Lubnan>>>>>>>>>>>>> Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Overall AUB is a great school. Particularly regarding the international students, they have a lot of resources. Both my engineering and arabic classes were very demanding, and I had more work than I would have preferred for a study abroad experience. I recommend taking as many electives as possible during your time at AUB - the city is much more interesting then the classroom. I loved my arabic professors. I found the engineering curriculum to be a heavy on theory as opposed to application, which is more standard in US programs (I think it's the French).

On-site administration of your program

Great! OIP was very nice. They assign an AUB student mentor to each international student and I had an excellent, very involved mentor who had a very positive impact on my time there.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

So, housing is nice - I come from a school in Boston where I'm paying nearly 5k a semester for like ...70 sq ft? Anyway, It's not cheap but certainly cheaper than an equivalent American city, and very spacious. I lived in Mayfair which I definitely recommend, the balconies are nice and you're very close to campus. (Although what I really recommend is finding your own apartment, especially with some locals).

Lebanese food is the best. I've been in the states for 2 months now just fiending for some good mezze. Beer game weak, wine game weak, Araq (national liquor) is the WORST, but I discovered gin basils in Lebanon and I'll never forget that.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Now this wasn't necessarily easy, but making Lebanese friends will be well worth your while. Everyone's interacting with you regardless though - the Lebanese are an exceptionally friendly people. As are the Syrians, which you will see a lot of if you go anytime soon. You will likely know on a first name basis whoever makes your coffee in the morning, waiters at any restaurants you frequent, doormen/guards, your bartender.... I seriously love this country and its people, and I can't wait to go back.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

AUB has AUBMC right there, definitely accessible but it does not work the same way as the US (though it can be argued this is a good thing).

So listen - before you go to the Middle East your safety is going to be a huge discussion. Safety in that particular respect will not be an issue for you once during your time there (like I can't guarantee it but I kind of can). In Beirut you're going to have exactly the same type of problems you'll have in any other city in terms of a) being a woman and b) being a foreigner. There are definitely parts of the city you shouldn't go to without someone who knows the area (I'd avoid just wandering around south Beirut) but this exists in other cities all over the world. There are some political things that happen - a (Lebanese) friend of mine lived in a sunni neighborhood that bordered a shia neighborhood and during the time leading up to their 2018 elections (a big deal) there were gun fights that would happen between the sects. Anyway, confidence and friendliness will take you through your whole experience.

I'm going back you can take the girl out of Beirut but..

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Beirut is not expensive, especially if you know where to go (produce is dirt cheap) but I ate out a lot. Which honestly I don't regret so.

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

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