Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A Fantastic Summer in Beirut Past Review

By (Columbia University) - abroad from 06/14/2014 to 08/14/2014 with

American University of Beirut: Beirut - Intensive Summer Arabic Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Living and taking classes at AUB was my favorite summer in college. The professors were great, and program fantastic--it really allowed us to learn Arabic while simultaneously exploring both Beirut and Lebanon.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The CAMES arabic summer program was fantastic--a great mix of formal and colloquial Arabic. For me, the best part of the program was integrating our arabic into debates and discussion on current events and politics.

* 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?

* Safety:

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

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)

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? 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? Second Year Arabic
How many hours per day did you use the language?

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
  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • 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 professors/fellow students
  • Lebanon!
* What could be improved?
  • nothing I could think of
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Nothing I can think of--it was a great learning experience

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!