Gabriel larivière
1- Tell us a little about yourself.
I am an MA student at McGill’s Institute of Islamic Studies. My research focuses on the contemporary history of Syria and of the various Islamic movements within the country.
2- What got you into studying in Lebanon? How did you discover the institute you went to study in?
I wanted to improve my standard and Syrian Arabic over the summer. Since traveling to Syria is not feasible because of the ongoing civil war, Lebanon seemed like a natural place to go. I had heard of a French institute there who offered challenging summer courses in Arabic through a friend. I applied, did a qualifying exam, and got accepted.
3- What are some of the biggest misconceptions that people have about traveling in Lebanon?
Many people asked me when I came back if it was safe to travel to Lebanon. While it is true that the country is at the intersection of many conflicts in the region, it is much safer for tourists than most people seem to think. It is very easy to travel inside and outside Beirut, and Lebanese are very welcoming and always happy to help foreigners find their way.
4- What was your favourite experience there?
My favourite experiences were the conversations I had with a Syrian refugee on a bus to Sur and with a Palestinian driver in the city. The two were generous enough to tell their own personal stories, explain the difficulties they face as refugees in Lebanon, and share their hopes for the future.
5- What do you feel was your biggest personal accomplishment?
The language program was incredibly hard and I was somehow placed in the best group. My biggest accomplishment is without a doubt surviving the semester! The professors were extremely helpful and demanding, so I learned a lot during my stay in Lebanon.
6- What do you find inspirational about studying there? Did your experience inspire you for any future plans?
It is much easier and more motivating to study Arabic in a place where people speak it daily in the streets. Lebanon is also a wonderful and fascinating country, I would really like to go back.
7- If you could talk to your past self, what’s your advice for prior travel to Lebanon?
I weirdly cannot think of any advice other than to keep boarding passes, because it makes the whole process of getting funding (from McGill) much, much easier!
8- Last but not least, what advice would you give to future McGill students seeking to study away in Lebanon?
I would suggest that if they want to practice their Arabic, they be stubborn and force Lebanese, who are sometimes very good in English or French, to have conversations in Arabic with them. I would also highly recommend traveling across the country, to get a sense of its history and diversity.
Part II – Questions regarding the application procedure
1- How did you apply to the school? (Provide contacts if necessary)
The Institut Français au Proche-Orient has a website with all the relevant info in French and in English for people to apply to their program in Beirut or Amman. You need to fill an application form and take a placement test.
2- How was the visa application process? What did you do to get it?
Since I am privileged by my Canadian passport, I did not have to apply for a visa before going into Lebanon.
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