The best, most rewarding, time of my life Past Review

By (Legal Studies, University of Massachusetts Amherst / UMass) - abroad from 01/15/2015 to 06/19/2015 with

American University of Beirut: Beirut - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was incredibly worthwhile. I feel that this experience has permanently changed me. I will return to Lebanon inshallah, I can't imagine not coming back here. I'm already looking to apply to Graduate School.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

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:

What can I write about Lebanese food without beginning to drool immediately? If food needs to be a part of your study abroad program, come to Lebanon!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt very integrated, some of my friends in other countries were friends with mostly foreigners, but almost all of my friends were Lebanese or Palestinian.

* 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

Well I wasn't made to use Arabic, as my courses were mostly in English. But I wasn't expected otherwise.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
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

  • Apartment
* 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? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • I love the courses and professors
  • The campus was gorgeous
  • The friends I made will last forever
* What could be improved?
  • I wish I had more support from my home university (Umass Amherst)
  • Maybe I could have used more help finding housing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew I could have applied to AUB to do my entire undergraduate degree.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'