Beirut, Lebanon

Lebanon is a unique country where culture is a melting pot of middle eastern and western influences. This provides an environment where one can experience a whole new culture while having certain aspects of American life that help ease the transition process.

Lebanon is such a captivating country because the people are hospitable, the food is delicious, and the sights are beautiful. In Lebanon you can experience a wide range of activities in a short distance, such as skiing in the mountains, going to the beach, shopping in the city, and seeing traditional villages. Lebanon also has a deep and rich history that is still preserved in many areas, while also having modern city life.

Universities in Lebanon are especially important because these are some of the top universities in the Middle East for students to come to. This provides a strategic spiritual environment to reach some of the top students and future leaders in Lebanon and across the Middle East. Students at these universities are intelligent and very influenced from religious backgrounds, which provides interesting spiritual conversations!

Where can I study?

The American University of Beirut is an excellent university to study at. It is a prestigious university that offers a wide range of majors and diversity of students. There are well established study abroad and international programs present here, and they do a wonderful job of welcoming internationals and helping them get adjusted to the system. AUB is known for its Biology (pre-med) and Engineering programs, as well as offering broad liberal arts education.

Lebanese American University (LAU) is also a fantastic option. It is another of Lebanon’s most prestigious university, and, like AUB, it was founded by missionaries in the 1800s. They have an excellent business program, as well as a great Arabic department. There are also opportunities for several other majors, including film and theater.

What types of classes can I take?

Pretty much any class is available here in some form: anything from engineering to business to language classes to film and acting to architecture, to nutrition to chemistry. We can help connect you to what you’re interested in.

When can I go?

You can come any time of year: spring, fall, or even for summer classes!

What kind of ministry will I be doing?

Cru in Lebanon is called “Life Agape” consisting of various ministries including campus ministry. Campus ministry is student-driven and student-led, partnered with some American and Lebanese staff members. American students who want to be involved with Life Agape can participate in discipleship and evangelism, either independently or alongside other Lebanese students involved in the movement. Another ministry opportunity at AUB is being apart of the Crossroads Club, which is an official club on campus where students meet to discuss spiritual things. Life Agape is looking to build a movement by investing in key leaders who then should be able to disciple other students to create generations of disciples. Initiative evangelism is also used to find spiritually interested students and potential future leaders. Every semester, Life Agape hosts a weekend retreat to have fellowship, worship, and teaching to students involved in the movement.

We are also very flexible with ministry activities you might like to do. We focus on discipleship and evangelism and building spiritual movements on campus, but we would love to sit down with you and tailor a role that fits who you are, your personal mission and gifts in God’s Kingdom, and the amount of time you’d like to contribute.

Where will I live?

Study abroad students can live in the campus dorms or in private apartments that they would have to find on their own. There are various apartments close to AUB and LAU, and the campus dorms are either on campus or very close to campus. The area that students could live in and where AUB is located is called Hamra.

Will there be a language barrier?

Language barriers a generally not a problem, especially when living in Hamra. All of the classes and university functions at AUB are in English and the students are fluent, therefore spiritual conversations can be entirely in English. Also, in most restaurants and shops in Hamra, people either speak English very well or know enough to help.

How much does this cost?

Costs vary by program. Please check the AUB and LAU websites.

When is the application deadline?

• For fall semesters, please apply here by August 1st.
• For spring semesters, please apply here by December 1st.
• For summer terms, please apply here by May 1st.