Most amazing experience of my life Past Review

By (University of Massachusetts / UMass - Boston) - abroad from 01/23/2017 to 05/19/2017 with

American University of Beirut: Beirut - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained independence, reduced cultural ignorance, a better taste pallet, and life long friends

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.

The American University of Beirut has a rigorous academic agenda, that is consistently challenging its students to face

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

AUB's Office of International Program was very helpful in the transition phase a the beginning of the semester for its international students

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was satisfied with my housing, but it was not associated with the university. I independently found my housing as i would hear negative comments about dorms on campus

* Food:

The food in Lebanon is absolutely amazing. 10/10 would recommend.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Being Lebanese, I have never felt more at home. Although locals can tell when someone is not native to Lebanon, they are always welcoming. Whether it is inviting strangers over for a cup of coffee or indulging in mezza with restaurants owner over a case of Arak, Lebanese people are always finding ways to give you a sense of their nationalism in the best way they know how through their genuine kindest

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

AUB has a hospital right on campus that was easily accessible

* Safety:

Campus is extremely safe, but depending on where you go in Beirut things can become a bit uneasy.

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

Beirut is absolutely fascinating, a place that everyone must visit once in their lives. The history and culture of Beirut is so deeply integrated into its streets, people and the experiences these people share is something to be in awe of.

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)

Beirut is not cheap, but if you budjet well you can manage on $100=$150 a week

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* 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?
  • the food
  • the friends
* What could be improved?
  • organization of the university
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? do not judge people by their looks