Arabic Study Abroad Programs in Middle East

I studied at Middlebury School in Jordan in the spring semester of 2025. I had spent the previous summer in Jordan with another great program, but my time at Middlebury was not only the most fun regarding the people involved and my ability to interact with local Jordanians, but also because I came in non-conversational and I left nearly fluent. Not just in that I had a larger vocabulary, but that I was able to speak and think in Arabic directly, without having to translate from English first. The program staff are amazing, the class sizes are great and the content feels relevant. There is the ability to choose which electives you want to take (depending on your level), and even those at a lower level felt that they were using the Arabic that they knew in applicable contexts. Although the language pledge was difficult at first, after a week of commitment to the process, it became easy. In addition to the amazing academic environment, my homestay family was also a key component to my advancement in Arabic. I come from an Arab background and it really felt like I had another Arab jidda (grandma) helping me the whole way. The program also connected us with local students at the University of Jordan who took us around Amman and genuinely became our close friends. One other quick note was that the trips that we took were amazing. Like I mentioned, I had been in Jordan for a couple months before, and the places that we went to with Middlebury were not only some of the crucial must-see spots but also some more niche spots that I felt very privileged to be able to go to that I wouldn't have found/been motivated to go to on my own. I think that the program did a good job of giving us enough out-of-class work to improve our skills without it being so much that we didn't have enough time to explore the city/country. I do think that the program would be best suited for someone who has some prior experience with the language (in fact, I think you have to have studied for at least two years??? dont quote me on that). I had studied Arabic for almost three years at that point, but most others had studied it for two (academic) years before starting. Would 1000/10 recommend this program to anyone wanting to improve their Arabic.

Living in Jordan was one of the most immersive and meaningful academic experiences I have had. From the start, I felt fully supported by the program and quickly adjusted to daily life in Amman. Living with a host family was a highlight, as it gave me constant opportunities to practice Arabic and experience Jordanian culture in an authentic way. The balance between coursework, language learning, and cultural engagement made the experience both challenging and rewarding. Overall, my time in Jordan greatly strengthened my Arabic and gave me a deeper appreciation for the region and its people.

The Middlebury in Jordan staff is extremely caring, thoughtful, and their attention to detail is remarkable. I felt very looked out for, especially when we had to relocate due to conflict in the middle of the semester. In general, the program pushes you to learn the most you can and it truly helps you integrate into Jordanian culture. I will forever be grateful for the friends, mentors, and family I gained throughout my semester. I also gained invaluable knowledge on the region as a whole and linguistic skills -- knowledge that I never learned in my schooling in the U.S.

This past school year I took both semesters to study abroad in Jordan with Middlebury. While I had heard incredible things about both the program and Jordan itself, my expectations were far surpassed. This is the best work team I could imagine and supportive through everything from health issues, daily transitions, language challenges, regional conflict. I couldn’t be more grateful. I have never seen a team work so well together and create such an incredible program through attention to detail, love of students, and passion for language immersion. My arabic has exponentially improved and I was given endless opportunities to interact with daily local life creating lifelong friendships, connections, and job/volunteer experiences.

Studying abroad in Jordan was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. From the very beginning, the faculty and staff prepared us thoroughly through pre-departure orientations, cultural guidance, and constant support during the program. Their efforts made the transition smooth and gave us the confidence to fully embrace the experience. In Jordan, the faculty and staff became much more than teachers and program coordinators; they have become my mentors, friends, and family. Their warmth and dedication created a strong sense of community that made Amman feel like home. The country itself was extraordinary with rich history, stunning landscapes, and welcoming people. Beyond the academics, SIT offered us the chance to live and learn in a way that was immersive and deeply meaningful. What made the experience truly unforgettable was the combination of outstanding faculty, strong preparation, and the incredible kindness we encountered. I left Jordan not only with new knowledge but also with lifelong connections and a second family.

Middlebury will take your language skills to the next level and vastly improve them. By only speaking Arabic through the Language Pledge, I began to understand the nuances that full immersion can help with, making unforgettable cultural connections with people. The professors were incredible and supportive during all steps of the journey, and challenging myself daily helped me reach new heights with Arabic. The staff were kind and planned many events for us to attend and participate in while also giving us the freedom to explore on our own. I loved my host family, who truly exemplified Jordanian hospitality and treated me like I was part of their circle from the beginning. It is hard to not fall in love with Jordan, and Middlebury is the perfect backdrop for the journey.

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.

I really enjoyed my stay in Jordan. The program director and assistants were very supportive and responsive. I really like the field visits to the refugee camp and numerous humanitarian local NGOs in Jordan and Turkey. Those field visits allowed me to learn a lot about working in the humanitarian aid field. I would choose the program again also because it enabled me to do one-month internship at a local NGO. I did my first professional internship at an Amman-based NGO that works in the HIV/AIDS field. It was a wonderful experience. I had also multiple amazing excursions across the nation such as the group trips to the Dead Sea, Petra and Aqaba with other students. The weekly-stipend 50 JD were enough to pay for my lunch and daily transportation fee (Uber) most of time. Therefore, I did not spend my own money a lot. In addition, the courses that I took at SIT in Jordan were not demanding. I didn't have a lot of homework. I would say that my study abroad program is not very academically rigorous. I like all of my professors but Dr. Latefa. She hardly replied to students' emails and did not explain all assignments clearly.

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!

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).

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.