What inspired you to work for the American University of Beirut–Mediterraneo (AUB Mediterraneo)?
I was inspired to work for the American University of Beirut –Mediterraneo because of its high-caliber faculty, commitment to teaching and research excellence, and socioeconomic impact.
My father graduated from the American University of Beirut in 1984 and always spoke highly of its quality and the enriching experience he had as a student there. Knowing that AUB Mediterraneo builds on the same foundations of excellence as AUB inspired me to join this esteemed institution and motivates me daily to contribute to its core mission.
Attending the Cyprus University Fair in Athens, November 2023.
What do you love most about teaching?
What I love most about teaching is fostering multivocality in class. I see teaching as a co-creation activity.
I believe that by enabling students to share their experiences and be exposed to diverse perspectives, we, as a class, are able to better acknowledge the complexity of phenomena and better understand how to solve them.
Knowing what you know now about studying abroad, what advice would you tell your pre-travel self?
It's important not to limit your circle to people from your own country / cultural background. You should seek to meet people from different countries, and cultures, as this broadens your perspectives and enriches your overall study experience. It's like visiting a country without ever going there!
This also means that you will have friends and contacts across the globe. From my studies abroad, I now have friends from India, Thailand, Japan, Italy, and the UK. So, my advice would be to immerse yourself in the local culture and to have a diverse circle.
Furthermore, I would advise to keep an eye out for potential business opportunities. Being in a new environment helps you identify market gaps both in your home country and the country you are studying in.
Before and after traditions with AUB Mediterraneo student Shane Bernard—before the 2023/2024 academic year.
Why should someone choose AUB Mediterraneo over competitors?
As a twin campus of the American University of Beirut, AUB Mediterraneo carries a global reputation for its research and teaching excellence as well as its alumni network. Students and graduates of AUB Mediterraneo can tap into this network to access unique opportunities for internships, job placements, and career advancement.
Additionally, with its newly established campus (2024), students can experience state-of-the-art facilities in an environmentally friendly and sustainable environment. Being an accredited institution by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), AUB Mediterraneo ensures that its graduates have their degrees recognized in both the United States and the European Union.
What is AUB Mediterraneo’s mission and how do you continue to work toward it?
AUB Mediterraneo’s mission is to prepare critical thinkers, global leaders, innovators, and responsible global citizens through a liberal arts model of higher education. I am committed to working towards AUB Mediterraneo’s mission by fostering an inclusive and innovative learning environment that encourages multivocality and respect for diversity.
I encourage my students to critically approach real-life phenomena and to think of solutions that have a positive socio-economic impact. On a personal level, I am committed to engaging in research activities that provide insights into academia, policy, and practice and have an international perspective.
Before and after traditions with AUB Mediterraneo student Shane Bernard—after the 2023/2024 academic year.
What do you hope students take away from their AUB Mediterraneo experience?
I hope students develop the essential soft skills crucial for success in the workplace, such as critical thinking, teamwork, and resilience. Additionally, I hope they actively engage in extracurricular activities which will allow them to explore their interests, build a diverse skill set, and form meaningful connections.
Ultimately, I hope students embrace the AUB Mediterraneo ethos and view their studies as a valuable opportunity for personal and professional growth.
Why is it important for people to travel abroad and experience new cultures?
I believe that traveling abroad broadens one's horizons by fostering a greater appreciation of diversity and multivocality. Additionally, it encourages personal growth and resilience by challenging individuals to step out of their comfort zones. Lastly, experiencing new cultures can spark creativity and innovation by exposing individuals to new ideas, practices, and perspectives.
What do you love most about Cyprus?
What I love most about Cyprus is its rich Mediterranean cuisine, especially meze. You can enjoy meze in coastal restaurants and traditional tavernas in the mountain villages. This is what I appreciate the most—how Cyprus blends the relaxing and cozy atmosphere of the mountains with the vibrant energy of its beautiful beaches! Lastly, I love Cyprus’ pleasant climate with 326 days of sunshine which is perfect for year-round activities!
Welcome to AUB Mediterraneo!
What advice do you have for individuals thinking about going abroad?
I advise individuals to thoroughly research their destination to understand its culture, traditions, and language. This knowledge will help them integrate themselves and show respect to the local community. Moreover, I encourage travelers to engage with locals, try new things, and fully immerse themselves in the culture to make the most of their time abroad.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
I believe that meaningful travel goes beyond sightseeing as it requires individuals to fully immerse themselves in new cultures and experiences. Thus, meaningful travel enables individuals to gain new perspectives and challenge their own beliefs as well as to appreciate the diversity of traditions and values.
