Beirut - the Time of My Life! Past Review

By (University of Pennsylvania) - abroad from 01/22/2018 to 05/25/2018 with

American University of Beirut: Beirut - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Absolutely. I learned to trust myself and to persevere with my language learning

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not have an experience. But I know that those who did had good experiences overall.

* Safety:

The campus stressed that safety of its students was their number one concern

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

without a doubt. Lebanon is unique to any country I've ever been too. Beirut is a city full of life and culture. It would be a shame for someone not to take advantage of this opportunity

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)

Things are generally cheap. You will get taken advantage of for cab rides and serveece, but there are cab apps that make this phenomenon obsolete.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Less than a 100 dollars
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Converting between Lebanese lira and US dollars in your head can be quick on the go. Keep an internet page open with the exchange rate

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

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

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Intermediate formal arabic
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? When going to the shops, try to speak Arabic with the shopkeeper. they will be reluctant, but if you are persistent enough they will acquiesce to your requests.

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

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • International Students
* 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?
  • Integration with AUB students
  • Freedom to choose your own classes
  • Activities with AUB mentors
* What could be improved?
  • Food availability on campus
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? It is what you make of it. I would have put myself out there more in the first couple of weeks

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 Urbanite
A 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.