Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Fascinating city/experience Past Review

By (International Relations, George Washington University) - abroad from 01/17/2014 to 03/19/2014 with

American University of Beirut: Beirut - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Being in Beirut - especially as someone who studies the Middle East and at this time - was an invaluable experience. Not only is the city itself fascinating, the people are extremely friendly and there is so much to learn from spending time in Beirut. Also, though AUB admittedly isn't the best with administrative procedures, etc, they did a fantastic job of integrating international students into both the school and the city. OIP was very available to help us at any time.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Had to get a TB test for my student form after arriving, was guided to center by orientation advisors. Quickly and easily got it taken care of.

* Safety:

Beirut is Beirut, but I never personally felt unsafe or at risk. Could probably have been more cautious if I so desired

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? No

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

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

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

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Location
  • Student orientation guides
  • OIP Programming
* What could be improved?
  • Better resources for finding off campus housing
  • Streamlined administrative procedures
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Wish there were better resources for finding off campus housing in Beirut, or a temporary dorm stay program while looking for housing. Everything I needed to know in terms of AUB/the city/cultural stuff generally was presented to us at the international student orientation, which was nice.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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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.