Lebanon, You Have My Heart Past Review
By Saárah Murphy (Northeastern University) - abroad from 01/29/2018 to 05/24/2018 with
American University of Beirut: Beirut - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
Was it worthwhile?! It was more than worthwhile. It not only helped me determine I want to live in Lebanon and report there, it helped me discover parts of me I didn't know existed.
Review Photos
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 courses and professors at the American University of Beirut took me out of my comfort zone, and helped me explore a different perspective I didn't confront in my home institution's courses. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I was lucky enough to have the journalism department head, May Farah, as one of my professors. I didn't run into any troubles, however if I did, I knew she would be there to help. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I moved my dorm location about a month into the semester. The housing department was very easy to work with and accommodating. |
| * Food: |
You will not be able to get enough of Lebanese food - whether it's shawarma, mena'eesh, or tawouk - you will be in foodie heaven! The bustling restaurants on Bliss Street filled with AUB students draw you in. Some are catching a nicotine break or sipping nescafe, but most are indulging in different types of cuisine along the street between classes. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The Lebanese are the most authentic, welcoming and nurturing people you will ever find. Not to be cliche, but I felt at home within my first couple days there. That being said, you can integrate yourself as much as you'd like. There is no pressure whatsoever. I chose to immerse myself every day I was there, and desperately miss the connections I made. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I did not have any health issues abroad. |
| * Safety: |
The Middle East is sometimes regarded as an unsafe area due to past circumstances. However, I can assure you, Lebanon is very safe. I felt more than comfortable at any hour of the day and night. I also would walk alone frequently. It is like any place, just be cautious until you are comfortable with your surroundings. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
My goal is to be a Middle Eastern correspondent one day, and taking the journalism courses at AUB with curriculum based on the Middle East, and hearing other student's perspectives was very beneficial for me. |
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) |
It is important to say that Lebanon can be expensive. It is very similar to the US with pricing. It is important to set a budget for yourself for any study abroad program. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 300 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Budget, budget, budget. If you want to be cautious about your spending, try cooking in the dorm's kitchen so you won't eat out three times a day (it's also healthier!). Also, there are so many activities to do for a low cost and the AUB mentor program offers a lot of them throughout the semester. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| 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 |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Three semesters of Fusha. |
| 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? | Immerse yourself as much as you can with locals. They will be elated you're learning Arabic, and will truly want to help you. |
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? | N/A |
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. |
