American University of Beirut

I enjoyed being able to make Hamra my home and meet so many different people. AUB's courses, especially in political science, are very unique and taught by interesting faculty. It was nice to meet other students studying abroad, and exploring Lebanon with them.

My time abroad was beyond amazing and totally exceeded expectations. When I choose to study abroad in Beirut, Lebanon, I was told all kinds of things to worry about, was given a picture of Beirut as dangerous, and my choice as problematic. As soon as I arrived, I quickly realized how wrong those people were. Lebanon is a fantastic country. While it is facing a number of major issues, ranging from the affects of the Port Explosion some years ago, to corruption, and a massive economic crisis, I was able to live, study, and enjoy life immensely. The American University of Beirut is a world renowned institution with rigorous academics and supportive faculty, which the most beautiful campus I have seen, attracting students from every corner of the world. There was a large population of visiting students and we were strongly supported by the Office of International Programs. Beirut was an amazing city to live in, and me and my friends quickly settled in, learning our way around, meeting locals, and becoming a part of the fabric of the city. Getting around Lebanon was easy as well, and I was able to visit so many amazing places and learn so much about the country, its history, and myself. I strongly recommend Lebanon and AUB to any student interested in making a unique and life changing experience choice.

My experience at AUB was phenomenal. I met amazing people who changed my perspective on life as I was on my journey to uplift my academic background. From Academics to social life, I got to meet and interact with great minds both from the Middle East and outside the region. Lectures were rich with case studies, and industry guest speakers who provided an outlook on how what is being learned theoretically is being used at the workplace. Also, lecturers had both industry and academic experience which made lectures more than just a class. Class outings and other gatherings also gave me an opportunity to explore Lebanon and to know more about the Lebanese people and culture, which was absolutely thrilling. AUBs state-of-the-art facilities also helped me in maintaining good physical health as I visited the well-equipped gym and learned how to swim among others. I have made long-lasting connections that have enriched and enlarged my social network. More so, the African community hosted events that made me always feel at home as I met other students from over 10 African countries where we met to have fun and share unique experiences at AUB. Indeed, AUB is my second home!

The American University of Beirut, both as an academic and cultural institution showed me nothing short of total warmth and hospitality from the moment I arrived. The faculty were extremely helpful, and some even showed me around the city to help me better adjust to my surroundings. Classes were often engaging, challenging me as a native english-speaker, which I did not expect, especially given that the classes are taught in english. Regardless, they taught how to conserve my words, to be thoughtful with my diction, and to always consider the ways in which my words could be taken. The area pertaining to and around the campus is gorgeous, and I never experienced any problems on daily walks or trips deeper into the city. Lastly, the students, who were from a staggering spread of countries I had never met anyone else from before, were without fail friendly, kind, patient, helpful, and always eager to do something with me. The beauty of AUB cannot be overstated.

I had an amazing time studying abroad in Beirut. The campus is beautiful, the food is amazing, and there are always fun things to do in and out of Beirut. The AUB international students office was also very helpful in preparing us for the academic year and plan extracurricular events.

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.

My Experience at AUB was one of Adventure, wonder, excitement, adrenaline and adaptation. Stepping off the plane, landing into Beirut I found myself in a time capsule into a bygone era. Immediately I found myself hit with archaic chaos just outside the airport. Cars blaring their horns, stopping at random intervals, each taxi clamoring to get a paying customer. Police officers would struggle with whistles to keep some semblance of working order on the one road that leads out of the airport. It was clear immediately that this was a whole world different than the orderly, Australian streets I was accustomed to. It occurs to me that the chaotic lack of road rules on the streets - even such vital arteries as the roads leading out of the airport is a microcosm of Lebanon as a whole. It's a free-for-all, with a public services sector that somehow just manages to do the bare minimum year after year. The private sector fills in the gap and provides the standard services you'd expect, for a price. Quickly you'll come to find the stark disparity between citizens with those living luxurious lives and those living in abject poverty rubbing shoulders and living across the street from each other. The city of Beirut itself is built as a wondrous mix of modern old and new. It's incredibly addicting and exciting, despite its challenges. Lebanon itself, as a landscape, is absolutely gorgeous. From beautiful forests, to stunning beaches to the ice-capped Mountains of Beirut, the country has an abundant wealth of natural beauty. Complementing the natural beauty of the country are ancient remnants of empires littered around the county. Lebanon itself has been ruled over by countless regimes, from the ancient Romans and Byzantines to the more modern French and Ottoman mandates. Stunning ruins of civilizations lie scattered across the countryside, embraced by overgrown vegetation, remnants of what used to be. Walking around Beirut's Chic neighborhoods, you'll still find beautiful architecture today, harking back to building designs from almost a century ago. Beirut, like a Phoenix, has rebuilt itself as a city multiple times over, on-top of old infrastructure. I found it remarkably breathtaking. Lebanese culture is unique and wondrous. The cultural heritage the country has is unparalleled in the world. Exotic dresses, warm hospitality, mixes of French Cuisine, Arabian shisha lounges and Americanized Bars and Food stalls have made Lebanon the unique cultural mix it represents today. It is common to see people in traditional Lebanese attire across the street from youth in modern, savvy European fashion. In my experience, the real highlight was the food! Traditional Lebanese foods are some of the best in the world. From staples like your breakfast Mankoush(Wrapped cheese pizza) to Maghrabieh(Chickpea & chicken stew), fatte(Flatbread and yoghourt meal) and warak enab(Stuffed Grape leaves), I’ve had some of the most amazing dishes I’ve ever tasted in Lebanon - you will too. AUB however, stands out in the country and the city as a beacon and a haven, somehow within and away from Lebanon at the same time. Clearly the most Prestigious University in the region, I found AUB to be an entirely different world, as if it existed separately from Lebanon. There was order, organization, community and real academics in a stunningly beautiful, huge Campus. Founded in 1866, it's one of the oldest Universities in Existence. Everybody in Lebanon knows AUB. It's quite famous within the middle east - it is THE place to study for all the talented students in the region. I was welcomed warmly and with open arms into the AUB community. Especially by the Office of International Programs (OIP). They really made me feel at home away from home. I made countless friends and even more memories over time at events and meetups around campus and beyond. There was a real sense of community around the international students. After a year, I became a mentor, and helped organize events, activities and trips for incoming int'l students as well as help guide them through the challenges of life in Lebanon. Students on campus are very friendly and warm, many of them speaking the three different languages commonly used in Lebanon - English, French and Arabic. There are many students I studied with that I still consider friends to this day, despite being in different countries. The close bonds I created with some students last forever - I’ve recently been invited to a wedding of a close friend I haven’t seen for over 5 years for example. Student clubs and organizations are particularly active, there's always an event running any given week, often daily. I found myself always having something extra-curricular to do. The Curriculum at AUB is rich with amazing courses to take. The courses are intense! As a Computer Science graduate I found genuine fascination with the courses offered, but struggled with the intensity at times. Apart from Mathematics and Computer Science courses, I enjoyed Natural Science courses such as Chemistry and Geology, but Social Science courses as well - Politics and Economics. There is a vast array of courses to study at AUB, and the professors and support staff have always been helpful and insightful with requests and support Navigating around the bureaucracy of Lebanon can be challenging. I often found myself running around in a wild goose chase, hunting down a specific document I needed from a ministry or an Embassy, only to need a pre-requisite beforehand and starting again. Luckily, the OIP has always been helpful with providing support whenever necessary, and I could always count on excellent advice from staff and colleagues which helped me through. Recently, unfortunately, Lebanon has been hit with Woe. Popular protest against the government, alongside an economic crisis, the devaluation of the currency, the Coronavirus pandemic and an explosion compared by many to the size of a nuclear bomb has transformed the country. Many average citizens have been laid off from their jobs, or suddenly found their salaries almost worthless. Many Lebanese are finding it difficult at the moment, keep that in mind as you interact with the greater community outside AUB. Lebanon is facing many issues sadly, but, like a Phoenix, I believe it will once again grow stronger than ever. It is important to know, for students preparing to study in Lebanon now - that it will be uniquely challenging, heart wrenching, and bittersweet. You will face obstacles in your journey. Some may seem immovable, but somehow, miraculously, you will pull through with pure perseverance, grit and determination. I found some of the most inspiring people I’ve ever met in Beirut. In hindsight I understand that they’ve been hardened by difficult circumstances, and forced to morph into the very best versions of themselves to pull through. The AUB community you’ll meet will be there for you. Seek help and support from your colleagues, doing it alone will make it far more difficult than it needs to be. Finally, never lose sight of your goal. Be it a semester abroad or an entire Degree. Stay on track and persevere. Lebanon can be addicting. It can be distracting. It’s constantly on the edge of wonder, excitement and heartbreak at the same time. Believe in yourself. It is another realm of possibility, action and adrenaline. I’m excited for you to see.

AUB was a part of my life since I was young and always dreamt as growing up of studying there and continuing my upper education. However as AUB is part of Lebanon, the many sides of Lebanon, both the good and the bad, are also present in AUB, and you may be considered lucky of you didn't encounter the latter. The good side is that, AUB is a very strong academic institute, it provides a strong, wide range of education, a one which you need to study very hard to get the acceptable grades and GPA. It has some of the best professors and educators, they can be very helpful and kind, as well as an accessible education system, you read correctly, AUB has accessible education, and became one of the numbered academic institutes in middle east to acknowledge studying difficulties, and tries to accommodate for them. And one of my favorite things .. is the campus, AUB has such a beautiful campus with many greenery that is spread on the upper and lower part of the campus surrounding you while studying there. The bad side , however, is the long time AUB offices take to finish their paper work or from another point of view your papers, if you don't kindly remind them most of them time, your papers might take up to 6 or 7 months. another thing is the hidden but still there racism you might face based on your nationality and skin color, sometimes grades can go down if the professor hats the nation you come from, so please ay attention to that if you don't want to suffer from it. also as an American university, it has a very high tuition fee and might be a big withdraw for many people before applying, so it might be better to apply for scholarships or financial aid to able to study in this institute. Putting both sides aside, AUB is still a strong academic institute to study in, if you want to study abroad in lebanon. good luck!

Coming to Beirut in 2018, I had little foresight regarding the endeavor. Besides having some friends in the city, I had little background on Lebanese culture, history and politics. This all changed, of course, very quickly. If theres anything to be said about Beirut, it's certainly not light on politics or culture. Every pub, restaurant and cafe is almost certainly hosting a plethora of political conversations. These conversations certainly range in sensitivity and scope, however, they're always educational. The multiplicity of cultures, religions and circumstances put you in direct dialogue with the 'other' and that almost certainly cannot be avoided. The American University of Beirut is a good school with a storied background, alumni and faculty. Many professors are highly regarded in their fields, and some have held notable posts in government and civil society. Being a politics student, I found myself in solely humanities courses and these are discussion based, socratic seminar type classes. The conversation, as previously stated, hardly ends after class, as the conversations continue across Hamra and the city. This is the beauty of the school in relation to the city, it try's to harmonize the many cultures and opinions into an educational environment. As a politics student with a keen interest in the Middle East, when it came to pursuing a Masters degree, AUB stood out as an obvious choice. The combination of the schools reputation and the breadth of knowledge related to living in Beirut made it the best choice. Although Beirut has many struggles at the moment, it still is totally unique in its contradictions, history and culture.

I studied abroad at AUB for a semester, fall 2019, and loved my time at the university and living in Beirut. AUB offers a range of interesting courses, many on subjects that are rarely taught in the US. My professors had so much expertise in their respective fields, were very tapped in to current Lebanese/regional affairs, and were very welcoming to us visiting students. AUB's campus is beautiful, with lots of greenery and located on the Mediterranean. I had some difficulty enrolling in courses at the beginning of the semester -- many of the ones that I wanted were already filled up. I eventually got this sorted out, thanks especially to Megan Scanlon. My advice would be to stay in touch with her and the AUB administration of whatever department you want to take courses in, the semester prior to attending AUB, so you can register for courses before you arrive. Outside of AUB, I explored Beirut's coffeeshops, restaurants, nightlife, bookstores, and more -- Beirut has so much to offer and is now one of my favorite cities. Be sure to travel outside of Beirut for weekend trips -- there are so many cultural and historical sites outside of the city, as well as stunning nature in places like the Chouf. As always, be aware of your surroundings, especially if you are a woman (though I had no safety incidents).

If you are interested in learning Arabic there is no better institution than AUB. The immersion within classes and the community is great. The Middle Eastern Studies program offers a small but extremely engaging set of courses and the program is interdisciplinary allowing for plenty of customization. The program is extremely worth looking into for the beauty of the campus, the city, and the country alone. I have made friends from a dozen different countries. AUB is a hub for international scholars both graduate and undergraduate. I would recommend American students be very organized, independent, and ready to experience discomfort.The immigration system of Lebanon changes rapidly and is difficult to navigate even if you ask for institutional support. With an open mind, and the ability to adapt, you will the best education and cultural experience possible.

AUB is one of the greatest experiences I've ever had. While I was abroad, the political situation in Lebanon was deteriorating, and by October, we were forced to take a few weeks off from school for safety and transportation reasons. However, regardless of the protests and the social upheaval, AUB was a wonderfully immersive experience with some of the most professional and passionate professors I have ever had. Professors Karim Makdisi and Rima Majed stand out as some of the most brilliant people I have ever interacted with. I also almost forgot to mention how beautiful the campus is. It looks out right onto the Mediterranean and the architecture is reminder of Lebanon's history and civil war that blends in with more modern architecture by world renowned Zaha Hadid. The public transportation systems in Lebanon are also really good, so it can take you all over the country. 10/10 would recommend to any student, even those with little Arabic!

Living abroad in Beirut is a phenomenal chance to explore an exciting, vibrant city. Studying at AUB provided a great way to meet other students (both international and Lebanese) and take classes that I never could have at my home university. I did have trouble getting into the classes that I wanted and did not find the level of academic rigor to be super high. That being said, the study abroad advisors were helpful in troubleshooting and coordinating class issues.

I studied abroad at AUB for a year and I had the most incredible experience both in and out of the classroom. While at AUB, I lived in Shatila refugee camp so that I could immerse myself in the Palestinian/Lebanese experience while also forcing myself to speak only Arabic, which is difficult if you stay in Hamra. At my home university I study Human Rights and Middle Eastern Studies. Therefore, studying at AUB allowed me to take courses with some of the most important academics in my field of study. My professors helped me to contextualize the realities that I was witnessing everyday. When the revolution broke out, I was impressed that many of my professors continued to work with us out of the classroom and encourage us to learn from the events that were unfolding in the streets of Lebanon. While AUB is a nurturing environment, it’s exclusivity and isolation from the rest of Beirut was, for me, one of the most glaring representations of inequality in Lebanon. To those who are interested in studying abroad at AUB, I would recommend you appreciate every minute you are able to spend in such an elite and prestigious institution. However, if you stay in Hamra after class and you spend all your time with foreign students you will expose yourself to a very limited view of Lebanon. Hitchhike, take buses, talk to the shabab (youth), and listen to stories from old ladies on the street. Do most everything that your embassy recommends you don’t do, just use judgement when doing it. The one thing that I must add is about gender. My partner, who was not an AUB student, worked in Lebanon while I was at AUB. We experienced Lebanon very differently. While she loved her time in Lebanon, she was harassed, a few times followed, and overall had to deal with so much toxic masculinity that I never would have encountered had I not been listening. Despite this, both of us strongly recommend immersing yourself in the universe which is Lebanon. You will experience hospitality that will humble you to your core. Studying abroad at AUB, in my experience, is an amazing opportunity.

I had a wonderful time living in Beirut for 4 months. Lebanon is an incredible country. I made lasting friendships and I will always treasure my time there. The administration and bureaucracy of the university was at times hard to manage, but the Office of International Programs made up for this with all of their great help.

My experience at AUB was honestly amazing. This program and this country was all that I could have wished for and more. I was able to be in Beirut, Lebanon when the Lebanese protests began in October, 2019. It was honestly life changing to be able to be in a country attempting to go through such a historic change, and to be witness to such a historic moment in this amazing country. Being able to witness this positive and peaceful revolution up close has only furthered my drive to study politics, especially in the Middle East. AUB honestly has one of the prettiest campuses that I have ever been on, and it was amazing to be able to see the Mediterranean everyday as I walked to class. The facilities were on par with my American institution, and campus was always buzzing with tons of activities. The academics were great, and I was able to take classes that I never could have in the USA with professor specializing in Lebanese and Middle Eastern politics. I was also enrolled in their Arabic department. Let me tell you, Arabic classes at AUB are not for the faint of heart. I worked incredibly hard, but it was worth it for the abilities that I was able to gain. Lebanon overall is a perfect study abroad destination in my opinion. The night life is amazing, with more cool bars and clubs that one could ever go to. The food and the people were still my favorite part, however. Lebanese cuisine is amazing, and I still crave it every single day. The cost of living is also quite cheap, I was able to eat lunch and dinner out for only about $7 or $8 each day. I think the most I ever paid for a meal was like $15, nothing compared to food prices in the USA. Lebanon also offers everything in terms of culture and geography. With in an hour, I could be in a valley, surrounded by snowcapped mountains, or on a beautiful beach. This who think of Lebanon as simply desert are anything but correct. There were about a million day trips that I could take away from Beirut, making it easy to see a good chunk of the country. Lebanon is also tiny! Meaning that I was able to get an incredibly good feel of it while I was there. Finally, the people are what truly made it worth it. I don't think that there was one class in which people didn't want to be my friend, or one night that I came home with out 5 new numbers in my phone. If I could do it all over again, I would. Being in Lebanon has only made me want to go back and live and work in the Middle East even more, and I feel incredibly grateful to have gotten to be there.

Had an incredible experience at AUB. This program seems to attract similarly-minded people - caring, driven learners who also like to have fun. My experience drove me to change my major to Middle Eastern studies. Lebanon is truly one of the most beautiful countries on the planet, and getting out into it with good people was always something I could look forward to when the weekend came. I can promise you'll have a fantastic time in Beirut.

I could not recommend the American University of Beirut more highly for a semester abroad. It is the best university in the region, and I was able to take courses on the Middle East with renowned professors. The stunning campus overlooks the Mediterranean and is centrally located within Beirut, and the city itself has a booming arts scene and nightlife. The support for visiting students – both pre-departure and throughout the semester – was above and beyond.

From the minute I showed interest in studying abroad at AUB, I was provided with a seamless and easy path towards being a visiting student. AUB’s classes, students, campus and office of international programs all were so helpful and welcoming. I always felt so safe in Beirut and came away with many life long friends.

I spent the spring of my junior year at AUB, studying in the Arabic and Near Eastern Languages Department and the Media Studies and Art History Departments. It was a transformative semester full of challenging as well as rewarding experiences. I had the chance to study alongside inspiring professors and classmates, explore my interests inside and outside the classroom, and learn how to live independently. I made friendships that I look forward to having for the rest of my life, and found mentors I know I can come back to in the future. I owe much of that to my experience studying abroad at AUB.

I had a really great experience. I took two classes in Arabic (Lebanese and Modern Standard) and the rest in English. I was highly impressed with the difficulty of the course work. Coming from an Ivy League, I assumed the school would be an easier adjustment, but I spent a lot more time with my school work that I usually do. I learned an incredible amount about such interesting subjects, and I found the difference between my mainly Western education and AUB’s diverse cultural and academic network to be extremely enriching. I skied on the weekends, and I traveled all over Eastern Europe and the Middle East during my time there. I highly recommend it to anyone passionate and interested about experiencing the region and AUB’s rich academic community.

Studying at AUB, and spending time in Lebanon more generally, was the best experience of my life. From a program standpoint, the office in New York headed by Megan Scanlon was phenomenal and put all my worries to rest prior to my departure. I felt prepared and ready to face the adventure that awaited me in Beirut, and to say all my expectations were exceeded would be a gross understatement. In nearly every interaction I had throughout my year in Lebanon, I encountered the most genuine, kind and warm-hearted individuals. From the waiter at my favorite hummus spot to my professors, I was met with such warmth that made me feel at ease and at home almost immediately. My acclamation period took about one week, and after that, I was calling home saying that this was the place for me. The academic offerings were wonderful, and being in classes with people from all over the Middle East and the globe was incredibly unique and helpful in diversifying my perspective on specific issues. I was able to gain more insight and combat some of the preconceived notions I had been fed my whole life. Outside the classroom, AUB hosts wonderful events and brings in great speakers. Additionally, there are fantastic volunteer opportunities available. For the entirety of my time in Lebanon, I volunteered at a refugee camp on the weekends and it was the highlight of my experience. There are wonderful resources at AUB that give you a wide array of ways to get involved in the community beyond just dining at your favorite falafel shop. The main attraction is what goes on in Beirut and the country at-large. Such culture and life, from art installations to amazing food and beyond. There is truly never a dull moment. Moreover, the fun does not stop in Beirut. The entire country is greatly accessible and gorgeous; you will never run out of things to do. One weekend, I went from the beach to skiing all within a 24h period. The country has something to offer everyone, from hiking/rock climbing/outdoors sports to unbeatable cuisine and endless cultural activities. I truly cannot emphasize enough how spectacular of an experience attending AUB and living in Lebanon was for my Junior year abroad. You will absolutely, unequivocally have the best time of your life. I have made lifelong friends with people from Lebanon and around the world, all of whom share the same feelings as I do about this special place.

I had a wonderful time at AUB. I grew a lot as a person, both academically and socially. It was the first time in my life that I was truly the only American in the room most of the time and (as cliche as it sounds) that COMPLETELY changed my perspective on what it means to live in this county. I also became close friends with people from all over the world - one of them is coming to visit me this summer and I’m spending next winter break in France with another. Beirut as a city is also incredible. I had lots of fun exploring, and never felt even the slightest bit unsafe. It’s also an incredibly artsy and political city. My favorite bar was the communist bar and my favorite cafe turned into a “literary speakeasy” at night. Everyone is politically engaged, too - tons of protests all the time. The vast majority of people speak English so even though I didn’t know Arabic I had no trouble communicating, etc. Travel to the rest of the Middle East is easy and cheap. I rented a car and drove through the desert in Jordan, hung out for a week in Istanbul, and spent so many weekends in the mountains up in the North of Lebanon. The food is amazing too!

My study abroad at AUB was truly life changing for me. I met so many different people from all over the world and just learned so much for each of them. I loved AUB and the courses they offered. It’s a beautiful campus with amazing professors and people. The courses I took at AUB are the type of courses I will never get anywhere else again. Beirut is also just an amazing city, there is nothing like it. I had a lot of pre-departure help and was completely prepared for everything I encountered. I think everyone should do this program if they can. Again, it was truly a life changing and amazing experience.

I cannot say enough good things about CAMES' Summer Arabic Program at AUB. To start with, AUB's campus is classic, with gorgeous view of the Mediterranean, situated right on the Beirut Corniche. It is such a fun atmosphere. CAMES provides students with transportation, and on-campus housing is great. I felt very safe the entire time. The program staff was excellent. Director Mahmoud al Batal is a visionary leader. They made it an exciting endeavor to be a part of. I was really pushed in my ability to communicate, spending hours of the day in the library and in the classroom. It is an academically intense program, so be prepared to work hard. However, you will definitely reap rewards. For anyone who's seeking to enjoy Beirut, learn about Lebanese culture, and better their Arabic by leaps and bounds, this program is for you.

I participated in the CAMES summer Arabic program (Modern Standard Arabic) in the summer of 2017. It was the best thing I could have done to drastically improve my Arabic speaking skills! The course was intensive, and I sat in the classroom from 8 am until 3 or 5 pm, 5 days a week. There was a significant workload, but it was manageable and incredibly helpful. There was always time for fun, especially on the weekends, and I had the chance to hang out with my cousins in Lebanon and explore new parts of the country with some friends too. The teachers are all incredibly nice and invested in making sure that you are giving 100% to learning Arabic. They are excited to be there. It can be intimidating to be in a new place where you don't speak the language fluently, but the people are kind and welcoming, and I would highly recommend exiting your comfort zone for the sake of learning. The quality of education was great, and I felt safe the entire time I was in the country. My recommendation would be to find a living situation off campus if you are comfortable doing so, so that you can live more comfortably, grocery shop, eat healthier food, etc. (I lived in the dorms on campus.) I chose to go on this program on my own initiative, as my school does not send students to Lebanon, which is a shame considering how fantastic the experience and education was--I would recommend others who are serious about improving their Arabic language knowledge to take advantage of this program.

I am so happy I was able to study at AUB over the summer. The campus is amazing, and the Arabic instruction I received has been unparalleled. Beirut is an incredible city with so much to do, and I cannot wait to return.

AUB provided a great academic environment for Arabic learning, and also made the effort to bring students outside of the classroom to learn more about Beirut and Lebanon. The staff and professors were readily available to students, and fully invested in making the experience fit each individuals needs. I would recommend this to anyone looking to study Arabic abroad, with the willingness to invest full time into the program.

This program fostered an environment that encouraged immersing yourself into the language and culture of the region as well as socially engaging with students from all over the world. The field trips exposed us to a wide variety of communities and provided us with an opportunity to gain the most cultural knowledge possible. While the classes were tough, they also forced us to become very familiar with the language and gave us the tools necessary to thrive and communicate once we left the gates of the university. By the end of the program, I had become very comfortable with being in a foreign country and hope to return there soon. I'd recommend this program to anybody with even the slightest interest in being educated on the Arabic language and culture. إن شاء الله سأعود في المستقبل

Beirut was amazing, and the cultural exploration of Lebanon was life changing. Anyone who would want a fully immersive experience while learning the Arabic language should enroll in this program. The program definitely has a heavy work load, with some nights having 4-5 hours of homework. It can be tedious and exhausting, but it all is for a good reason; learning Arabic as quickly as one can in a 2 month span. I'd say my fluency has increased by 50%, which is huge considering I had only spent 2 months in Lebanon. I learned about different dialects, groups, the political situation of Lebanon, and the history of the country and its people.

CAMES was the the highlight of not only my summer, but my undergraduate experience so far. I learned so much without even realizing it. I am breezing through my Arabic courses now because of it. I made so many friends who are now all over the US. CAMES provided me with an unique experience that has helped me network in my other situations. I cannot recommend CAMES enough, I would go back in a heartbeat.

I had an amazing time at AUB. I was a little nervous at first about meeting people and the rigor of the class but it all turned out much better than I could have expected. At the beginning I was embarrassed to speak in Arabic, but by the end I was carrying out full conversations with my taxi drivers in the Lebanese dialect. My class became extremely close, and all the others seemed to as well. The program offered amazing weekend trips and clubs after school during the week. Most people live in the dorms which further creates a sense of community. I lived off campus with my grandpa and still was able to make many friends. The rigor of the program is well dispersed in different areas which makes it engaging and optimizes interest. I highly recommend this program to students looking to improve their Arabic and looking for an amazing cultural experience.

I learned as much Arabic in one summer of the formal track as I did in four years, easily. The teachers are always helpful and do a good job of opening students up and adapting lessons to the classes progress. The campus is also located in an amazing part of the city and is itself quite beautiful. However, like any program, students only get out of it what they put in so anyone going should be ready to work hard.

Wonderful program to improve Arabic language skills and very immersive. Excellent teaching staff and great directors. Would highly recommend to anyone’s interested in becoming proficient in Arabic. Hope to travel rock Beirut and visit AUB again

My semester abroad at the American University of Beirut was fabulous. The classes were challenging and impressive, coming from an intense undergraduate program I was able to take the Master’s courses at AUB and found them to be some of the best classes I’ve taken during my college experience. The program was wonderful and the student mentors were great at making this an immersive experience that challenged the views and beliefs I had been given as someone who grew up in America. I couldn’t recommend this program more!

This program was one of the best, honestly. It made me see Lebanon in a completely different light and I encourage native and non-native speakers to do it. I learned more about the language, culture, community, and I met friends that I still talk to and know I will still talk to in the far future. The teachers were amazing and were so incredibly caring. Mumtazzzz 3anjad.

The AUB CAMES summer Arabic program is a holistic approach to the Arabic language and Lebanese culture. The leadership team has put in every effort to make the program not only intensive in language learning but also exposing students to the local culture. Importantly, they emphasize dialect learning, which I have found to be a neglected part of the us university Arabic instruction. They also organize plenty of field trips, allowing students to utilize the knowledge gained in the classroom while communicating with locals and seeing the amazing sights Lebanon has to offer. The program is built to not only expand your knowledge of the language, but your appreciation and understanding of the culture. I found myself bonding with both my classmates and teachers quickly, as we were all working towards a common goal of improving our Arabic skills while also wanting to enjoy our time in Lebanon together. I really loved this program, and I hope more people consider traveling to Lebanon to pursue their Arabic studies. The campus itself is a closed campus and is monitored by security, and even when out on field trips with the group I never felt unsafe.

I studied at AUB's Center for Arabic and Middle Eastern Studies (CAMES) Summer Intensive Arabic Program during the summer of 2017. The program was a great value; there was an opportunity to speak entirely in Arabic if one so chose, and the instruction was top-notch in my class (Advanced High). The best part of this program is that it is run by Dr. Mahmoud al-Batal, one of the authors of the al-Kitaab series, so at the advanced level you should get some invaluable instructional time with him at some point. The program is also great because it endeavors to use the city of Beirut as a pedagogical tool; lots of time is spent on excursions to interesting places in the city and around Lebanon, with the specific goal of activating new vocabulary learned during the course. The program is rigorous, and if you keep the language pledge, it can be grueling; after about three weeks after 30 hours of class, 5 hours of extracurricular activities, and 30 hours of homework each week, I was exhausted and ready to quit. Once I pushed through, though, I felt so competent in Arabic. If you're looking for a country where people only speak Arabic, Lebanon is not that country. Most people speak English better than you'll speak Arabic (and lots of them also speak French). However, the culture is cool, the atmosphere of Beirut is laid-back and exciting, and you'll have a lot of the comforts of home (namely alcohol). In terms of safety, AUB did a great job of providing means for accessing medical care (the hospital is right across the street) and explaining the security situation throughout the country. I (26-year-old male) never once felt unsafe in Lebanon, and I felt like AUB's warnings for where not to visit in Lebanon were useful. I understand that the U.S. State Department travel advisory can be intimidating if you're considering traveling to Lebanon, but in my experience, when you study at AUB, the risks of traveling to Lebanon are minimized. I have been to Lebanon three times now and have had nothing but excellent experiences there.

AUB offers a broad range of courses, but I'm happy to report the university to be particularly strong in my own focus of international studies. My professors ranged from former high ranking diplomats to UN officials. All brought a distinctly unique approach to teaching, but a wealth of personal experience. Most had previously taught or studied at American institutions which made the process of academic acclimatization an easy one. My time spent with the Arabic department was equally of a high caliber. While extremely time intensive in terms of course work, the regularity of classes and the high investment of energy from my professor left me feeling like I had made significant progress in a relatively short time frame. The variety of courses and faculty made the overall academic experience one of the highest positive attributes of AUB. From a bureaucratic stand point the university can be chaotic and frustrating at times. Paper work can be slow to file and easily lost. However in all my experiences staff were eager to answer questions and remedy problems. AUB's representative from North American, Megan Scanlon, was particularly helpful throughout the sometimes dizzying application process and then many times after in the semester. Of equal importance is the setting of Beirut and Lebanon itself. It be would impossible to fully articulate how culturally rich and exciting the country is. No two parts are the same and despite it's relatively small size even an hours journey puts you in what feels like a new country all together. Memories of Lebanon's past from the ancient to the contemporary are constantly visible and lend a feeling of awe, whether deliberately sought out in a trip to far flung ruins or simply when allowed to fade into the periphery of Beirut street life. The people of Lebanon are likewise a stunning patchwork of humanity, bearing all the scars of their unresolved conflicts but a simultaneous sense of of an irrepressible spirt. In my experience I found the Lebanese to be welcoming and hospitable in the extreme. Their emotional intensity and sincerity simply makes them hard not to like. The hardest part of my experience was leaving Lebanon itself and I am eager to return. As a conspicuous foreigner from the west, and an American at that, I am likewise happy to report I felt safe throughout my time in Lebanon. For all the endemic problems they face, the Lebanese security forces do an admirable job. Even in the conservative rural hinterlands of the east and south, where the central government has a looser presence, the country is open and stable. Western apprehension of travel within the middle east is highly sensationalized and bears little sense for the individual context of the regions many different countries. Travel to Lebanon certainly requires a common sense approach to decision making, but never an insurmountable one. True dangers and taboos are obvious and in many ways hold true for any country. Be polite. Be respectful. The rest will follow easily.

There were many things that I really appreciated about Beirut, but mostly, I loved that I never stopped learning something new and having my worldview turned upside down. There is so much press coverage of Beirut, from the Civil War times to the Syrian crisis now, and I had no idea what to expect, but nearly every person I met gave me a new perspective that I would never get from the media. No two people in Lebanon agree on every aspect of politics or history, so a simple conversation with a small group could totally blow your mind. Also, as I lived in the Hamra neighborhood near AUB the entire time, I grew to have an amazing little community of expats where we got to share our experiences and develop a tight-knit community. We really experienced a life-change time together, and the fact that we were all away from our friends and family from back home helped to bring us together in a powerful way. And of course, the food was so delicious. It was impossible to get a bad Lebanese meal in Beirut. I studied in Beirut from 2012-2014, which was well after the Syrian crisis began. Being in a place that the entire world was speaking of as being completely war torn, and yet being surrounded by people still laughing, dancing, and enjoying life was such a special experience. Nothing about studying in Beirut matched my expectations, and it truly opened my mind to question everything I see and hear in the news. A couple of my closest friends were Syrians, and they are people who I still keep in touch with today. It was so important to be able to just hear the stories from the people directly affected by such a massive human devastation. I HIGHLY recommend traveling to Lebanon & studying at AUB. You'll never see anything the same again!

I had a number of very high expectations upon studying abroad at AUB, I thought I was going to learn Arabic quickly and easily for instance. However, while a lot of those expectations weren't met, they were instead replaced with a new and deeper understanding of what it means to live in an unfamiliar place where you don't know anyone for four months and the experience taught me a lot about independence and resourcefulness. My advice would be to try to be extra social with other AUB students, as sometimes it can get kinda lonely just hanging out with other international kids.

Academics: Great facilities, great faculty (with some variation, of course), valuable education all around. Please note, this is not a typical study abroad program. You will be able to skip have your classes and travel around the continent (for many reasons). These are rigorous courses, so only come to AUB if you want to have at least a somewhat-serious semester. To be fair, I took 5 courses and 3 of them were graduate courses. I found the faculty to be easily accessible and I was able to meet with all of them throughout the semester for various reasons. Biggest issue is course selection because international students don't have first pick due to timing, but if you are persistent they will let you into whatever courses you have chosen. Adjustment: Lebanon is the meeting point between Europe and the Arab World and as such the adjustment is much easier than it would be in other Arab countries (this I can vouch for personally). There is a mix of language, religion, and background, so foreigners are not as noticeable. Of course, Lebanon is not Europe, so you should be ready for regular minute-long blackouts, trash on the street, buying drinking water, etc. I will say that AUB is extremely modern and western, and so is its area of Beirut, so that will not be a big transition from Williams. I purposefully integrated myself into groups at the university and therefore into Lebanese society, but I had an American roommate and was not staying in a homestay, so there were limits to my integration. Harassment: Very little harassment of women, people of color, or LGBTQ individuals. One interesting aspect is that most black people in Lebanon are African and on temporary contracts working as house help. There is a racist element that was hard for people on my program to ignore (and many actually studied it in their classes), but there was never any outright harassment of students because of their race. Remember that there are few rights for LGBTQ people in the region, but as long as you are street smart there should be no problems. I had multiple LGBTQ friends that were just fine. Would I recommend: Absolutely! The main concerns people may have about Lebanon are safety concerns, but Beirut was the safest city I've ever lived in. I felt totally safe at night to walk around by myself. To be fair, I lived near the university, but the main idea is that if you are smart then you will be fine. There were some minor clashes while I was there because of the election between supporters of different parties, but I felt safe the whole time and Lebanon is currently quite stable. Hezbollah is not considered a terrorist organization there and poses no real threat to students. Heads up, Lebanon is not cheap and the cost of living can fluctuate wildly along with you lifestyle choices, but is no more expensive than a generic European city. Fun Facts: I joined a varsity sports team and volunteered throughout the semester with Syrian refugees. I also did my best to explore the country, going to different areas and checking out ancient ruins and hiking in the cedar forests. There are so many opportunities you can take advantage of! Overall I chose this program over others because of the unique history of Lebanon, the exciting character of Beirut, and the excellent education at AUB. There is less of a need to speak Arabic here, which has its pros and cons. You will not be able to do a full language immersion here if that is what you are after. On the other hand, this is an incredible experience that involves less uncomfortable culture shock (from a western perspective) but still exposes you to new ways of life and thinking (and is FUN)!

As I sat down to write this, I simply couldn't find a proper place to begin. How do I fit everything I have seen and learned in 6 months into just one review? Well, I couldn't. And it probably won't be interesting reading elaborated details from my everyday life. What I can tell you however, is that those 6 months that I recently spend abroad in Beirut, has been the most incredible time of my life. Beirut basically has everything that one could ask for. It holds a long and rich history, it is surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea and mountains, it offers some of the best food in the world, and the inhabitants are welcoming and warm as few. Yet, Beirut still struggles with the reputation in the Western world. Born and raised in Copenhagen, Denmark, I have to admit that my knowledge about Lebanon was rather limited until I decided to apply for AUB. Living in a Western country, one can easily be affected by the picture that is painted in the media. A picture that is based on the medias tendency to lump together all Arabic countries of the region. My best advice for those who think about going - Don't let the media shape your understanding - Lebanon is a perfectly safe place to both live and visit. Personally, I decided to arrive with an open mind-set, ready to learn and understand every possible aspect of this place. An approach that definitely made settling down much easier, but also made the process of socializing and building friendships much easier. I even arrived 3 weeks prior to semester-start, since I imagined that settling down and getting used to new norms would take a while. After 2 days in Lebanon, I realized that I already felt pretty home. The people made it so easy to feel welcome, and I never felt unsafe. (It is worth mentioning, that I am a 6 ft 5 Danish male, therefore, I cannot talk on behalf of other genders or ethnical backgrounds). Life is Beirut is easily accessible and it does not talk long, before you feel like an integrated part of it all. Also, Beirut might appear as a huge and confusing city upon arriving, but it quickly turns out to be fairly manageable and with most neighborhoods being in walking distance (If you like to walk for more than 5 minutes). On an academic level, AUB offered a wide array of courses that matched my major (Media Production and Management). The level and workload was as you would expect from a well-respected school. I consider myself lucky, that I got to take courses that focused in the media-landscape, how they portray war and how we access information in general. This eventually turned into tools, that affected my way of understanding my own approach and understanding of what I experienced along the way. This was an awesome way of applying information that I was taught in everyday life. AUB also became my "intersection" of social relations and a lot of the friendships that I built along the way happened because of social events planned by either the school or the mentor-group. I just realized, how this review turned into the exact rigmarole that I said wasn't possible 3 paragraphs ago, but hey, if you're still reading at this point I assume that I must have done something right. (Right?) What I have been trying to say is, that Beirut is such an awesome place to be in, and that it, despite the reputation, holds so much value and gave so many life-changing experiences to a guy like me. I returned to Copenhagen 3 days ago, and I miss Beirut and the Lebanese way of life already. There is so much to see and so much to learn, and the memories and friendships that I take with me are worth everything.

My experience at AUB was enjoyable and exciting. I took 3 courses as a visiting student. The campus is the most beautiful campus I have ever laid eyes on. The students and faculty are diverse in origin and opinion which made for many interesting discussions. Everyone was helpful when contacted and Lebanon is full of places to go and things to do. 100% recommend.

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.

The CAMES program is an excellent way to rapidly improve your Arabic, and overall, an experience I would strongly recommend. Three elements of the program are most significant: Firstly, the quality of teaching exceptional. Not only is Program Director (Dr. Mahmoud Al-Batal) a world authority on teaching Arabic as a second language, but each of the teachers and tutors has extensive experience in teaching the language and are consistently supportive. Shout-out to Yomna, Safaa, and Khodr. I came into the program with an intermediate level of spoken Lebanese Arabic and no FusHa, and in two months my level of both Lebanese Arabic and FusHa had increased significantly. Secondly, the cultural program. I had visited Lebanon numerous times before undertaking this course, and nonetheless I was constantly learning new things about the country and its history. There is a weekly lecture in Arabic on a political, historical, or cultural topic, as well as a weekly film screening. These events are a fantastic opportunity for students to substantially expand their vocabulary and their cultural knowledge of not just Lebanon but also the Arab world more generally. It's one thing reading a textbook about US Foreign Policy in the Middle East, and another thing entirely to immerse yourself in Arab culture and history as Arabs understand it, and for that reason I found this aspect of the program extremely rewarding. In addition, most weeks there is a group excursion, which allows you to see the most important touristic and cultural sites in Lebanon, in a comfortable and safe fashion. On these trips you travel all together in a big bus, stopping for food and big lunches etc. Yes, these days are touristy, but they are a stress-free way to see Lebanon. If that isn't your style - no problem - you can organise a separate trip for yourself either alone or in a small group, which many students did. Finally, the AUB is a wonderful university with all the facilities you could want, including a new gym, running track, pool, and the Jafet library which is a perfect spot to study after class. There's also a cafeteria on campus serving lunch for approximately 10,000L.L. ($8 US), and countless restaurants and cafes in the surrounding area of Ras Beirut/Hamra. Overall, the campus experience is fantastic if a little intense (such is the nature of Beirut!). In terms of safety, the campus is a closed one with guards at all entrances and patrols 24/7 so you'll feel (and be) very safe. Dorms are separated male/female, and escorts are available from the gates to dorms at night so there's never a need to walk to your dorm alone. A few recommendations: First, be aware that the course is very intensive. In my experience, most students didn't notice how hard the course was until about the fourth week, so keep this in mind, and pace yourself. That said, the communal nature of the course and the cultural / leisure elements mean that despite its intensity the course is still a whole lot of fun. Second, the more your practice before your Arabic arriving in Lebanon, the more you will get out of the program! (Not obligatory, however. You can turn up with any level, as long as you're ready for the workload). Third, make the most of your time in Lebanon - go on the trips, discover the area surrounding the university, and if possible, try and travel around in your spare time. The University can give you recommended taxi companies, and sometimes these companies will drive you around Lebanon for a whole Sunday at a reasonable cost. Don't wait until late in the program to discover Lebanon.

Lebanon is a great place to study abroad to gain insight. That being said, don't expect to improve your Arabic outside of the classroom, as everyone speaks English. Moreover, the academics (at the grad level) are not on par with American universities.

I studied abroad at AUB during the spring semester of 2017, and I must say it was one of the best experiences of my life. AUB has a very vibrant campus and student life, and it is very easy to meet people and immerse yourself in the local culture and adopt the Lebanese lifestyle. The classes were for the most part very interesting, and I left with a brand new take on the region's culture and societies. I highly recommend taking classes in their anthropology and sociology department. The campus is very well located, and it is very easy to explore the city. The office of international programs was really great at helping us make the transition to AUB as smooth as possible. They organize great events and trips around the country, and I really advise you to take advantage of that.

The AUB Summer Program was amazing. The instructors are excellent teachers, they focus on each student's needs and accomodate instruction in a way that benefits everyone. You have a crazy amount of homework but your Arabic skills skyrocket. You also have full freedom to enjoy Lebanon, Beirut is a very fun city and the country has a lot to offer. The program may seem a little expensive but the weekend excursions it covers and the length of the program makes it worth it. This is also the only program I could find that offered full instruction in colloquial Arabic, plus you still learn colloquial Arabic in the formal Arabic classes.

All my life I wanted to study in Lebanon and master the Arabic language. It had been years since I visited the country so I thought going to AUB would be the best option for me to revive my Arabic skills. I struggled in class with the reading and writing aspects of the lessons. Most people would have a great experience but I did not enjoy the course. My time at AUB was not one of pleasure or knowledge but of humiliation. The professors looked at me as if I didn't belong there. Failing the first test prompted the head of the program to come and see me. He said to me "I made a mistake letting you in" at that point was audited and I wasn't allowed to go on any of the field trips. I requested help from the tutor but she was "too busy" I ended up getting sick so I withdrew myself. After that I went on to teach my self how to read and write Arabic. Maybe one day I'll go back to Lebanon and attend AUB for my masters. As of now I'm joining the US air force so I can be a translator.

Lebanon is one of the best places to learn Arabic, and the AUB is the perfect environment to do so. The classes are very challenging, the professors and administration are very qualified, and it is very culturally immersive.

Was by far the best time of my studies! I met so many incredible people and had the chance to see so much of this great city and country. It is the perfect mix of culture, academics, people and adventure. If you have the chance, just go!

In 2015, I spent 2 months from June to July as a study abroad student from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst to the American University of Beirut. Being Lebanese in origin, and having had many friends at AUB, I quickly found it easy to settle in and become accustomed to the general living experience of Beirut. That being said, it is a bit different to what people are used to in the US, but that comes with its pros and cons. Life in Beirut is generally never boring or dull, and there are always new things to explore and do, whether from a cultural, academic, or social perspective. The University offers the best education in the region, and the courses I took were with helpful, well informed professors. I found that the procedure for getting actually enrolled in the courses and going through the registrar was a bit tedious and over complicated, but once that was done, everything flowed smoothly. Living in Beirut gives people a really big chance to explore Lebanese culture to its fullest. You meet people from all backgrounds, different religions, cultures, and countries, and you start to get the real experience of what it's like to live in Lebanon, which is completely different to what people generally hear about in the media. Lebanese people are very social and love meeting new people, so it should not be hard to settle in. If you're someone who likes to get involved in clubs and societies, the university offers a lot of options as well as different sports and other activities to keep yourself occupied. Beirut is also one of the best places in the world for nightlife, so if that's something you're interested in, you'll find plenty of great things to do. All in all, the experience was everything I wanted it to be. I got to reconnect with friends, meet some great people, explore Lebanon in a way I didn't get to before (since I left to the US for university right after high school), and take courses at a really great university. The campus was beautiful, the people were helpful, and the overall experience was genuinely enjoyable.

Like with any program, the people make the experience. The people who were attracted to the AUB program were all extremely hard working, motivated and interested in learning/pursuing Arabic. I don't think you would find this caliber of student at any other University other than the "Harvard of the Middle East". The classes were very rigorous and the teachers were phenomenal - one of my teachers had written her own Arabic textbook. My spoken Arabic improved tremendously and my vocabulary base is much wider. There were a fee classes that had 12 students which is a little bigger than I would have hoped, but overall an amazing experience. Beirut and Lebanon are amazing, too, and AUB is a great way to meet locals who actually know the country. The common language was obviously English so I didn't speak much Arabic outside of the classroom, but if you are determined enough this shouldn't stop you from speaking it 24/7. Amazing amazing experience, 10/10 would recommend!!

This program is great, you will learn Arabic, but it comes at a cost. This isn't an easy summer, you are in class from 8:30-5 and have homework on top of that and weekly tests. They try to get us immersed in the culture around us with programs, and some are more successful than others! Overall, if your main goal is to learn Arabic- you should come here!! If your main goal is to explore the Middle East, just be prepared you will only be able to explore such small parts of the world going to this program.

The CAMES program was, as all the reviews have stressed, a very very intensive program. There was a huge amount of homework every day, and while this was difficult at times, it also accomplished its goal. I came away from the program statisfied that I had significantly improved my ability to communicate in Arabic. The teachers and tutors were amazing; they challenged us and were entirely dedicated to helping us succeed. The small student-teacher ratio allowed for lots of one-on-one support. I especially appreciated the program's integration of colloquial and modern standard Arabic. The program also offered a variety of cultural activities and trips. The campus itself was beautiful and very safe. I would highly recommend this program to anyone who is interested in a highly intensive Arabic program that will dramatically improve their Arabic skills.

The CAMES Summer Arabic program was rigorous and provided an intensive learning experience. The CAMES team was very responsive to all student needs. The teaching staff was professional and available for any extra help and were dedicated to teaching Arabic. Would highly recommend the program.

Great program in a great setting at AUB! Good mix of students from US and around the world. The teachers I had were excellent and very committed. The program mixed in a lot of cultural and fun events and trips throughout to complement the language learning, which I appreciated. Above all, had a lot of fun and improved my language skills!

I wanted a really intense course as i only had a limited time to improve my Arabic. The course was perfect for this because the classes pushed me to the limit every day and each night I had lots of homework, which was always marked properly. One of my two main teachers was good, the other was outstanding.

I spend one semester at AUB and it was by far the best experience. The universities international office is excellent, always helpful, patient and well structured with a Buddy programme. The Campus is beautiful with really nice facilities as pool, running track, gym. The cultural experience in Lebanon was without words, people are super hospitable, the food is amazing and I did not feel unsafe for one moment during my 6 months. I would recommend to everyone to go to Lebanon/study at AUB it is a experience that will truly change you and you will not forget it.

I spent one semester at AUB, studying at the Faculty of Arts and Sciences. Since I attended only graduate seminar at one of the least popular departments, I made few friends at the university. This is sad, considering the fact that I had no-one else than my college buddies in the city. I had to look outside campus to make new friends, which was more difficult. Had there been more activities, excursions, cultural evenings etc. organised (I am talking Fall 2012 here), it would have probably been easier for me to adapt to the new environment. Nevertheless, the activities that the Office for International Programmes did organise were nice and made me feel I was a part of that community at least for a while. When it comes to the programme, it was good mainly because there are/were very few graduate students studying in my field and we had almost one to one tutoring with professors at times. A small number of students does however have disadvantages - there are not so many courses to choose from.

I spent a year at AUB from Sept 2015 to Sept 2016. The administration was warmly welcoming, efficient, organized and planned a lot of trips and travels to discover the country. I had the chance to study both modern classic Arabic and Lebanese dialect and that's probably the highlight of the classes I took there. All the facilities on campus can moreover allow foreign students to meet other AUB students with the numerous clubs. I can only recommend such a destination for an Exchange Program!

When the description said it would be 6h a day of class plus about 4-5h of homework it did not lie. It was a helpful program with very good teachers. However, not all my classmates were as serious about the course and hampered our progress as a class. I also was torn about the class every morning in the dialect since it did not help me with my personal goals at all and I would have benefitted more from using this time for another class in MSA.

For me, AUB was a great chance to immerse myself in a region I otherwise would have known very little about and at the same time get all my credits transferred easily because of the American university system.

I found the professors at AUB very inspiring, and I learned much about Lebanon and the Middle East from my courses at SOAN and PSPA. I enjoyed the diversity in the different courses, and I found the curriculum very relevant and interesting. Besides the academic part, AUB did very good community vice. For me it was a whole new experience to enter a campus which offered everything from gym to choir. The mentors did a very good job planning different activities and cultural trips through out the semester, and they were always happy to answer questions whenever we needed it.

The CAMES program at AUB is truly a great opportunity to study Arabic in a beautiful country. The instructors were the best Arabic instructors I have ever had and were devoted to student learning. Though the homework load was on the heavy side (it's an intense program after all), it's a perfect program for those who want to immerse themselves in the Arabic language and meet some cool people along the way.

Hello there, I participated in the 2016 Summer CAMES program at the American University of Beirut. I started at the most basic level and I can tell you the work load is quite heavy. The deal with this course though is that you get out of it what you put into it. If one is serious about learning to read, write, and speak this language, then this is the best start you can get. The faculty work with all students and tutoring is daily after class (this is a must). However within the first week you will be writing in Arabic and building basic sentences. I have lived in Lebanon for the last 2.5 years and I thought I had a pretty good grasp on Arabic ( at least the spoken), but after this course my confidence with Arabic increased and i do not have any anxiety talking with people in the language now. I now have a solid base and vocabulary that allows me to talk with people from many different places to a decent degree. Long story short I have nothing but positive things to say about this program and feel that it is a must for those interested in actually learning about Arab ( Lebanese ) culture. Just to make it clear though there is a very very heavy workload. Wesley Murphy

AUB's reputation is second to none in the Middle East. I found the faculty and facilities to be impeccable and easily on par with top tier institutions in the West, including IVY League schools. I think that AUB's faculty are under-rated. I found them to be simply excellent. The experience overall was excellent.

A semester of Middle Eastern Studies at AUB - you are headed for a great experience! The university campus is situated beautifully above the Mediterranean sea in the midst of the student and intellectual area of Beirut. I found the university facilities all modern and on the highest standard, including the gym, the library and seminar rooms. Both administrative and teaching staff were all extraordinarily skilled and friendly. I found AUB the best place to study contemporary history of the whole region through the public conferences and cultural events hosted by AUB during my stay. Beirut is an exciting place to stay and there are plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself into local and regional culture.

Whenever I come to a new place, a new city, a new country, I am understandably excited. It's the unknown, the new that leaves more questions than answers and you are forced to find answers to some of the questions to at least settle in. What are the basic words to get around? Where are my classes? Wjhat's the shortest way to uni? How do I get from A to B? How much do I have to pay for service X and when am I scammed? What's the best food? Good weekend escapes? Good bars? Normally, as soon, as I have found the answers, my excitement level drops back to regular. I'm in a new place. Alright but well, at the end it's just a new city, a new country, a new environment. Nothing out of this world. That was different in Beirut. AUB, Beirut, Lebanon are hard to put into words. Life is intense and exciting every new day as an exchange student. After two months, I recognized that something was odd. I did a reality check and realized that my excitement level had never dropped back to regular but instead stayed in the upper half between regular and super excited for the entire time. Coming to AUB was the best decision I could have taken. Interesting classes, a spectacular campus, fellow students that turned into friends, great sport facilities a dedicated international office team and above all a city and country that has so much to offer. And with that I also mean the downsides that are obvious. I embraced it all, the upsides and the downsides, as both are part of my AUB, my Beirut, my Lebanon experience and almost 2,5 years later I wouldn't change my decision. My only regret: I wasn't able to stay an entire year.

I had an amazing experience studying at AUB, a worldwide renowned university. I especially enjoyed the beautiful, centrally located campus and the quality of teaching. I recommend AUB to anyone who wants to study Arabic and discover Lebanon.

AUB is an amazing university in an even more amazing city. The classes are great, although I would advise undergraduate students studying social sciences/ humanities to take graduate level classes instead of undergraduate level classes at AUB whenever possible. I found the graduate level classes to be more interesting. Beirut is an amazing place and you'll learn an incredible amount just by living there. If you are going there to study Arabic, I recommend taking as many "services" (shared cabs) as you can while traveling around Beirut. The drivers tend to be very talkative and that will give you a great opportunity to practice your Arabic (especially if you get stuck in traffic and a 10 minute car ride turns into a 30 minute trip). This is because it is easy to fall into the trap of only speaking English with your friends from AUB, and rarely getting the opportunity to practice Arabic except for in class (I'll admit that this is a mistake that I made). The people who run the international students program at AUB did a wonderful job and they were incredibly helpful. Megan Scanlon, in particular, was an amazing aid to have while I was first adjusting to life in Beirut. The office for international students also organized lots of very affordable excursions for international students to go and see all the beauty that Lebanon has to offer. They also are very helpful when it comes to figuring out how to renew your visa.

My experience in Beirut, Lebanon was nothing short of magical, thanks to the wonderful program at the American University of Beirut. First, the university offered such a variety of rich courses, presented from an alternative point of view to my own context (which I found essential to my experience in Lebanon). Second, the campus was constantly hosting a number of lectures and panels from various departments, which again offered a new perspective pulling experts, scholars and activists from all over the region and the world. These lectures in particular really forced me to think critically about my own global perceptions. AUB also really created an inviting and warm community through the Office of International Programs. This office was critical for me to better understand my context, feel comfortable in the country and of course to meet my friends here. Moreover, the social events and support offered by OIP gave me a much more holistic understanding of Lebanon, making the country's beauties much more accessible. Its staff and students were always there to provide support, advice and friendship. Anyone considering spending time in the Middle East should really consider Lebanon, and more specifically the University of Beirut. After this experience, I have a much richer grasp of the country's culture, history and people. And now, I don't want to leave!

I don't really know where to start when I think about how to describe my semester at AUB--wonderful, amazing, fantastic--the words don't do it justice! My professors in the Anthropology and Sociology departments were some of the best I ever had. They challenge you and open you up to new ways of thinking that makes you want to go to class. OIP is super helpful and the exchange student mentors are actually really nice. AUB offices can be a hassle to deal with, but everyone there genuinely wants to help you and see you succeed. Even if you get stressed out with the administration you don't have to look too far to calm down again: campus cats, 3,000 TL manushe, wonderful student friends, cool bars and restaurants, and solid weather almost everyday makes it hard to not be happy in Beirut. If you are looking for an adventure, do it. Beirut is a gem and you will definitely not leave Lebanon the same person as when you arrived.

My experience at the American University of Beirut was one of the best I have ever had. From the first day you walk through the gates into this beautiful campus you will feel certain that your semester will be fantastic. You will be met by a wonderful fun and very social group of mentors, who will guide you safely into your stay at AUB and in Lebanon in general. The professors at AUB are very professional and I was able to learn a lot about very specific things. They all had a lot of passion about their specific topic, and all taught with high enthusiasm. The selection of courses at AUB makes sure, that there is something for every taste and degree. I will highly recommend AUB to everyone.

I participated in the CAMES program in the summer of 2015 and would recommend it to anyone up for the challenge! In addition to the gorgeous AUB campus, I was impressed by the curriculum (it was even more intensive than I expected!), the optional supplementary tutoring offered daily, and the extra activities and field trips. When I first arrived in Beirut I had a basic knowledge of Arabic, but found that I was barely able to order a meal without switching to English. The program's intensity and emphasis on conversation helped me to become confident in speaking with anyone in everyday life in Beirut.

Dear all of you, I can totally recommend the opportunity to study abroad for one or more semester at AUB. The staff was always friendly, professors really good and the overall feeling was like coming home each time I entered the campus. But a bit more in detail: Lectures: I'm an industrial engineer from Germany, so I used to have most of my lectures at the business school. OSB ist located right next to the seaside in a nice-looking building. The quality of the lectures was high and I really enjoyed the many discussions we had in class with the professor. Plus: I also had a lecture which had nothing to do with my normal background but was in politics. OIP: The first address you will go to in AUB is the OIP office. Those guys are really amazing. They take care of everything for you and if you need help OIP staff and the mentors are your first contact persons. They will guide you through the registration process and organize trips on weekends to various sites in Lebanon. The Campus: As mentioned before, AUB campus ist right next to the seaside. Private beach, gyms and simming pools included. The campus itself is very pretty and probably the place with the fastest internet in Lebanon (you won't believe that while waiting in a queue for your meal at lunch time). Beirut and Lebanon: I was overwhelmed by the friendly and warm welcome I got everywhere I went to. I lived in Hamra, off campus and made new friends quickly. Lebanon and Beirut both are absolutely amazing and worth a visit. There's no need to be afraid of something, if you're in doubt whether it's safe to go somewhere or not, just ask your lebanese friends, mentors or OIP. All in all: Thumbs up for AUB and Lebanon!

This is a very intensive language program with excellent instructors, a diverse group of participants, well organized structure, a beautiful campus, and is in one of the most interesting cities on the planet. I entered this program with no prior knowledge of Arabic and left with a true grasp of the language. This is not a program for people who just need a reason to go to Beirut, or those who are just looking for an interesting thing to do over the summer. You will be totally immersed in course work throughout the duration of the program, and will need to be truly dedicated the entire time. The staff is committed to helping you achieve the most out of the program, and is always there for support and guidance. I would recommend this program to anyone who is serious about learning Arabic or improving their current skill set.