The Buddy Program
I am an LAU student. I want to become a Buddy!
Local students are encouraged to help the international students with any questions before their arrival and during their stay in Lebanon. They provide the friendly face, helping hand, and first Lebanese friendship that can make a world of difference for new arrivals. Buddies can also offer linguistic support, cultural guidance and information about life at LAU and in Lebanon.
The program also allows students returning from an international experience to support fellow students in their preparations for their semester abroad.
At the start of every semester the International Services and Programs Office hosts a Buddy meeting for the participants of the program.
Buddy activities include:
- Campus tours
- Locating nearby banks, grocery stores, bookstores, etc.
- Support in local housing
- Fun outings to familiarize students with the country
- Meetings with selected outgoing students to provide tips on how to prepare and what to expect abroad
- Be part of orientation meeting and pre-departure orientation
- Excursions/hikes/touring trips around Lebanon
- Gatherings in hometown/villages/homes for familiarity and immersion in culture.
I am an international student. I need a Buddy!
A Buddy will be there to help you before your arrival and during your stay in Lebanon. Your Buddy facilitates your integration in the campus life at LAU and encourages you to meet, interact and engage with the community in Lebanon.
If you want a Buddy, please fill out this form.
Meet your Buddy!
Meet Ali Abbass, a Computer Engineering Student at the Beirut Campus. Ali is a cinema nerd, a tech head, and a travel enthusiast.
“Hey, I’m Ali, I was an international student just like you! I spent a semester in Italy, and I know how helpful it is to have a local helping hand when trying juggle this new life and all its exciting experiences. And hey, who says no for a new friend opportunity! Don’t hesitate twice before reaching me for any task, question or even a casual coffee talk :) ”
Meet Grace Hassan, a Business Management student at the Beirut campus
“My exchange experience in the Czech Republic taught me independence, introduced me to new cultures, and helped me learn a lot about myself. During my time abroad, I had the opportunity to practice new languages while learning about different cultures.
I applied to be a buddy because I’m excited to help international students feel welcome, adjust to life at LAU, and make the most of their exchange experience. I know how important it is to have someone to turn to when you’re in a new environment, and I’d love to be that support for other students.”
Meet Ivan Moussa, a Biology student at the Byblos campus. He enjoys meeting new people, building connections, and trying new experiences. Some of his interests include gaming, skiing, racket sports, kite surfing, going out, and exploring new places.
“I joined the Buddy Program because I enjoy meeting new people and helping international students feel welcomed in Lebanon. I love connecting with people from different backgrounds and making the most out of every experience. Whether it’s going out, playing sports, gaming, or discovering new places, I enjoy creating fun memories and good friendships. I hope I can help students feel comfortable, enjoy their time here, and leave Lebanon with unforgettable experiences.”
Meet Jana Haydar, an English literature student at the Beirut campus. Her interests include reading and watching movies, as well as nature and hiking, and even clubbing on occasion.
“I joined the buddy program because, after my Erasmus in Finland, I realized that no matter how self-reliant you are when you go somewhere new with a totally different culture, you need gentle and patient guidance until you’re no longer a stranger. Instead, you leave not being able to call just your birthplace your homeland anymore. I am very empathetic, so international students can come to me with any private or minor inconveniences bothering their integration into the exchange program. Additionally, I am very responsive to anything that could make outgoing students’ departure clear and less complicated, based on my experience with going abroad.”
Meet Joakim Diab, a Political Science & International Affairs student at the Byblos campus.
“I understand firsthand the challenges of adapting to a new country and environment. Having completed Grade 9 and Grade 10 in France, as well as spending a year studying Law at Panthéon-Sorbonne University, I experienced what it feels like to live and study abroad. After returning to Lebanon, I developed a deeper appreciation for Lebanese culture, hospitality, and gastronomy. Through the Buddy Program, I would like to help outgoing students feel welcomed and supported by introducing them to new places, allowing them to discover Lebanese cuisine, and guiding them through their adaptation process. My goal is to help them stay motivated, avoid confusion, and make the most of their experience in Lebanon, just as I would have appreciated when I was abroad.”
Meet Kyle Tyan, a Political Science and International Affairs student at the Byblos Campus. He enjoys reading, participating in Model United Nations (MUN) conferences, exploring new places, and expressing his creativity through painting.
“After spending a semester abroad in France, I learned that the people you meet can completely shape your exchange experience. That’s why I joined the Buddy Program: to be the person I would have wanted when I first arrived in a new country. I want every international student to leave Lebanon not only with unforgettable memories, but also with meaningful friendships, incredible stories, and a second home they’ll always carry with them. So, what’s my role, you ask? It’s making sure you experience the real Lebanon, the night life, the spontaneous adventures, the unmatched hospitality, and all those little moments that transform strangers into lifelong friends.”
Meet Leen Harfoush, a computer science student at the Beirut campus. She is an artist who enjoys drawing, and she loves spending her time exploring nature, hiking, and discovering new places. She is also a big food lover and enjoys trying different cuisines and local spots.
“I joined the Buddy Program because I remember what it felt like to walk onto campus for the first time and not quite know where I belonged. I’d love to be the person who makes that first step a little less daunting for international students, and to share the side of Lebanon that doesn’t make the headlines.”
Meet Lili Talhouk, an International Business Management student at the Beirut campus.
“I’m an enthusiastic, friendly, and outgoing International Business Management major at LAU Beirut who loves meeting new people and learning from different cultures and perspectives. Full of positive energy, I enjoy building connections, trying new experiences, and making the most of every opportunity. In my free time, I love going to the gym, traveling, and baking—three hobbies that keep me active, adventurous, and creative.”
Meet Lynn Halwani, an Economics student minoring in Legal Studies at the Beirut campus. She loves yoga, music, meeting new people, traveling, learning new languages, the beach, and camping.
“I joined the buddy program because I want to have the same impact on you as my buddy in Portugal had on me. Looking forward to showing you all the local spots and hidden gems that Lebanon has to offer. Also, looking forward to making you taste all our dishes and forcing you to love my favorite food (moghrabiye). You’re coming to a country that is full of love and life, and I’m here to show you that.”
Meet Michele El Houyaek, a Psychology student at the Byblos campus and a proud Red Cross volunteer. She enjoys traveling, discovering new places, trying new food, and meeting people from different cultures. She loves bringing people together and creating memories that last!
“In the Red Cross, we say that every minute counts. My job? To make sure every minute of your time in Lebanon counts too. Whether it is helping you navigate university life, introducing you to hidden gems and the best food spots, or simply being someone you can count on, I will do my best to make sure you leave with unforgettable memories, incredible stories, and maybe even a lifelong love for Lebanese food!”
Meet Pia Maria Bou Maroun, a pharmacy student at the Byblos campus. She is passionate about baking, fashion, artistic makeup, and philosophy.
“I joined the buddy program because I wanted to make someone’s stay here in Lebanon easier. Our culture is so rich, but it can be overwhelming at times and so knowing you have someone to fall back onto in times of need, even if it is something simple, would make someone’s semester here much more enjoyable. And an exposure to so many different cultures would definitely be a plus.”
Meet Rabih Khalil, a Banking and Finance student minoring in Data Analytics at the Beirut campus.
“I joined the Buddy Program because I believe every student deserves to feel that they belong, no matter how far they are from home.
After spending a semester abroad in Poland, I experienced firsthand how meaningful it is to have someone who guides you, supports you, and helps you embrace a new culture with confidence. Now, I want to offer that same experience to others.
Lebanon is much more than what people see on the news. It is a country of resilience, hospitality, beautiful contradictions, and unforgettable memories. Through the Buddy Program, I hope to share the Lebanon I love while helping students build friendships, discover new experiences, and feel truly at home.
Whether you need a local guide, a problem-solver, a coffee companion, or simply a positive voice on a difficult day, I’m always happy to help. My goal is simple for you to leave Lebanon with incredible memories, lifelong friendships, and a place you’ll always want to come back to.”
Meet Sally Bou Diab, a marketing student at the Beirut campus. She enjoys music, photography, movies, hiking, and tennis.
“Before coming to Berlin, I had so many questions and honestly had no idea where to start, it’s a lot to figure out on your own. I was lucky enough to have someone who’d already been through it guide me, and it genuinely made everything easier. That’s what I want to do as a Buddy. Whether you’re preparing to go abroad or just arrived in Lebanon, I’ll be that support system for you, help you feel less overwhelmed, and enjoy the experience.”
Meet Serena El Khoury, an International Business student at the Byblos campus. She enjoys traveling and meeting people from different cultures. Her interests include business, personal growth and discovering hidden gems.
“Studying abroad is about so much more than academics; it’s about the people you meet, the experiences you have, and the memories you create along the way. As a Buddy, I’d love to help international students feel welcomed and excited to explore everything Lebanon has to offer. My hope is that by the end of your exchange, Lebanon feels a little less like a destination and a little more like home.”
Meet Yasmina Saliba, an architecture student at the Byblos campus. Her interests include hiking, painting, scouts, and theatre. She enjoys going to the beach, going camping, trying new restaurants, and going on road trips.
“Doing my exchange semester in Florence made me realize that the people you meet are what shape your experience and help create the memories you take with you. I joined the Buddy Program because I want incoming students to experience Lebanon the way I would show it to a friend: through good food, road trips, discovering hidden gems, and experiencing the culture. I’m the type of person who turns a random idea into a full itinerary, so don’t mention a plan unless you’re serious about it, because chances are I’ll already have it planned out!”