Culture & Society: The Education Center of the Middle East
The Education Center of the Middle East
Teaching institutions in Lebanon increased dramatically, some founded by Lebanese, others by foreign missions. The American University of Beirut (AUB), founded in 1866, offers a high standard of education that has trained many of the Arab world's leaders, educators and scientists.
The St. Joseph University (USJ), established in 1881 and maintained by the Jesuit Fathers, has for over a century and a quarter, contributed to the Lebanese and Arab educational advancement.
The general educational spirit of Lebanon draws from eastern and western civilizations.
Many Lebanese students continue their higher education in European, American and Arab universities.
In 1953, a Lebanese State University was founded comprising faculties of law, medicine, engineering, arts and sciences, and a teachers' training college. In 1961 the Arab University of Beirut, with faculties of arts, law, commerce and engineering was opened.
The notable Lebanese American University (formerly Beirut University College) founded in 1924 has also been an important influence. In recent years, numerous new universities have sprung up throughout the country, notably Holy Spirit University (Kaslik) and Notre-Dame University (Louwayze), both north of Beirut and Balamand University south of Tripoli
