to making study abroad accessible for all qualified students. To honor this commitment, the College offers need-based financial aid for students studying abroad and, accordingly, relies on tuition revenue to provide this need-based financial aid. Additionally, using the Home School Tuition Model allows for federal financial aid to be applied to a student’s bill. To help make studying abroad as cost-neutral as possible, the College provides additional services at no extra charge. These services may include cultural programming, on-site advisors and tutors.

Finally, for enrolled Holy Cross students, the Office of Study Abroad provides a full range of student support services and programming - from initial inquiry through pre-departure support while abroad and when they return to campus. In other words, tuition dollars also cover the operating costs of the Office of Study Abroad.

Financial Aid

The determination of financial aid eligibility for studying abroad via a Holy Cross approved program is calculated just as it is for students who are living on campus. Financial aid is based on the standard cost of attendance. The College considers the standard cost of board when determining financial aid awards even if they are not directly billed for it on their student account. Students and/or families who are financing their education with loans should consider the total cost of attendance when determining the amount of loans requested. The cost of attendance includes tuition, fees, room, board, books, supplies and personal expenses. To review the specific costs, please view the Bursar's Office page on tuition and fees.

Students who are awarded scholarships from sources external to Holy Cross (for example, a study abroad partner University) must report the scholarship to the Financial Aid Office. Financial Aid will then determine how the scholarship is applied to the HC bill. Specific questions regarding your financial aid award should be directed to financialaid@holycross.edu.

Other Expenses to anticipate

Students should expect some additional expenses related to studying abroad. The following list may not be comprehensive and is subject to change. Additionally, students should not expect to have the same amenities abroad as they have at Holy Cross. Each program has different components unique to each location:

REFUNDABLE DEPOSITS
STUDENT VISA/RESIDENCY FEES
AIRPORT TRANSPORTATION
LOCAL TRANSPORTATION
MEALS
BOOKS
PERSONAL EXPENSES
ENTERTAINMENT
LAUNDRY
PRINTING FEES
PACKING EXPENSES or storage fees for personal belongings
COVID-19 TESTING

Here's a helpful guide to average prices in Amman to help you budget!

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