Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The Summer of a LIFETIME Past Review

By (University of California - Berkeley) - abroad from 05/27/2016 to 07/27/2016 with

American University of Beirut: Beirut - Intensive Summer Arabic Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Being abroad was so fulfilling, as a young undergrad and being placed somewhere completely foreign. It compels you to really find yourself.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* 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:

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

Beirut has an irreplaceable spot in my heart. It wasn't as much the campus or the program, but the city itself. Lebanon as a country is mesmerizing, filled with vibrant people that will keep you on your toes. I made lifelong friends and connections there.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I spent a decent amount, but it was mostly unnecessary/binge eating since I was mesmerized by the food.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Beirut is not expensive, but people will try to rip you off!

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? Exchange

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* 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
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?
  • It was in Beirut
  • It's easy to make friends across Lebanon
  • AUB has a beach!
* What could be improved?
  • There wasn't an abroad-community
  • Academic rigor was low
  • Professors were not as helpful
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I know how amazing it feels to live in Beirut, and that my goal is to pursue a career there!

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.