Location:

Beirut, Lebanon

Program Type:

Study Abroad

Degree Level:

Undergraduate

Term:

Year Round

Program Overview

Program Description:

THE BEIRUT EXCHANGE June 12-26/Application deadline April 15, 2011 Limited spaces available/Rolling acceptance In an effort to further its commitment to promoting dialogue and understanding, Mideastwire is pleased to announce the Sixth Beirut Exchange program. The two-week program June 12-26, 2011 will engage students from around the world in a multifaceted discussion of some of the key issues facing the region.

The Beirut Exchange program rests on three tracks: Academic - Participants will attend a series of lectures and colloquia led by leading academics and public intellectuals. Topics will include: International law in theory and practice in the Middle East; The United Nations as peacekeeper and mediator; Engaging political Islam; Pax Syriana in Lebanon; Asymmetrical conflict: the July 2006 Lebanon war; Human development in the Middle East and other topics. Language - Participants will have the option of attending 20 hours of Arabic language instruction at the Saifi Arabic Institute for Arabic Language in Beirut. Modules for both colloquial and formal Arabic will be available at different levels. Dialogue with Leaders - Participants will have the opportunity to meet, listen and engage social, political and economic leaders from across the spectrum in Lebanon - with a particular (though not exclusive) emphasis on exposure to leading Islamist and opposition currents.

Previous Speakers (partial list only): ·Omar Bakri, Iqra Islamic Trust for Research and Islamic Studies ·Bilal Baroudi, As-Salam Mosque Tripoli ·Nicholas Blanford, Times of London ·Richard Chambers, International Foundation for Electoral Systems ·Alastair Crooke, Conflicts Forum ·Robert Fisk, The Independent ·Toufic Gaspard, Economist ·Hanin Ghaddar, NOW Lebanon ·Timur Goksel, American University of Beirut ·Judith Palmer Harik, Matn University ·Nadim Houry, Human Rights Watch ·Farid El-Khazen, AUB ·Eli Khoury, Quantum Communications ·Karim Makdisi, AUB ·Sayyid Mohammed Marandi, Tehran University ·Michael Miller, European Commission ·Ibrahim Mussawi, Al-Intiqad ·Omar Nashabe, Al-Akhbar ·Nir Rosen, Journalist ·Osama Safa, Lebanese Center for Policy Studies ·Paul Salem, Carnegie Middle East Center ·Michel Samaha, Frm. Republic of Lebanon ·Milos Struger, UNIFIL ·Fawwaz Traboulsi, AUB ·Michael Young, Daily Star

Setting Description:

Recommended accommodation is at our facility, Saifi Urban Gardens. Room rates vary depending on arrangements, but generally fall within the range of $300-$500 for the duration of the program. Alternative accommodation is available upon request.