In partnership with the non-governmental organization Lebanon and Beyond, LAU welcomed participants in the Jouzour Program to its Beirut and Byblos campuses as part of a three-week cultural immersion experience designed to strengthen the connection between young members of the Lebanese diaspora and their ancestral homeland.

Bringing together 14 university students and fresh graduates from across the Americas, Europe, and South Africa, the program offered an in-depth exploration of Lebanon’s history, culture, politics, and society.

During the week of July 6–13, participants visited LAU’s Beirut and Byblos campuses, toured the LAU Louis Cardahi Foundation in Byblos, and took part in a site visit to the LBCI news studios, facilitated by LAU, where they met with journalists and media professionals to learn about their work, especially on field reporting during recent conflicts. Their itinerary also included academic discussions, institutional visits, and scenic hikes organized by the Lebanon Mountain Trail.

Senior Director of International Services and Programs (ISP) Dina Abdul Rahman welcomed the participants and organizers on campus, wishing them an enjoyable week at LAU. ISP staff and student volunteers supported the visitors throughout their stay.

“We value our partnership with Lebanon and Beyond and thank them for their trust to provide an impactful experience to our precious diaspora, ” announced Dr. Abdul Rahman, encouraging them to make the most of their experience on campus and to cultivate as many fresh ideas as possible.

Interim Vice President for Student Development and Enrollment Management Raed Mohsen praised the participants for taking the initiative to reconnect with their Lebanese heritage.

“At LAU, we welcome these initiatives and facilitate them,” said Dr. Mohsen. “We hope that wherever you go, you will always be our voice overseas.”

As part of the academic program, participants attended a discussion by Chair of the Department of Political and International Studies Imad Salamey, on the political landscape of the Middle East, offering students valuable insights into the region’s fast-evolving dynamics.

Executive Director of Lebanon and Beyond Myrna Panayot highlighted the importance of the partnership with LAU in advancing the organization’s mission to preserve and showcase Lebanon’s heritage while fostering meaningful connections with the diaspora. Though they had originally envisioned hosting more participants for a longer duration, they had to scale back the program slightly because of the recent conflict. 

“Most of these young adults and their parents have never set foot in Lebanon, yet they chose to take this initiative despite the prevailing security concerns,” said Panayot. “It shows how strongly they feel about connecting with their homeland.”