The experience of a lifetime...I truly cannot wait to return to AUB! Past Review

By (American University of Paris) - abroad from 08/24/2015 to 05/20/2016 with

American University of Beirut: Beirut - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a lifetime of friends and learned more than I can begin to explain. As a student pursuing a degree in Middle East Studies I felt that I was in the epicentre of everything Middle East related. I got to practice Arabic while immersed in a complex and exciting political landscape. I learned a tremendous amount about Lebanese politics (not an easy thing to begin to understand), history, culture, geography, and so much more! It was definitely worthwhile. Like I said, I would do it again in a heartbeat!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The courses I took at AUB were incredible across the board. I had supportive professors who really challenged me in my classes and peers who amazing. My classes were interesting and dynamic and the diverse and accomplished backgrounds of my professors could not have been better. I especially loved my Lebanese dialect arabic class with Rima Semaan and Public Administration in Lebanon with Samir Hankir. Although all of my professors were excellent, these two really stood out!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Everyone was very welcoming and helpful. Although arriving in any new university can be stressful, the admin at AUB was friendly and did their best to help us however possible.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I chose to live off campus, although my friends who lived on campus loved it! I visited my friends in dorms and they seemed great. 24/7 water, electricity, wifi, and air conditioning--rare in Beirut! Many dorms have views of the water. Also they are very safe (Guarded 24/7) and of course very convenient to campus.

* Food:

Lebanese food is off the charts! The food in the Cafeteria was honestly the best I've had in any university setting. Very clean, fresh, tasty, and affordable! There are many different stations, so you can choose between pasta, pizza, traditional Lebanese food, salads, sandwiches etc!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The best part about AUB & Lebanon was the people. Never in my life have I come across more kind and welcoming people. Both on and off campus, I was always greeted with cheery smiles and open arms. Moving to another country can be scary, but I felt at home within my first week in Lebanon. I made some of my closest friends during my time in Beirut. I miss them dearly!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The healthcare AUB offers is great. My first week in Beirut I had a horrible eye problem and treated almost immediately at AUB Medical Centre. My registration had not been processed fully and I was nervous that this would prevent me from being able to see a doctor, or that I would have to pay a lot of money. The staff at AUBMC (top notch doctors and nurses) were very understanding, however, and treated me although I had not finalised my registration. I was on the mend in no time.

* Safety:

This may sound crazy, but I have never felt after in my life than in Beirut. Security on Campus is guaranteed. Security guards and armed soldiers are at each main entrance to campus and then Security Guards patrol regularly. Off campus I felt pretty safe as well. I felt comfortable walking by myself at night and was not harassed or threatened by anybody on the street. Lebanon obviously faces a unique security situation due to the stability of the region, this is undeniable and I think what causes many students hesitation. I would just like to say that AUB does an awesome job of making students feel as comfortable and safe as possible. There was a bombing while I was in Lebanon and thanks to the staff at AUB I felt that I was in good hands. They assured the safety of all the students and offered whatever kind of support they could provide to anyone who felt endangered. Additionally, at the start of orientation, two of the directors for international students gave us their cellphone numbers in case of emergency. It is hard to feel your safety is in danger with all these measure in place!

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

I had the time of my life. As cliché as that might sound, I really did. I talk non stop about the amazing time I had in Beirut and encourage literally everyone I meet to spend some time there. It is such an incredible place and I cannot wait to go back.

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)

Housing can be pricer than one might expect in Beirut. Once this is paid, however, Beirut is a pretty affordable city depending on your lifestyle. Food and groceries are on the cheaper side although going out to bars and clubs will drain you faster than you'd like to think.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $150-200
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Try and avoid always going out to bars and clubs. It can be a great way to meet people but also cost you a lot of money.

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

I was constantly able to use Arabic. While most people in Lebanon speak English (everyone at AUB does) my friends were happy to let me practice Arabic with them and help me build my vocabulary however possible.

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? Intermediate FousHa 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? Force yourself to speak Arabic! People in Lebanon speak great English/French and this is an easy way to be lazy. Don't do it! Speak Arabic!

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
  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
  • N/A
* 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?
  • Students, Professors, Admin (people in general)
  • AUB Campus
  • Classes
* What could be improved?
  • I loved AUB so much I wanted to transfer there. This was difficult perhaps due to timing but also because of some bureaucracy. Normal at any university, but I wish it hadn't been such an obstacle.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I shouldn't have been so nervous about anything! Everyone is feeling the someway and there is nothing to fear.

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.