The importance of knowing the culture and lifestyle of your desired study abroad country is that you do not have to worry about getting embarrassed once you are there. This is a pivotal part of the process of immersing yourself into a new environment and country!
As you should expect, the Lebanese culture is diverse and unique in its way to your host family. On this guide, we have set information that will open your mind and widen your appreciation of the Lebanese culture and lifestyle compactly!
The country is one of the smallest countries in the world, but it’s also one of the most diverse set against the Mediterranean Sea to the west, Lebanon goes from sea level to an elevation of over 10,000 feet rather quickly.
Lebanon’s ski season typically runs from December to April. In the spring, the weather often also happens to be great for a day at the beach. On an ideal spring day, one can hit the slopes in the morning, followed by a dip in the Mediterranean’s refreshing waters during the day.
The Lebanese are profoundly proud of the amount of cultural heritage they share. The sheer diversity of culture has made for an interesting group of people staying together in one place.
From customs to received modernities, the Lebanese have accumulated a wide blend of different cultures over the years. For a small country, Lebanon has a wide and complex history. Its people are of many religions, sects, histories and political scenes but they are all alike when it comes to the Lebanese experience.
Here are some of the things you ought to know
- In the USA, you typically visit a “hookah bar” when you want to smoke argileh. In Lebanon, you just go out to eat Lebanese food (“mezze,” if you’re in the know). Someone at your table will inevitably request an argileh be availed. And you’ll have your choice of just about any flavor that crosses your mind.
- The country is well known for being a vacation destination for the people of the Persian Gulf, many of whom wear the traditional hijab. Many Lebanese are rather liberal in comparison to the people of Lebanon’s neighboring nations short skirts, high heels, and bikinis are a daily thing. Make an appearance at one of Lebanon’s extravagant beach resorts and you may come across a woman in her bikini lying a chair away from another clothed in the traditional Muslim garb.
- If you ask any local about Lebanese food, they’ll probably tell you it’s one of the best cuisines around the world and perhaps not far from the truth. The local dishes like tabbouleh, hummus and kebab are some of the world’s best. If you’re ever in Lebanon don’t miss out on trying as much as you can.
- The Lebanese are really proud of themselves, they truly believe in themselves as separate individuals and as a group. The natives know that despite their country’s rocky history, they’ve managed to come out on the other side even stronger. You will not meet many Lebanese people who won’t complain about the nation but still tell you: “There’s just something about being Lebanese”.
- With a history as deep as Lebanon’s many families will have been in the country for generations and will have very interesting tales to tell. The Lebanese family is one of diversity, war history and intrigue. Many will be very proud to tell you stories of their ancestors and how important their family was to the country’s liberation past.
- The Lebanese are very "touchy-feely". Direct eye contact with a lot of physical contact is the cornerstone of most communication. If you are from a culture where eye contact is less direct and contact not so prevalent, this may feel quite uncomfortable. Try not to break the eye contact as this conveys trust, sincerity, and integrity.
We hope after reading through this guide you will find a pleasant stay in the warm Arabic nation. Remember the application process to any of its universities is all done and facilitated through RocApply for FREE comrades!
" Its a place to be" - Martin from Canada
