Packing up your life and moving to another country for a year can be a daunting and even

scary experience. However, it can also be a very exciting and fun adventure.

You are about to embark on an adventure at Middle East University. Most of this adventure

involves figuring out some things on your own and experiencing mishaps, but we decided to

give you some packing guidelines and some helpful hints that we hope will make the start of

your adventure more enjoyable and a little less stressful.

Think of it as a set of guidelines or suggestions, not rules. Enjoy and don't be afraid to try

new things, have crazy adventures, and learn Arabic!

From,

Returned ACA students who know what you will be going through

DEAR FUTURE ACA LEBANON STUDENT,

Church clothes: There is a church on campus. You can dress how you wish, but you should be

respectful.

Athletic clothes: There are sports activities, a gymnasium, and a workout room on campus.

Swim suit: You should definitely bring a swim suit.

Dress code: There is a dress code. Make sure you dress modestly and respectfully. The dress code

is a lot like Southern’s. Dorms have banquets, and vespers attire is great for such occasions.

THE ESSENTIALS: CLOTHES

Winter clothes: You don’t really need

winter clothes unless you are going to ski. It

does rain a lot so rain boots and rain coats

are important.

THE ESSENTIALS: CLOTHES

Summer clothes: You also need to bring summer clothes. It will be hot

outside when you arrive and when you leave.

January February March April May June

50-61 50-62 52-65 58-71 63-75 69-80

July August September October November December

73-84 75-85 72-83 68-80 59-72 53-64

Average Low and High Temperatures in Beirut, Lebanon (˚F)

Walking shoes: You will do a lot of walking.

There is a lot of walking if you are going into

town or to the mall. There are a lot of trips

also, and you will be walking most of the time.

Flip-flops: You may want these for the

showers on campus. Keep in mind that men

have community showers in the dorms

whereas the women have their own bathroom

in their room.

THE ESSENTIALS: CLOTHES

Bible: The university will give you an Arabic Bible, but you may want to bring

a Bible in your own language. It is also nice to have a dual-language Bible, but

you should buy it before you go abroad.

International Student Identity card: Getting this card gives you a lot of

discounts while you travel.

Journal: You’ll want this to keep track of your memories. You can also keep

a photo journal of your experiences. Or start a blog online.

Bring a computer and or a Wi-Fi device with a webcam: Skype is one of the most

convenient ways to communicate with friends and family in the U.S.

External hard drive: You should have an extra place to store your pictures and back up your

computer in case your computer gets stolen or ruined. It would be a good idea to back up your

files online.

Camera: Lebanon is full of beauty, and you will want to capture it to show your family and

friends back home.

Cell phones: You can buy your own phone before you go abroad. Make sure it is an unlocked

GSM phone with SIM card capability. The school provides you with a SIM card.

Voltage converter: If you have a MAC you don’t really need one, but if you have a PC you

definitely need one.

Hygienic products: There are stores where you can buy soap, shampoo, toothpaste,

etc. However, they cost more there than in the United States. You should bring these

essentials from home.

Movies: Bring action movies. The people there really prefer watching our films instead of

Arabic ones, so bring ones that you can share with everyone.

Remember you are there to learn Arabic: Do NOT bring lots of English media. When you

do feel like watching something in English, they have a lot of English media available.

Devotional book in English: This keeps your spirituality accessible and separate from the

frustrations of another language.

Devotional book in Arabic: This will help you connect your spirituality with Arabic and help

you learn religious words.

Pictures from home: Put them on your dorm room wall! Your roommates and friends will

love to see what your family looks like and the pictures will help with homesickness.

Makeup and feminine hygiene products: There are stores where you can

buy makeup and feminine care products. However, they are more expensive

than the ones in the Unites States. You should bring these essential products

from home. For ethnic-specific products, there are a couple of stores that

sell hair products for all hair types. But like the other products, these are

way more expensive.

Theft: There is not much risk of theft on campus. However, it is always a good idea to keep your

room locked when you are not there.

Laundry: There is a laundry room located on each floor of the women’s dorm. You are expected to

bring your own laundry detergent, but you do not have to pay for use of the machines. There are no

dryers, but there are clotheslines where you can dry your clothes. The men’s dorm is also equipped

with washers. Bring clothes that can handle the sun and air drying.

Emergency clothes: Pack a couple days worth of clothes in your carry-on bag in case your luggage

gets lost.

Cooking: There is a kitchen equipped with pots and pans. Everyone shares in the responsibility of

keeping them clean and in their place. Also, a meal plan is required.

Packages: You will be able to pick up packages at the front desk of the dorms where you will be

staying. There is something like a tax that you have to pay when you pick up your package.

Check your courses: Make sure you compare your courses with those of your home college and

make sure that they will count for something when you get back.

Dorms: They charge you extra for air conditioning in the summer so be prepared for that.

Bring a credit card/debit card: This is a

must-have. If you bring a debit card bring a

credit card as well, just in case. Make sure

that credit cards work in Lebanon and the

surrounding countries. HSBC is the only

bank that is the same one that we have

here.

Exchanging money: The school will

exchange the money for you. They know the

best places to exchange, so just ask them

when you need to make this transaction.

Exchange rate:

http://www.xe.com/currencyconverter/co

nvert/?Amount=1&From=EUR&To=USD

Passports: Keep your passport with you at all

times while traveling. Do not leave it

unattended. It should be kept in a safe place

while traveling and during your stay at the

dorms.

Other important documents: Make sure you

have all your papers when you arrive and when

you leave Lebanon (visa, birth certificate, etc.).

During the year make sure all documents are

stored in an inconspicuous, locked area. Make

and keep copies of all important documents.

Bring snacks: Nutritious, compact

snacks will be useful when traveling.

Backpack: The best way to carry your

stuff with you when you travel is in a

backpack as it stays close to your

body and is as mobile as you are. Bring

one large enough to fit all your stuff,

but also small enough to qualify as

carry-on luggage on all flights.

Clothes and shoes for hiking:

There isn’t much hiking to do but

definitely a lot of walking that

needs to be done, so be ready for

that.

Packing: Don’t bring a lot of clothes. Bring

just enough so that you will be comfortable.

Remember that your roommates may not

have very much. You will also need room in

your suitcase for all of your awesome

souvenirs!

Valuables: Don't bring a lot of nice,

expensive things. Nice clothing may be ruined

in the laundry or lost. You also do not want to

be perceived as flaunting your fancy clothes

and electronics.

Be nice. When needing to talk to advisors, teachers or even peers at the school it is more likely that they will help if you are nice first. Outside of school try not to argue with vendors; just smile, disconnect eye contact, and keep walking if not interested in their merchandise.

Be frugal. Everyone's financial situation is different, but the more money you can hang on to, the more confident you will be when traveling. Always try to find good deals and live cheap. Occasionally it is fun to splurge on a nice dinner, show, or clothing item. Save up for the trip because it can be an expensive one.

Talk to people. One of the best ways to learn about the local culture is by chatting with people on transportation, or in markets. They will have plenty of questions to ask you, too.

Be aware. Pay attention to your surroundings. Be aware that things could go wrong. They do advise you which areas not to go to, so follow that advice.