Graduate School at the American University of Beriut March 22, 2022

By (Master of Public Health, American University of Beirut) - abroad from 08/01/2012 to 05/30/2014 with

American University of Beirut: Beirut - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
The combination of the education and lived experiences are what made that experience so unique and worthwhile. What I learn while in Beirut was that so much of a person's perspective is developed due to their environment and what see and experience everyday. Going to AUB truly made me question my perceptions that are so entrenched in Western perspectives.

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.

I participated in the Faculty of Health Sciences. The Master of Public Health program was rigorous and equipped me for my subsequent career.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The logistical aspects of attending AUB where challenging. Registering for classes, paying tuition, receiving graduation credentials were all very complicated.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was satisfied with 2 out of the three apartments I lived in. I did however have to find housing completely on my own which was challenging.

* Food:

The food in Beirut is amazing. I could not describe how great it is.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I spent the majority of my time studying and on campus. So I did not spend a significant amount of time truly in the local culture. However it was easy to spend time with my fellow students and they would share experiences with me.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not have a true experience with healthcare. Though it did not feel like a welcoming environment from feedback I received from other students.

* Safety:

There were safety risks in Beirut that were unlike anywhere I have ever lived. I would girls should especially take extra care to travel in a group and be thoughtful in how they move about in the city.

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

The education I received at AUB in the Faculty of Health Sciences was excellent. That education was also combined with a life experience of being a city very different from any I had ever lived.

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 a cheap city. While I was there is was comparable to living in a major U.S. city.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Including rent I spent close to $300 dollars per week.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I would say you should absolutely find roommates if you are living off-campus.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to 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

  • Americans
* 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The content
  • The faculty
  • The students
* What could be improved?
  • The interactions with the University Administration were convoluted and confusing.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had known more about how to travel safely around Lebanon. Because I think I did not explore as much as I should have out of a lack of knowledge.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!