Most amazing experience of my life Past Review
By Stephanie Matar (University of Massachusetts / UMass - Boston) - abroad from 01/23/2017 to 05/19/2017 with
American University of Beirut: Beirut - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
I gained independence, reduced cultural ignorance, a better taste pallet, and life long friends
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. |
The American University of Beirut has a rigorous academic agenda, that is consistently challenging its students to face |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
AUB's Office of International Program was very helpful in the transition phase a the beginning of the semester for its international students |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I was satisfied with my housing, but it was not associated with the university. I independently found my housing as i would hear negative comments about dorms on campus |
| * Food: |
The food in Lebanon is absolutely amazing. 10/10 would recommend. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Being Lebanese, I have never felt more at home. Although locals can tell when someone is not native to Lebanon, they are always welcoming. Whether it is inviting strangers over for a cup of coffee or indulging in mezza with restaurants owner over a case of Arak, Lebanese people are always finding ways to give you a sense of their nationalism in the best way they know how through their genuine kindest |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
AUB has a hospital right on campus that was easily accessible |
| * Safety: |
Campus is extremely safe, but depending on where you go in Beirut things can become a bit uneasy. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
Beirut is absolutely fascinating, a place that everyone must visit once in their lives. The history and culture of Beirut is so deeply integrated into its streets, people and the experiences these people share is something to be in awe of. |
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) |
Beirut is not cheap, but if you budjet well you can manage on $100=$150 a week |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| 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? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | do not judge people by their looks |
