INCOMING Students:
Application forms
AUB Application Form
In addition to the regular IFMSA application form, every incoming student is required to fill in the AUB (American University of Beirut) visiting student application form without which we cannot secure any position for a clerkship here in Lebanon. This will be sent to you by LeMSIC. Please make sure that it is filled and stamped by the dean of your faculty as well.
DOWNLOAD AUB APPLICATION FORM
English Certificate or English Proficiency Proof
AUB being an English based educational institution, no student is accepted if he doesn’t have good proficiency in English, in order to assure you of the best educational experience, we need to verify your possessing of English through this proof. It can be any paper, from your national member organization or your university guaranteeing your level.
For a more detailed idea of the required documents, please check this page.
More about the clerkship
The place of the clerkship is in AUB medical center, which is next to AUB campus. This is one of the most prestigious medical centers of Lebanon and the region. You are expected to attend your clinical rotation in the department for at least 6 hours from Monday to Friday. However this is variable and is at the discretion of the concerned departments. Failing to attend at least 2/3 of the rotation may cause the termination of the bilateral contract.
As for the working conditions since you are not covered by malpractice insurance you'll be observers in the hospital. Nevertheless there is lot you can do during the clerkship. You will attend and actively participate in all bedside rounds, conferences, and case discussions. All these are in English. You'll be able to examine patients under supervision.
The committee here is responsible for providing you with:
1) Lodging: the lodging is near the university and is free (on bilateral basis). Important remarks concerning the lodging:
A-If you are going to extend your stay after your clerkship ends it must be on your own expenses and you must arrange the additional days with the hotel and not the committee.(we will try to help you though!)
B-You will stay in a room/complex that may accommodate students of the same sex. Friends /relatives/pets are not welcome. Another room may be arranged for them depending upon availability on their own expense.
C-If you are sharing the room with other students they have the right to object of any unwanted visits by other people in the room/apartment. Remember the lodging place is meant to be convenient for all its occupants.
D-In case you are coming as a couple and you want to share a room, you have to inform us before hand in order to TRY to arrange it for you. However, there are no guarantees. Sorry!
2) Boarding: free meals using a meal ticket provided by your local committee. You will be offered three meals per day, seven meals per week, for 30 days duration! Boarding is at the hospital’s cafeteria, within a walking distance from your lodging.
3) Contact person: You will see on your acceptance card the name of two contact persons. The first contact person is the official one while the second is only contacted if the first is not available.
Your contact person is a medical student who will act as your local brother or sister. He/She has volunteered to make you feel at home. He/She is expected to:
A- To establish contact with you before you come, via e-mail. Please send him/her an e-mail as soon as you have your acceptance card. Do not hesitate to ask any question concerning your clerkship in Lebanon. IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A REPLY FROM YOUR FIRST CONTACT PERSON, E-MAIL THE SECOND ONE QUICKLY.
B- Meet you at the airport. You are requested to e-mail your contact person at least 4 days before you arrive to confirm your arrival and to provide him/her with details of the airline, flight number and the arrival time (local time).
C- Show you to your lodging and give you the necessary information about it.
D- Take you to the hospital on your first elective day and show you the department.
E- Accompany you to the cafeteria and show you how to use the meal ticket.
F- Acquaint you with AUB and the surrounding region.
Your contact person is responsible for answering all your questions, giving you the necessary information, and solving any problems during your stay. If you have any problems with him/her please report to the LEO of the local committee.
Other Important Facts
Why Choose Lebanon? (click here)
Weather and Clothes
Since most of you are coming in the summer, the average temperatures in the summer months are: June (25 C), July (27C), August (28C), and September (26C). Beirut summer days are usually hot, sunny, and humid without rain until the end of September. But do not worry because your lodging places as well as the hospital are air-conditioned. In the winter however, if you travel to higher altitudes it is very cold and snowy. Temperatures can drop to 9 degrees centigrade in Beirut in January.
Formal clothes are required for your clerkship in the hospital (guys have to wear pants, shirts, and a necktie). Don't forget your white gown and stethoscope. Because of the heat in the summer months bring your lightest clothes with you (including a swimsuit) but save a place for a couple of long sleeve T-shirts in case you want to spend a week-end in the mountains where nights are much cooler.
Transportation
O
rganized public transportation is not very available within the cities. Transportation within Beirut is very cheap and reliable by the use of the "Service" (a car for five passengers).
Communication
The great majority of Lebanese students know French and/or English especially the younger generation, so language should not be a problem. Learning a couple of words in Arabic just to get around won't do any harm!
Internet and Library facilities
You will have full access to the educational facilities of AUB as well as to the many computer labs and internet accesses. Also, please note that you can have a wireless internet access inside campus as well as in the many malls and cafes of Beirut.
Dressing Code
Please understand that you are expected to dress formally or at least appropriately, as doctors! (Especially in Internal Medicine and Surgery!)
So, White coat for all!
Guys: Shirt, tie and pants!
Girls: Usually casual clothes are fine! Surely not eccentric! And no flip-flops or open sandals!
(But keep in mind that this also depends on the department you are rotating in, so always ask your resident in charge.)
Social Program
Unfortunately, we only offer free social programs for the months of July and August. Not to worry however, as I’m sure you would be hoping around our small Lebanon in short time, either alone or with new friends, as actively as locals! Also, do not hesitate to ask on how to reach whichever part of Lebanon you want to visit, as you will be guided on the most efficient way for your planed tour!
The social program of the month of July and August is 100% free!! And it is a four days trip over the four weekends of your clinical rotation, taking you to four different parts of Lebanon, with guided tours, sightseeing, gastronomical and cultural experiences and many more. Please read more on the social program in the following link.
Currency and Shopping
Lebanon is well known to be the Paris of the Middle East, with all the privilege that come with this comparison. In fact, Lebanon has played since its early beginning the role of the major shopping center for the region, enclosing all major brands and designers.
The Lebanese currency is the Lebanese Pounds (or Lebanese Lira; L.L.) but you can always use US Dollars anywhere, but usually Lebanese is preferred in order not to have problems with miscalculations! The following exchange rate is stable ONE US DOLLAR= 1,500 L.L.
ONE EURO = 2,000 L.L.
The buying power of a Lebanese Lira is not to be underestimated! What normally costs 1 Euro in Eastern Europe can be bought here anywhere between 1000-1500 L. L (= a 33-50% economy!!) You can exchange Euros or Dollars at any Lebanese Bank or Exchange Office. Also, most everywhere will you be able to find ATMs and shops accepting Credit Cards.
Visas
Most western countries citizens (Western Europe, North America) obtain a visa automatically in the Airport on one condition: THAT THEY DO NOT HAVE ANY ISRAELI VISA ON THEIR PASSPORT.
If they do then they must apply beforehand at the Lebanese embassy in their country for a visa.
For countries that don't require a visa please refer to the exchange conditions.
For those countries that need a visa an invitation letter will be sent to you by the local committee facilitating procedures at the embassy for when you apply for your visa.
Visa to Syria
Many students were denied the option of visiting Syria because they did not have the visa beforehand while others were able to get the visa from the border. We advise you to contact the Lebanese or Syrian embassy in your country to get more information.
DO NOT FORGET TO OBTAIN A DOUBLE ENTRY VISA INTO LEBANON IN CASE YOU WANT TO VISIT SYRIA.
