Oman: Political Culture and Economic Development in the Gulf

• Find a Program
  • Find an SIT Study Abroad Program
• Academics
  • Academics Overview
  • Accreditation
  • SIT Study Abroad Faculty and Staff
  • Program Partners
  • Coursework
  • Undergraduate Research
  • Credit Transfer
• SIT Study Abroad Admissions
  • Apply Now
  • Choosing a Program
  • SIT Study Abroad Admissions Process
  • SIT Study Abroad Application Forms
  • Tracking Your Application
  • Program Availability
  • Program Dates
  • Credit Transfer
  • Contact Us
• Health, Safety, and Security
  • Health, Safety, and Security
• Scholarships and Fees
  • Financial Aid
  • Scholarships
  • Other Funding Sources
  • Program Costs
  • Billing
  • Withdrawal and Cancellation Policies
• Experience Our Programs
  • Experience Our Programs Overview
  • Program Model
  • Program Schedule
  • Educational Excursions
  • Homestay Profiles
  • Coursework Highlights
  • Student Services
  • Health, Safety, and Security
  • Contact a Former Student
• Admitted Students
  • Web Advisor
  • Predeparture Information
  • Confirmation Materials
  • Medical Review Process
  • Health, Safety, and Security
  • Contact a Former Student
• Alumni
  • Request a Transcript
  • Connect
  • Next Steps
  • Events and Announcements
• Parents
  • Parents Overview
  • Benefits of Study Abroad
  • About SIT/World Learning
  • Health, Safety, and Security
  • Funding Study Abroad
  • Contact and Communications
  • Student Services Overview
  • Visitors Policy
  • What's Next for My Student
• Advisors and Faculty
  • Advisors and Faculty Overview
  • Services For Colleges and Universities
  • Admissions Information
  • Accreditation and Academics
  • About Health, Safety, and Security
  • About Student Services

View Complete Photo Gallery

Explore social and economic development, political reform, regional politics, and religious traditions in the Persian Gulf.

The program is based in Oman’s capital city of Muscat, a meeting point of Arab, Asian, and African traditions, languages, and cultures. Intensive Arabic language instruction and homestays with Omani families further immerse students in Omani society.  

Choice between two themes
Students choose to focus on political culture OR economic development and energy.
In each case, students are taught by local academics, employees from the government and private sectors, and other Omani professionals. 

Resources and program partners typically include:

• The Omani Center for Investment Promotion and Export Development
• Faculty from Sultan Qaboos University
• Government officials and employees from the Majlis Al-Shurah, the Central Bank of Oman, the Council for Scientific Research, among others.

Frequently, students also have the opportunity to learn from high-ranking experts from the private sector including law firms, oil companies, and consulting companies.

Experience the diversity of Oman and other Gulf States
The program incorporates several excursions outside Muscat.
Students travel to the Omani interior, the Sharqiyya, and Dhofar, as well as to Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, conditions permitting. Students discover that the Gulf is home to differing cultural identities, standards of living, and lifestyles.