What inspired you to work for the American University of Beirut — Mediterraneo?
I have been living in Pafos, Cyprus, for almost three years now. One day I heard, and read, that the American University of Beirut (AUB) was going to open a campus in Pafos. I was thrilled because AUB is a prestigious university and has an impeccable reputation not only in Lebanon and the Middle East but in Europe and the U.S. as well.
At that moment, I knew I wanted to work there. It is the mission of AUB and what it stands for that attracted me and the nature of the industry (education). I feel a great sense of purpose working at AUB Mediterraneo. Purpose is the motivation needed to propel us in life to achieve great things. What a noble and important purpose it is to be working in a non-profit educational institution.
At a local festival in Pafos on the promenade while enjoying traditional and yummy loukoumades.
Knowing what you know now about traveling and learning about other cultures, what advice would you tell your pre-travel self?
I was drawn to get out of my country long ago, as soon as I graduated from school but unfortunately, I did not get the opportunity to do so at the time. Later in my life when I started to travel, I found my “self.” Humans are social beings.
The more we meet people, engage with them, and learn from them, the more we evolve ourselves. Life happens outside your circle in places you are yet to discover, and not in the familiar comfort of your couch, neighborhood, or country.
My advice is to get out there and gather all the knowledge you can. Talk to people, and try to see the world from their eyes. Enjoy the diversity on this planet and what this could mean for you: more experiences, more joy, more life! Don’t let your mind create borders.
Why should someone choose AUB Mediterraneo over competitors?
AUB Mediterraneo is an experience. You choose AUB Mediterraneo for the holistic experience one gets when joining the university. There is something almost magical to this experience that I had the privilege to hear about from several of our alumni.
It is a journey that will always be imprinted on you. Joining AUB Mediterraneo as a student is therefore a journey of discoveries, a pursuit of knowledge but also of self. And we all know that the university journey will always shape one’s life, so it is better to make it worth your while.
On top of the high academic standard that the university offers, AUB Mediterraneo is characterized by a compassionate, experienced, and creative faculty that supports students all throughout the duration of their studies. It is the values of AUB Mediterraneo that each member of the teaching body and staff incarnates on a daily basis.
As a result, students do not only have a supportive system, but they have room to explore ideas, share their views, and ultimately thrive within their field. As staff, AUB Mediterraneo provides a vibrant and inclusive environment where one is heard and appreciated. Beyond that, the university pushes you to be creative because you can be who you are and your voice matters.
Keeping warm in Troodos mountains.
What is AUB Mediterraneo’s mission and how do you continue to work toward it?
As a twin campus of AUB in Beirut, AUB Mediterraneo brings to Pafos in Cyprus a rich history of 158 years! These include breakthroughs in research and innovation in education.
Our mission at AUB Mediterraneo is to hold the same values and purpose of AUB with the Liberal Arts model of education being a cornerstone of the education we provide.
AUB Mediterraneo will provide you with an experience filled with learning opportunities, research, and community involvement. Our aim is to provide students with the right tools and environment that will allow them to thrive as the leaders of tomorrow, to push them to be curious and not shy from expressing themselves, to prepare them for the real-life challenges but also give them the opportunities to find solutions to these challenges through innovation.
Finally, AUB Mediterraneo prepares students to become global citizens with a high sense of responsibility towards others but also towards themselves. By creating a learning environment that supports freedom of thought and inclusivity, the university is on a mission to be a hub for advanced research, intercultural communication, and exchange, and a site for intellectual, professional, social, and personal growth.??
In my role at the Office of Communications, I make sure that our mission and vision are communicated to our audience and the public. I make sure to safeguard our image and reputation by disseminating the right messages about AUB Mediterraneo and creating awareness about our programs, faculty, and overall educational experience.
Therefore, part of my mission at the university is to support the university’s objectives on student recruitment, building our academic reputation in Cyprus, and delivering a personalized student experience. This includes creating and delivering the university’s marketing and communications strategy and ultimately supporting an inclusive, collaborative culture where knowledge, innovation, and creativity can thrive.
Strolling in Rethymno, Crete.
What do you hope students take away from their AUB Mediterraneo experience?
I hope that students become more compassionate and more aware of their needs and their passions. I hope they leave AUB Mediterraneo with a strength and a belief that they can be whoever they want and mostly that they can succeed while helping others do the same. I hope the AUB Mediterraneo experience will leave them in a constant pursuit of knowledge and a natural inclination towards success; a success that benefits all and brings opportunities to others.
I also hope that this experience becomes a compass in their life, a source of inspiration, and a motive to pursue responsible actions and create a positive change around them—wherever they go.
Why is it important for people to travel abroad and experience new cultures?
Our brain has infinite power. Our mission as human beings is to fuel our brains and expand our knowledge to become the best version of ourselves. This is only possible by stepping outside our comfort zone.
By being static, one would think they are safe or that they have found equilibrium. But by doing so, you prevent yourself from growing, you are sitting on the edge with no strong foundation. By fueling your mind with new ideas, and new possibilities, you widen your horizon, you are better prepared for what could be coming your way.
Travel is one way to give you perspective, to take you out from your static state into a constant state of awe. That is the state that one should seek, whether through travel or other types of experiences. As humans, we have an inherent need to connect with others.
By exposing ourselves to other cultures, we learn more about ourselves. We learn about diversity, collaboration, and love. It reduces social conflict and reinforces social bonds, civic society, democracy, and mostly our human nature.
With the mayor of Pafos, Phedonas Phedonos at The Second Case Conference at AUB Mediterraneo in Pafos.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Meaningful travel is traveling with purpose and intention. It is going out there with an open mind, expecting nothing and everything.
It is not about ticking off some sights and restaurants that someone recommended. It is about exploring beyond what we know. It is about taking risks and learning from every encounter and every experience, especially the ones that take you by surprise.
It is about listening and observing, taking the time to allow all your senses to indulge in the moment. It is about talking to people and trying things you never thought you would. Meaningful travel is allowing yourself to immerse in every moment and every encounter and take with you some learnings along the way.
This process helps you shape your personality, round the edges of who you are, and make you stronger mentally. And whatever you do, don’t forget to have fun and laugh often!
