Mobility is a key feature of higher education in Lebanon. Its universities have traditionally been extremely popular among international students from all over the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) region and Asia, whilst every year Lebanese youths flock to Europe and North America to participate in exchange programmes or pursue full degrees. Lebanon also caters to many students who belong to the large community of refugees currently hosted in the country. However, Lebanon has recently faced a series of challenges that not only complicate daily life but also present real difficulties in the execution of internationalisation activities.
In this episode of the EAIE podcast, Hala Dimechkie, Director of the Office of International Programs at The American University of Beirut (AUB), helps us better understand the unique set of issues currently facing Lebanon. Hala offers a number of insights into how her own university and other Lebanese higher education institutions are continuing to serve their local and international students and staff, administer key programmes, and plan for the future, despite the uncertainties and challenges of the moment.
For further insights into the topics touched on in this episode, the following resources may be of interest:
→ Office of International Programs (American University of Beirut)
→ 'Never waste a good crisis' in 2021 Spring Forum (Hala Dimechkie)
→ Bolder, braver internationalisation in the Southern Mediterranean (EAIE blog)