Turning point June 28, 2023

By (Biology premed, American University of Beirut) - abroad from 08/29/2019 to 06/10/2023 with

American University of Beirut: Beirut - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Personality development, and having the courage to do the things you fear but are afraid of.

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.

Educational wise although some experiences weren't good I still was able to meet few professors who had a great educational impact on my knowledge and even went an extra mile to have a great impact on my life.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

At first the dorms at uni were good, but recently the building supervision is being dealt with poorly.

* Food:

Food is great actually.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Throughout my time here at AUB, due to the collective student society that supports it's individuals I was able to grow profoundly, changing my mindset to a challenge seeking one, and my personality to an extrovert that loves meeting people

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The HIP system of the university is very stiff and not all services are being provided properly.

* Safety:

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

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)

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

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Fluent

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • 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
  • Cats
* What could be improved?
  • Administration
  • Dormitory
  • Faculty
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Nothing actually comes to my mind now