I'm currently doing my bachelor's in energy engineering. I'm doing pretty good (2nd in my class) but i just don't like it. I have 3+ years of programming experience but i haven't finished any projects, which is obviously stupid of me. If i do build a portfolio, how hard is it to get into professional game programming without a degree in CS?

I think my problem is doubled by the fact that i live in Jordan where the game industry is nonexistent, making it very difficult to obtain the work experience i presume is needed for a work permit in another country.

Thoughts?

How hard is it to get a programming job as an energy engineer?
I think my problem is doubled by the fact that i live in Jordan where the game industry is nonexistent,

Q: How hard is it to get a programming job in games?
A: Very.

Q: How hard is it for a Jordanian without a work visa in a country where there is an extant game industry to get a game programming job?
A: Very.

My point is that your degree is a trivial part of this equation. As ambershee said, you need to build a portfolio. And you need to either relocate to a game country or start the game industry in your country. Building the portfolio you can do in the meantime. You can make solo projects and join a remote project.