As a Fulbright student researcher, Aryanna Hyde, PhD candidate in Political Science in the Truman School of Government and Public Affairs, is currently in Irbid, Jordan, working on fieldwork for her dissertation project, titled "Migrant Integration and Vitamin Wow: Wasta and the Migrant Experience in Jordan." Aryanna’s research focuses on the unique challenges and opportunities faced by migrants in Jordan, particularly within the context of "wasta"—a cultural concept of networking and social capital that can be vital for navigating everyday life and accessing resources.
As part of her Fulbright award, she committed to promoting cultural exchange between the United States and Jordan. To support this mission, Aryanna is affiliated with the Refugees, Forced Migration, and Internally Displaced Persons Studies Center at Yarmouk University. Here, she leads a weekly English conversation hour for Jordanian students. “This program has quickly become a highlight of my work, providing both an educational forum and a space for genuine exchange,” said Hyde. “At the end of each session, I share a brief overview of my research and invite students who are interested in participating to connect with me.” This approach has been invaluable for her, not only in recruiting student participants but in extending her network into the broader Jordanian community. Through the students she has been introduced to their families, friends, and acquaintances, who bring deeper community perspectives and add valuable richness to her work.
Cultural exchange has been a rewarding and multi-layered part of this experience. Recently, Aryanna had the opportunity to attend a traditional Jordanian wedding—a vibrant display of local customs, family unity, and hospitality. This experience offered her a direct and unforgettable insight into Jordanian cultural life.
She recently presented her research at the Fulbright Mediterranean Research Seminar in Alicante, Spain. This seminar gathered Fulbright grantees from diverse disciplines, such as political science, sociology, literature, and agriculture. Aryanna shared, “The multidisciplinary feedback was both insightful and inspiring, enhancing my understanding of my own research within a broader context.”
She has noted how much this experience is impacting her dissertation and enriching the collaborative spirit of the Truman School of Government and Public Affairs and its global reach. “As I continue this journey, I look forward to deepening my engagement with both the academic community and the Jordanian society around me, bridging perspectives and fostering mutual understanding between the U.S. and Jordan,” said Hyde.