
Meghan Heffron
American University of Beirut
AlumniWell, the first inspiration was to travel and learn more about the world outside of my own on a personal level. Honestly before I left the U.S. to stu...
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with EHL Hospitality Business School
American University of Beirut
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The American University of Beirut has long been admired for the strength and breadth of its academic programs and its commitment to a broad-based liberal arts education. All entering undergraduate students are required to complete a number of general education courses that provide them with the oppo
Hear what past participants have to say about their experiences
When I first left Jordan to study at the American University of Beirut through the MEPI Tomorrow's Leaders Program, I knew I was getting an opportunity to earn a degree abroad. What I didn't realize was how much those four years would shape me as a person. I studied Media and Communication at AUB from 2022 to 2026, and looking back, some of my most valuable experiences happened outside the classroom. AUB gave me the opportunity to explore my passion for filmmaking, photography, and storytelling while working with people from different backgrounds and learning to see things from different perspectives. One of my proudest moments was working on The Princess House, a documentary project about a family homestay in my hometown of Ajloun, Jordan. The project focused on preserving local heritage and supporting the community through tourism, and it ended up winning second place in AUB's Community Engagement Project competition. Being able to take what I learned at university and use it to tell a meaningful story about my own community was something really special to me. Through the Engaged Scholars Program, I also completed more than 200 hours of volunteering, which taught me the importance of giving back. I got involved in student organizations, worked on media projects, and gained practical experience through AUB's Office of International Programs. Another unforgettable opportunity was spending a semester at Virginia Commonwealth University in the United States, something that broadened my perspective even further. Of course, the experience wasn't always easy. Balancing academics, volunteering, and extracurricular activities could be demanding, and navigating administrative requirements as an international student, especially after graduation, can be frustrating. I think clearer guidance on post-graduation documentation would make a real difference for international students. But what I appreciate most about AUB is that it encouraged me to do more than just attend classes and earn good grades. It pushed me to take initiative, explore opportunities, work with communities, and develop confidence in my abilities. If I could give one piece of advice to anyone considering AUB, it would be to take advantage of everything the university has to offer. Join student organizations, participate in community projects, meet people, and don't limit your experience to the classroom. I arrived at AUB as a student from Jordan hoping to get a good education. I graduated with a degree, experiences across three countries, a stronger sense of purpose, and stories I'll carry with me for the rest of my life.



Like the rising of the sun, slowly brings warmth to a cold day, that's how I can describe my experience at AUB. The people of Lebanon sometimes say they can be rude, but what I found out is the issue of trust, the people are rich in hospitality and once they trust you, they make you feel at home, and give you comfort and warmth. At the end, everyone would miss their time at AUB.
Choosing a business school was a major decision, and my number one goal was to position myself for an international career. I chose to focus on the Middle East & North Africa region because of its rapidly-growing population and demand for skilled talent. The MBA program at AUB's Olayan School of Business was exactly what I hoped for. As a non-business undergrad, I benefited greatly from the classes and workshops. I also had the opportunity to represent AUB at 3 business case competitions in Canada, Hong Kong, and Germany. Most importantly, I can credibly work with companies and business leaders from across MENA. Today, I'm based in Dubai and working at one of the world's top consulting firms. Anyone considering studying in this part of the world should have AUB and OSB at the top of their list.
Alumni and staff share what it's really like to go abroad

Meghan Heffron
American University of Beirut
AlumniWell, the first inspiration was to travel and learn more about the world outside of my own on a personal level. Honestly before I left the U.S. to stu...
Read Full Interview
Choon Hwee Koh
American University of Beirut
AlumniWhen I was 18, I volunteered at a school event where kids from 82 different countries came to compete for a physics competition. I was in charge of Te...
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Kanjana Ilango
American University of Beirut
AlumniTowards the end of high school, my dad was offered an opportunity to work in Lebanon. Having never been to the Middle East before, I did a bit of rese...
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Ola Alhaj-Hassan
American University of Beirut
AlumniThat’s what my friends from high school would ask me, as we all packed our bags to leave Jordan and start our journeys abroad for university. Many of ...
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Dr. Tylor Brand
American University of Beirut
AlumniI started my undergraduate career in 2001, and vividly remember the shock of 9/11 and the sickening rush to war with Iraq from 2002-2003. Whereas many...
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Tamara Drenttel Brand
American University of Beirut
AlumniI was a women’s studies and political science major in undergrad. For a “Women in Public Policy” class, I had to write a paper and I chose to write it...
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Christina Tkacik
American University of Beirut
AlumniI had never studied abroad as an undergraduate, and wanted some experience living in another country. I was also looking to jumpstart my career in med...
Read Full InterviewExplore the destinations and program types travelers search for most
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