I LOVE LEBANON! Definitely an experience you will not forget or regret! Past Review
By A student (Near Eastern Studies, Middle Eastern Studies, Syracuse University) - abroad from 09/03/2011 to 02/02/2012 with
American University of Beirut: Beirut - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
I learned flexibility, understanding, a deeper understanding of cultural/religious/linguistic multiplicity and complexity, patience, language, independence, trust, and so much more.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The language instructors at AUB for both Modern Standard Arabic and Lebanese Colloquial are absolutely phenomenal! As for other subjects, it depends on your area of study and interests, though AUB has a number of internationally acclaimed scholars in middle eastern policy and practice as well as other fields. My advice would be to research the professors and courses before registration, but that would be my advice before starting any semester at any institution! |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
There are a number of staff at AUB that are extremely supportive and very helpful! At times, as with any higher education institution things can be a bit disorganized, but don't let that discourage you! |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
On campus housing at AUB was excellent! I lived in both the on campus female dorms and the off campus AUB associated female housing building. Both were well kept, with excellent amenities guaranteed! Definitely an excellent option for short term stays! |
| * Food: |
If only there was an option for 10 stars! The food in Lebanon is amazing! There is a large variety of options for vegetarians and meat eaters alike and expansive selections of fresh local/regional produce that will suit any budget. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I also participated in an independent internship, which positively impacted my connection with Lebanon. The University itself has many students from Lebanon as well as other countries in the region. In addition, when I attended they had a team of international student peer mentors who were all wonderful, welcoming, and a lot of fun! There are many other ways to engage if you so choose as well. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
During my stay I visited AUB's health center a few times for minor ailments (colds and the like) and I was pleased with the services. AUB's medical center is associated with a public clinic and well respected hospital in Beirut as well. |
| * Safety: |
When I attended AUB several years ago, the city and the campus felt very safe. I felt like there were large networks of friends, faculty and staff that I could rely on. Additionally, Hamra (the neighborhood where the university is located) felt very safe. Given current regional instability and the political situation, I would continue to caution students to be informed with up to date information on news and safety recommendations from their own universities and AUB. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
Finances depend on the person and their interests. Housing off campus can be less expensive, but a bit more of a hassle to ensure that you have all the utilities promised. In terms of food, you can eat quite cheaply in Lebanon, though there are also many high end restaurants and bars where it is possible to spend quite a bit. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Intermediate |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Put yourself out there and don't be shy! Most people will be interested in helping you to learn and will appreciate your effort. Also, when you return to the U.S. or travel onward, you won't regret the additional effort you put in! |
Direct Enrollment/Exchange
| * Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? | Direct Enrollment |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | So many things, but at the same time the fun and excitement was mostly in learning them :) |
