Karine Ménard-Hogan
1- Tell us a little about yourself.
I’m studying French literature here at McGill and it’s my first year. I’m also taking the beginner’s course of arabic (ISLA 521). I’m from Montreal, I speak French and English at home and I did pretty much all my schooling in French. I also did an exchange of two semesters in Chile where I learned to speak Spanish in 2012.
2- What got you into studying in Lebanon? How did you discover the institute you went to study in?
I wanted to go to Lebanon because I had heard great things about it like that it was cosmopolitan and had a great nightlife. I also chose to go there as opposed to Northern Africa, because I had heard that lebanese arabic was closer to Modern Standard arabic, and so it would allow me to maybe also be understood in Northern Africa if I went there and to just understand the news on Aljazeera arabic for instance. I discovered ALPs Beirut online by looking up arabic course in the country. I compared its prices with other universities and private institutions and picked that one because it was cheaper. Here is the link to it: https://alpsarabicbeirut.org/.
3- What are some of the biggest misconceptions that people have about traveling in Lebanon?
I’m not sure about misconceptions, but although some girls over there told me that it was unsafe to walk around alone as a women, I found it very safe to walk around at night in Beirut. I never thought I was in danger or followed. Something else that surprised me was how bilingual/trilingual everyone is there (except maybe some taxi drivers). I never found that anybody was hostile towards me even though I was a “rich” white girl, which they definitely could have. I found the Lebanese to be extremely nice and helpful.
4- What was your favourite experience there?
Discovering the city at night and eating out with my fellow classmates!
Discovering the city at night and eating out with my fellow classmates!
5- What do you feel was your biggest personal accomplishment?
Learning (a little) arabic and understanding some of it.
6- What do you find inspirational about studying there? Did your experience inspire you for any future plans?
I found inspirational how Lebanese men and women have this generosity code of conduct, which I found admirable (also intimidating at times). The Lebanese also inspired me to dress better and take better care of my general appearance. My experience taught me l that I could easily see myself living there, perhaps once I retire.
7- If you could talk to your past self, what’s your advice for prior travel to Lebanon?
Be proactive about learning more lebanese arabic!! Listen to songs (Fairouz, etc,) and learn words form the lyrics, etc.
8- Last but not least, what advice would you give to future McGill students seeking to study away in Lebanon?
If you want your arabic courses in Lebanon to be credited at McGill, you’ll probably need to take them at AUB, St-Joseph University or another university. In other words, not in a private institution even though they might be cheaper.
Part II – Questions regarding the application procedure
1- How did you apply to the school? (Provide contacts if necessary)
I wrote to them and filled out a registration form. I met with administrators and took the placement “test” which was more of a conversation and payed the fees once I was there, not before hand.
2- How was the visa application process? What did you do to get it?
I think I payed around 25 US$ at the airport. I didn’t have to ask for it in advance like I did for Egypt.
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