My time at AUB is one of the best memories of my life. Past Review
By Robert O (American University of Beirut) - abroad from 09/02/2013 to 12/31/2013 with
American University of Beirut: Beirut - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
For me personal, Lebanon was my first glimpse of the Middle East. Its a unique country in the region but its also a melting pot so youll get exposure to the culture in its entirety. If i had to single out one gain, it would be that: Exposure to the Middle East.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
One of the best experiences of my life. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Megan Scanlon was my primary contact before, during, and after. I can confidently say she was the best POC anyone could ask for. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I found an amazing apartment overlooking the Mediterranean just 5 mins walk from campus. |
| * Food: |
The is no better example of Arabic food than what you will find in Lebanon. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Its quite easy to get sucked into the large ex-pat community that exists in Beirut. But with a little effort and an open mind, Lebanese people are beyond welcoming and incredible hosts. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
The health care was free! Incredible coming from America. :-) |
| * Safety: |
Lebanon is perfectly safe. Beirut is a city like any other and requires common sense street smarts but overall, youll be perfectly fine. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
Yes, I would. And would enthusiastically advise you to do the same. It might not be the best place to learn Arabic but, the city, the country, and the school is incredible. Ive traveled to over 40 countries, lived in 5, and can honestly say Lebanon is unique because it checks all the boxes. The weather is perfect, the food is amazing, the culture, there is so much history, and the night life is excellent. Politics is ever present and if your a Middle East history/foreign policy nut, youll be in heaven. You can live lavishly or modestly - involve yourself in local and international relief efforts, or enjoy the relaxed mediterranean lifestyle. Ski the Lebanon mountains in the morning, swim in the Mediterranean in the afternoon. Its wonderful. |
Finances
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* 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) |
Its all relative. Like anywhere else, you can live modestly or lavishly. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| 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? | Beginner |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Arabic 101 |
| 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? | Lebanon isn't the best place to learn Arabic to be honest. French and English are spoken fluently and frequently - especially in Beirut. My recommendation would be to spend as much time with the locals as you can and beg them to patiently speak with you in 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
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | To be honest, nothing. |
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 BlazerCraving 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.' |
