Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Time of my life Past Review

By (McGill University) - abroad from 01/15/2018 to 05/18/2018 with

American University of Beirut: Beirut - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learnt what makes me happy. I learnt what gets me stimulated. Above all, it taught me how to be strong and confident, and that the strength and confidence that you gain somewhere else is not localized to the place in which it is founded but can travel with you wherever you go.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I found the subject matter of the courses very unique and interesting. During my time at AUB, I definitely gained exposure to a variety of perspectives I have not been exposed to throughout my academic career. I found the classes engaging and captivating, and the dialogue between student-professor dynamic and consistent.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Satisfied with level of security. However, I did experience jewelry theft where I lost extremely valuable belongings including gold, and was very disappointed with how the situation was dealt with once I'd reported it.

* 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:

I felt very safe during my time at AUB, including my trips to the Bekaa Valley. I felt free and confident to travel and experience every corner of Lebanon. The security and orientation briefing at the beginning of the program was extremely helpful.

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

The time I spent in Beirut will be with me for the rest of my life. No one can prepare you for what or how you will experience Lebanon, which is precisely what makes it so unique. It will push and pull you, test your patience, resilience, your ability to think on your feet and adapt to new situations in which you may have little or no reference at all. For that very reason, it will teach you things about yourself - and if you let it, you'll be surprised with who and what you can become.

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Buy locally. Develop a relationship with local merchants. Buy canned food and other items that will last. Buy in bulk. Eat out occasionally. The food is great! Be careful where you eat meat and poultry.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

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
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • Volunteer opportunities
  • Weekend trips around the country
  • Interaction with local students
* What could be improved?
  • Dorm life
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That I didn't have to stay on campus but could have made arrangements to live around the campus area Also, would have liked to be put in touch with some of the other students before going

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.