Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A journey to Self Discovery Past Review

By (Political Science and Middle Eastern Studies, Syracuse University) - abroad from 01/26/2015 to 05/20/2015 with

American University of Beirut: Beirut - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
This program was definitely worthwhile and it was an amazing opportunity to get to be back in Lebanon for 6 months.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The academic

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Finding housing was somewhat was a hassle, there are no photos online of the dorms or the rooms. I ended up staying in a hotel for the duration of my study abroad period at 1866 Court and Suites, which is located across the street from the medical gate.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

I am fluent in arabic because I was born in raised in Lebanon, so I focused mainly only perfecting my understanding of modern standard arabic.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Fluent
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? N/A
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Try to order and speak arabic outside of the classroom.

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Exchange

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The Country
  • The Food
* What could be improved?
  • The communication between AUB and Abroad Students
  • Housing
  • Communicating about courses in advance
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The only thing I wish I knew before going to AUB is to know where I was living, otherwise everything was perfect.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.