a7la study abroad Past Review
By A student (Reed College) - abroad from 01/27/2016 to 05/17/2016 with
American University of Beirut: Beirut - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
I gained a stronger grasp of the Arabic language & culture, I fulfilled my natural science & political science requirements for graduation and I had an excellent time. I would definitely go to AUB again and I do believe it was worthwhile.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The professors had outstanding qualifications, I had; chemistry professor with a PhD from the University of California at Berkley, a political science professor who was a member of the Lebanese Parliament, published in foreign affairs & held a PhD from Johns Hopkins, etc., etc. The gym in Beirut put my gym in Portland to shame & I am frankly embarrassed by how not beautiful Reed is when I compare it to my memories of the AUB. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived on the fifth floor of a building with an elevator, 24/7 internet, potable water, a kitchen & an unobstructed view of the Med (this is harder to find in Beirut than one would imagine). Somehow, my roommate & I got along. |
| * Food: |
I happily gained 30 pounds. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I had a blast integrating. The Lebanese are the most hospital, genuine, welcoming & passionate people in the world, bar none. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I had a blast -- the only thing I would do differently is go out to more events in the wider Lebanese society. |
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) |
I lived a very materialistic lifestyle in Beirut. Could I have spent less money? Yes. Do I regret enjoying movies, good food & interesting experiences (for example, a 10km hike through a forest, a trip to see the Lebanese President's historical summer palace [2sr Musa], etc., etc.)? No. |
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
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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? | I wish I would have known that I never did actually go to a Lebanese cooking class. By far and away, that is my biggest regret. |
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 UrbaniteA 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. |
