STUDYABROAD &EXCHANGESTUDENTHANDBOOK

CONGRATS!Congratulations on enrolling in a study abroadprogram! Your international experience will contributeto your development as a person, a scholar, and aglobal citizen. We have compiled this handbook to provide you withinformation that you will need to prepare for yoursemester or year abroad. Even though you will receiveinformation directly from your Host University, pleasereview this handbook now and share this informationwith your parents. Your biggest challenge while abroad will be to adaptyour habits. Your academic advisor and classmates willbe your most valuable resources, and flexibility andresourcefulness your most valuable tools. While theprospect of working in a different academic settingmay seem daunting, the benefits of this type ofexperience for intellectual and personal growth can beenormous. Take advantage of the strengths of theHost University and community and try to live as thelocal students live. If you face difficulties or experience confusion, let usknow. Our office is always ready to help. Mostimportantly, have a great time abroad! The OIP Team

TABLE OF CONTENTS

04 Pre-DepartureChecklist

05 Travel Preparations

10 At the AmericanUniversity of Beirut

12 While Abroad

15 Safety & StudentCode of Conduct

17 New York OfficeContact Information

PRE-DEPARTURE CHECKLIST

Use this checklist to stay on track as you prepare to study abroad.Keep reading for more detailed information!

TRAVEL PREPARATIONS � Make sure that your passport is valid for a minimum of 12 months. � Begin the visa application process as soon as you have your acceptanceletter and/or your I-20/DS- 2019 if you are travelling to the US.� Make your travel plans.� Verify your health insurance policy and visit your doctor.� Secure housing for the duration of your stay.� Pay all fees due to the host university by its deadlines. AT AUB � Complete your AUB Study Abroad Application Form including all courseapproval forms and turn them in to the Office of International Programs(West Hall-320).� Complete the Final Clearance Form and submit it to OIP by the publisheddeadline.� DO NOT REGISTER FOR CLASSES AT AUB.� Pay all fees due to AUB by the deadline (keep reading for further details).� Request to join the “AUB Study Abroad Community” Facebook group andget in touch with past and current study abroad participants.� Attend a mandatory Pre-Departure meeting with OIP. ON-SITE SAFETY PLANNING � Set your AUB e-mail address to forward to your e-mail abroad. � Submit emergency contact information to OIP.� Read health, safety and travel recommendations for your destination.� Talk to your bank about your travel plans (see more below).� Make copies of all your important documents (e.g. passport, visa,insurance).� Keep your friends and family informed of your activities.

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TRAVEL PREPARATIONS

PRE-DEPARTURE RESEARCH

Recommendationsfor everyone

Research your host country using the Internet, travel books,newspapers, magazines, and international news programs.Talk with study abroad returnees, AUB staff, faculty, andinternational or exchange students who have studied or livedabroad.Be informed and capable of discussing current affairs inLebanon while abroad.

Countries/Cultures

Recommendedguides

Rough Guides series Let’s Go Series Lonely Planet series Frommer’s series Eyewitness Travel guides Maximizing Study Abroad: A student’s Guide to strategies forLanguage and Culture Learning and Use (R. Michael Paige etal., 2002)

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www.barnesandnoble.com/s/?series_id=180845www.frommers.com

www.lonelyplanet.comwww.letsgo.com

www.roughguides.com

www.onlinenewspapers.com www.countrywatch.comwww.worldatlas.comwww.culturecrossing.net

Travel Documents

Keep copies of all passport and visa application documents you submit! You are responsible for being in full compliance with immigration regulations in your host country.To study abroad, your passport must be valid for at least 12 months beyond your intended period ofstay. The OIP does not provide visa assistance for students going abroad; you must read your hostcountry’s visa requirements and procedures and consult with the international office at your hostuniversity. If you experience difficulties obtaining a visa, we encourage you to contact your OIPStudy Abroad Advisor for further assistance. Make sure you obtain your visa ahead of time, since theapplication procedure may take time.

Documents to carrywith you

Passport and visa (if necessary)DS-2019/ I-20 (If you are going to the U.S)Driver’s license (if applicable)/ I.D.Money - currency, credit cardsMedical insurance informationLetter of acceptance from host institutionCopy of passport and visaCopy of tickets and itineraryEmergency contact information (name, telephone number,address) at host institution and at home

Documents to scanand keep

electronically

Copy of passport and visaCopy of credit cards (front & back) and telephone numbers toreach the card companiesEmergency contact information (name, telephone number &address) at host institutionCopy of acceptance letterCopy of the Study Abroad Course Approval Application

Travel Arrangements

Helpful websites

You are responsible for your own travel arrangements. If youplan to arrive before the start of your classes, bookaccommodation for that time!Confirm the dates your housing is available before bookingyour plane ticket.Read all guidelines and restrictions before purchasing airlinetickets and passes. Remember that most airlines charge feesif you change your travel dates after purchase.

Travel tips

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www.expedia.comwww.raileurope.comwww.hiusa.org

www.kayak.com/flightswww.ryanair.com

www.easyjet.com

Packing

Packing reminders

Governments, airports and airlines enforce strict regulationson the content and weight of baggage. Consult with theairline’s website for details.Use sturdy luggage and pack lightly. Be sure you can lift yourown luggage. Remember to leave space for gifts you mightpurchase!Secure a luggage tag on each bag with your overseas andLebanese contact informationKeep your passport, money and acceptance letters in yourcarry-on bag.

Not sure where to start?

Check out the ultimateStudy Abroad Packing List 

Your host institution’s acceptanceletterLaptop and USBContact information for overseasstaff and OIPCell phone (if it works abroad)Layers for varied weatherInsurance cardAppropriate clothing for cultureand climateAt least one formal/business outfitMedical prescriptions for theduration of your program in theiroriginal containersExtra eyeglasses, sunglasses,contact lenses and solution, andyour prescriptionAdapters and voltage converterSturdy walking shoes – you’ll bewalking a lot!Lightweight backpack for regionaltravelingCamera and journalCopies of your passport, visa,medical prescriptions, and all bankcards.An open mind!

PACKINGLIST

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(www.studyabroad.com/student-guide-study-abroad-packing)

and watch this video(youtu.be/LIk8v__Osm8)!

Financial Considerations

Financial tips

In most countries, you can use credit, ATM and debit cards.Your ATM card must have access to international networksbut check your bank’s overseas fees before departure.Some banks have international partners that do not chargeATM fees or charge reduced fees. Ask your bank about theirinternational partners.Take another ATM or credit card as a back-up. Leave copies ofall bank cards in Lebanon. Take local currency with you for your arrival. Take US currencywhich can be exchanged in an emergency.

Things to do beforeyou go

Notify your credit and debit card banks before departure.Otherwise they may think your cards were stolen when youuse them abroad. Take your bank’s customer servicenumbers abroad.Research what is needed to open an overseas bank account ifappropriate. Check with the international office at your hostuniversity if they have any bank recommendations forinternational students.Prepare a budget – check out this e-book:

and article & Evaluate your program’s cost and plan accordingly.

Many universities offer housing options on and off campus.Check the website of your Host University and get in touch withtheir international office to explore these options. You can alsojoin our Facebook group andget in touch with students who traveled before you or who arestill studying in the same country. Ask them about housingoptions and do an internet-based search prior to travelling.

HOUSING

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(www.gooverseas.com/sites/default/files/pdfs/how-budget-study-abroad-guide.pdf)

(www.studyabroad.com/articles/creating-a-budget-for-studying-abroad.aspx)

“AUB Study Abroad Community”

Health Preparations

Medical insurance

The AUB Health Insurance Plan (HIP) does not cover you while youare abroad. Students are required to obtain a medical insurance thatcovers them throughout the duration of the study abroad period. Exchange students do not wish to be charged for the HIP areresponsible for waiving it by the set deadline otherwise they will becharged for it. OIP suggests that you consult with the internationaloffice at the host university about available health insurance options.Research your insurance options thoroughly prior to leavingLebanon. Study abroad students will be registered for zero credits at AUB andthus will not be eligible for HIP.

Students withchronic illness

If you have a physical or psychological condition that requireslong-term treatment, notify your OIP Study Abroad Advisor sothat necessary assistance can be arranged. Consult yourphysician or counselor about your plan to go abroad foradvice on overseas medical care.Consider possible consequences of stress from culturaladjustment and different medical practices.We strongly encourage you to inform the international officeat your host university about any medical condition for whichyou need special assistance, do this before you leave.

Phones Abroad

Have medical and dental exams before departure.Check that all your vaccinations are current. Certain countriesmay also require or recommend vaccinations against specificdiseases before departure. Visit the following website fordetails: Bring medications in their original bottles and copies of allwritten prescriptions.When feasible, bring medication that lasts for your entire stayabroad. It is not always possible to obtain all medicationsabroad.

Check-ups,Vaccinations,Prescriptions

You may be able to use your Lebanese cell phone abroad.Ask your Host Institution for advice about getting a localphone/SIM card for making local calls.Use Messenger, Skype, WhatsApp, and Viber or any othercalling application to communicate with home for free.

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www.cdc.gov/

AT THE AMERICAN UNIVERSITY OF BEIRUT

AUB Course Approval

Apply for courseapproval

You must obtain course approval from the appropriate AUBchairperson, Faculty Curriculum Committee and youracademic advisor for each course you plan to take abroad. Submit the complete AUB Study Abroad Course ApprovalApplication to the OIP in Room 320 and keep a copy foryourself.

Course loadrequirements

The maximum academic load for undergraduate studentsduring a regular semester abroad is equivalent to 17 AUBcredits while the minimum is 12.Students who opt to take more than 17 or less than 12 AUBcredits must submit a petition to their Faculty and provideOIP with proof of approval prior to going abroad. The samepolicy applies to graduate students but students should firstconsult with their faculty regarding the minimum andmaximum number of credits they are eligible to take abroad.

You will receive credit for all course work completed abroadas long as the relevant academic departments at AUB havepre-approved the courses and you have passed the courses.Students will receive the transfer for each course based onthe credits that were determined and approved by theChairperson and Faculty before going abroad.Credits received on Study Abroad/Exchange Programs areconsidered as transfer credits, and will show as pass/fail onyour transcript.

Transferring creditsback to AUB

Final Clearance Form

Submit form

All students must submit the Final Clearance Form to OIP bythe due date. If you submit the Final Clearance Form for Study Abroadafter the due date, you risk losing your study abroadregistration status.Once we receive your Final Clearance Form the OIP incollaboration with the Office of the Registrar will register andbill you for either study abroad or exchange.

Fall 2019-20 -- May 23, 2019Winter 2019-20-- December 8, 2019Spring 2019-20--December 8, 2019Summer 2019-20-- April 27

DEADLINES

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Finances at AUB

Exchange students

Students will continue to pay the usual AUB tuition rate appropriate to a 15-credit course loadincluding the miscellaneous fees. This also applies to Erasmus + grantees. If you plan to enroll in more than 17 or less than 15 credits, you must inform OIP by completingthe Credits Taken Abroad by Exchange Students form within one month after the start of theAUB semester otherwise you will be charged for 15 credits.All Exchange students are given an extended deadline to settle their fees. OIP will communicatethis via students’ AUB emails.

Students will continue to pay the usual AUB tuition rate appropriate to a 9-credit course loadincluding the miscellaneous fees. This also applies to Erasmus + grantees.If you plan to enroll in more or less than 9 credits, you must inform OIP by completing the CreditsTaken Abroad by Exchange Students form by the assigned deadline otherwise you will becharged for 9 credits.All Exchange students are given an extended deadline to settle their fees. OIP will communicatethis via students’ AUB emails.

Exchange students on financial aid, scholarship or graduate assistantship may continue toreceive financial assistance from AUB. Consult with the Office of Financial Aid or the facultyconcerned for more information. Students must make sure they sort out their Financial aid,scholarship or GA by providing the relevant office or department with all the requireddocuments prior to going abroad.

The AUB withdrawal policy applies and students should follow the same dates as mentioned inthe AUB registration guide.

Undergraduate

Graduate

Financial Aid

Withdrawal policy

* OIP usually grants a deadline extension, with no late payment fees imposed, to all Exchangeand Study Abroad students. Thus, students need to abide by the deadline given and pay their

fees accordingly.*

Study abroad students

AUB study abroad students will not be charged AUB tuition BUT will still be required to pay themiscellaneous fees to maintain an active student status. Please contact Mr. Nizar Younis at ny02@aub.edu.lb should you have any questions aboutpayments at AUB. This policy does not apply to students going abroad during the summer semester.

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(website.aub.edu.lb/registrar/Pages/registration.aspx)

WHILE ABROAD

AUB Communication

Emergency contactinformation

It is very important that you send your international contactdetails to the OIP soon after arrival by completing theEmergency Contact Information Abroad Survey. 

AUB communication

AUB will communicate with you via your AUB email account.Be sure to check it while abroad or forward it to yourpreferred email address.Remember that you will receive email communication forimportant issues like course registration for the nextsemester and payment, so please check your AUB emailregularly.

Social media

Stay connected to OIP on social media via: Facebook: AUB Study Abroad Community: Twitter: Instagram: Remember to #AUBgoesabroad and tag OIP when you post pictures on socialmedia!

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www.facebook.com/oip.aub

www.facebook.com/groups/267039283417183/www.twitter.com/OIP_AUB

www.instagram.com/oip_aub/

Cultural Adjustment

Once abroad, you may face an adjustment period referred to as “culture shock”. The degree of“shock” depends on such factors as length of study abroad, your flexibility, and tolerance forambiguity, degree of difference between your home and host culture, prior experience abroad,and your expectations.

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What is cultureshock?

Culture shock is a normal part of study abroad. It shows thatyou are experiencing the differences between your cultureand that of the host country. Symptoms of culture shock caninclude: homesickness; depression; feeling lost and out ofplace; frustration; irritability; and fatigue.

What should I do if Iexperience culture

shock?

Talk to peers, your host Institution, or a counselor.Keep in touch with your family and friends at home, butremember to be present abroad and don’t spend all your timeon your computer.Consider challenges as learning opportunities and rememberto have a sense of humor!

If you experience culture shock, remember that it happens toeveryone and to take advantage of the resources available toyou.

Suggestions for dealingwith culture shock

Embrace your host culture and embrace its differences.Keep an open mind. We all have preconceived ideas and beliefs that come intoquestion while abroad.Get to know others at your host university: Do not isolate yourself!Learn as much as you can about your host culture.Find a “cultural informant”, such as a local person with whom you can discuss yourfrustrations and encounters with differences.Maintain a support structure with others, particularly those going through thesame experience but do not retreat into a Lebanese “clique” as a means ofavoiding the discomfort of culture shock.Keep a journal. Record your impressions of new experiences and thetransformations that are occurring with you.Remember that insight results from sustained and direct contact with your hostculture, not from observation at a safe distance.If you’re going to Europe, join the Erasmus Student Network.Want to learn more? Check out these resources – International students in the US:

& Tips for Studying Abroad:

(www.esn.org/)

(www.internationalstudent.com/study_usa/way-of-life/culture-shock/)

(http://www.gooverseas.com/blog/how-to-deal-with-culture-shock-while-studying-abroad)

Academics

Students who decide to change one or more of their pre-approved courses once they are at thehost university must contact their department chair by email and petition for approval of thereplacement or added course(s) within one month of the beginning of the semester at AUB.Otherwise they risk not being granted the course transfer upon return to AUB.

Pass/Fail

Check your host university’s grading system and consult withyour faculty on what is considered a passing grade at AUB.Remember: Each faculty has a different policy; it is thereforethe student’s responsibility to find out what the policy is inhis/her faculty. For example, OSB students must receive a B+or better to receive credit.

Make sure that you do not have any outstanding debt with your host university at the endof the semester. Request to have your transcript sent to OIP at the address below and besure to have a copy of your own. OIP Mailing address: American University of BeirutOffice of International ProgramsAttention: [first name - last name]West Hall, 3rd Floor, Room 322Bliss Street, Hamra, Beirut, Lebanon Tel: +9611 374374 Ext. 3147

Transcripts

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Changes in host country

Safety & Student Codeof Conduct

Educate yourself about, and fully integrate yourself into, your host country’sculture; fully participate in host university-sponsored events and engage withthe local community.Be an exemplary AUB ambassador to your host country and university bytaking full responsibility for your personal conduct and academicperformance.Consider host country culture, attitudes, and laws regarding personalrelationships, sexuality, race, religion, gender, etc.Achieve your own study abroad goals by carefully reading all programmaterials and responding in a timely manner to communications from theOIP and host university staff.

Keep your passport and visa in a secure place. Carry copies when nottravelling.Be careful with bank card numbers, receipts and PINs. Exercise caution atATM machines.Do not carry large amounts of cash or all of your money in one place. Do notcount money in public.Do not leave valuables lying around.

You are subject to the laws and legal system of the state of your host country.Learn the local laws and obey them.Illegal or unacceptable behaviour will result in a Dean’s warning from AUB.OIP and the host university can dismiss you from the program if necessary.

You are subject to the laws and legal system of the state of your host country.Learn the local laws and obey them.Illegal or unacceptable behaviour will result in a Dean’s warning from AUB.OIP and the host university can dismiss you from the program if necessary.

Carry your medical insurance card at all times.Let relatives know your travel itinerary and contact them upon arrival. If youhave a roommate/host family/ international student coordinator, also letthem know your plans.Pay attention to the local health, safety, and travel recommendations.You should not drive while overseas. Use caution when riding in vehicles.Driving behaviour and laws vary by location.In some locations, exercise caution with water and dairy products. Avoid rawor undercooked food. Be wary of food available at street vendors.

We expect you to become familiar with the code of conduct of your hostuniversity and respect and the host country’s local laws.Please always remember that you are representing AUB and Lebanon abroad! STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES

 SAFEGUARDING YOUR DOCUMENTS AND VALUABLES

 OBEYING LOCAL LAWS

STREET SMARTS

PERSONAL SAFETY

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EMERGENCIES ABROAD

Prior to traveling anywhere, register with your local embassy abroad.Take careful note of your host university’s emergency procedures. Pay closeattention to instruction provided in the program orientation and materials. Alwayskeep your program emergency contact information with you. This may includeentering the primary contact’s cell phone number into your phone and keepingan emergency contact card in your wallet or purseFor a medical emergency, go to the nearest hospital or clinic. Always keep yourhealth insurance card with you and call them as soon as possible if you have amedical emergency. Alert the international office at your host university of anemergency so that they can notify AUB and your family to provide assistance asneeded.In a politically volatile situation or natural disaster, contact your host university’sinternational office staff immediately so they can take inventory of their students.Heed any instructions they provide. If necessary, contact your embassy forassistance.Notify the OIP as soon as possible in the event of an emergency abroad. Contactinformation is located on the next page of this handbook.In case of emergency outside of AUB office hours, call the AUB protection Office at+961 1-350000 Ext: 2400.Hit the “safe” button on Facebook to let friends and family know you are ok.

Steps to take in an emergency:

1.2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Beirut Office: Hala DimechkieDirectorhd23@aub.edu.lbTel: +961 1-350000 Ext: 3176Mobile: +9613662020 Basma ZeidanAssociate Directorbz06@aub.edu.lbTel: +961 1-350000 Ext: 3146Mobile: +96170020292 Ghassan AframExecutive Officerga27@aub.edu.lbTel: +961 1-350000 Ext: 3147 Olga SafaSpecial Projects Coordinatoros10@aub.edu.lbTel: +961 350000 Ext. 3092 Rana CheaitoStudy Abroad Advisor & Social MediaManagerrc64@aub.edu.lbTel: +961 1-350000 Ext: 3252 Abbas HammoudCoordinator – International StudentServicesah219@aub.edu.lb Tel: +961 1-350000 Ext: 3186

NYC Office:

Megan Scanlon(New York Office)North American Representativemscanlon@aub.edu.lbTel: +1-212-583-7665 OIP Mailing addressAmerican University of BeirutOffice of International ProgramsAttention: [first name - last name]West Hall, 3rd Floor, Room 322Bliss Street, Hamra, Beirut, Lebanon Tel: +9611 374374 Ext. 3147 Email us at aubabroad@aub.edu.lb US Mailing AddressAmerican University of Beirut3 Dag Hammarskjold Plaza, 8th FloorNew York, NY 10017-2303USA

NOTES

Amer i can Un i ve r s i t y o f Be i ru tO f f i ce o f I n te rna t i ona l P rog ramsWest Ha l l , 3 rd F l oo r , Room 322B l i s s S t ree t , Hamra ,  Be i ru t , Lebanon  Te l : +9611 374374 Ex t . 3147 Ema i l u s a t aubabroad@aub .edu . l b