Program Overview
The American University of Beirut’s Continuing Education Center (CEC), in collaboration with the Office of Alumni Relations and the Worldwide Alumni Association of the American University of Beirut (WAAAUB), hosts the SPAAC Summer Program to enhance participants' knowledge of Lebanese culture and expand their understanding of the modern Middle East while experiencing campus life at AUB.
The SPAAC Program is a rich and pleasurable educational experience, and a unique opportunity to enjoy the summer, make new friends, get a taste of college life, and explore Lebanon.
The summer program is open to bright and motivated students from around the world between the ages of 14 and 18. Participants’ stay on campus is facilitated and carefully supervised by our highly qualified staff. Participants will be accompanied by staff on all planned activities including on-campus activities and field trips to extraordinary historical sites throughout Lebanon.
Program Structure
Academic Courses
Participants will take courses in classical and colloquial Arabic. We use a curriculum rich in social and cultural activities. Participants will also take courses in early history, contemporary history, soft skills, and the archaeology of Lebanon and the region (a combination of field trips and time in the classroom). The language of instruction is English. Arabic will be used when appropriate.
All participants will take the following courses:
Arabic Language (Level 1 or Level 2)
This course aims to enhance participants' real-life communication skills and enable them to develop proficiency in the Arabic language by emphasizing the use of the language in meaningful contexts rather than solely focusing on grammar rules. The course puts an emphasis on building fluency and ease in understanding and expressing ideas in Arabic.
In addition to strengthening students' linguistic foundation, the course also introduces them to Lebanese society, history, and culture through folk tales, songs, poems, and short stories that depict various aspects of the country's cultural heritage.
Lebanese Culture and Heritage
This course links the land located on the shores of the east end of the Mediterranean Sea with a series of civilizations and armies that either settled or occupied that land from the Phoenicians or Canaanites all the way through to the Persians, Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Crusaders, Ottomans, and the French, until we reach the point when Lebanon, as we know it today, was created and got its independence.
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Contemporary Lebanese Studies
This course aims at giving participants a better understanding of Lebanon from the prehistoric period until the modern day. The archaeology program starts with a general introduction to archaeological sites in Lebanon and surveys prehistoric Lebanon.
Elective Courses
Participants may choose to participate in one or two afternoon courses (Drawing, The Young Designer, Well-Being Through Acting, Folk Dance, and Cooking).
Drawing
Students will learn how to execute a freehand drawing from observation. They will use a variety of media including graphite, charcoal, and ink to draw from still life and nature. Basic principles of composition, proportion, and perspective are stressed. This course will also cover the theory of color, and the different types of color mediums and techniques.
The Young Designer
This is a fun and engaging course for creative minds to explore graphic design, product design, interior design, and architecture.
Well-Being Through Acting
This course utilizes acting techniques and exercises that provide essential tools for participants' overall well-being and their development as stronger members of their communities, while helping them overcome the anxieties, insecurities, and expectations that they may be experiencing.
Folk Dance
This course introduce participants to Lebanese cultural roots through the Lebanese traditional dance "dabke". The course aims at teaching participants the basic dabke steps, which they will then be able to practice at Lebanese community gatherings and/or during other special occasions.
Other Activities
Participants will participate in community engagement activities organized by AUB's Center for Civic Engagement and Community Services. They will also enjoy dinner outings to various places in Beirut.
Country Excursions
One-day trips to significant historical and cultural destinations will ensure participants' exposure to the rich diversity Lebanon has to offer.
Among the field trips that may be organized are:
- Visits to archaeological and historical sites in Jbeil, Batroun, Beiteddine, Mousa Castle, Baalback, and Jeita
- Hikes in the Cedars and Qadisha Valley
- A visit to a Lebanese beach
Meals and transportation on planned excursions are included in the program cost.
Program Fee: USD 2800
The program fee includes: tuition, medical insurance, accomodation, gym access, meals, and program activities and trips for the full two weeks.