Training and Programs

LAU actively organizes training programs and initiatives to improve access to basic services for all, reflecting its commitment to social responsibility and community impact. 

Youth Leadership Simulation Programs

As a middle-school or high-school student, you will find in these programs a launchpad to build leadership, research, debate, public speaking, problem-solving, and writing skills — all essential tools to help them succeed academically and professionally. Through these programs, and since 2005, the university has helped empower a generation of youth leaders.

The Impact Since 2004

By Students, for Students 

All five LAU Simulation Models are entirely student-led and organized. The training content is prepared, delivered and managed by LAU students – themselves a large, diverse group of motivated youth who are majoring in different disciplines but united in their vision and mission to promote youth leadership. They meticulously manage school relations, prepare the training content that they deliver, provide technical support, organize special events within the programs, and ensure that the work runs seamlessly.  

Many LAU student leaders are selected to participate in the annual Global Classrooms International Model United Nations Program in New York City, which brings together middle school and high school students from all over the world to role-play and train as ambassadors. 

Through the Simulation Programs, You…

Step into the shoes of ambassadors You learn how international diplomacy works.

Get hands-on training For a few months, you come to LAU to get training in research and interpretation, rules of procedure, writing position papers, public speaking, role playing, conflict resolution, negotiations, caucusing, and more.

Why Take Part in LAU’s Simulation Programs?

You will immerse yourself in the culture of the United Nations, Arab League, European Union, African Union and Good Governance. You will come out of the programs stronger at:  

• Art of Public Speaking:
• Dynamics of Debate
• Tactics of Role-Play
• Process of Conflict Resolution
• Essence of Research
• Professional Writing

Your doorway to a scholarship

In line with its vision to seek and reward talented students, LAU allocates 50 and 25 percent scholarships every year to middle and high schoolers who show exceptional skills in the simulation programs.

Our Flagship Programs

Ever year thousands of middle and high schoolers flock to both LAU campuses to take part in the simulation programs. Find out more and choose the program that is right for you:

Classroom International Model United Nations (GCI MUN)

Classroom LAU Model United Nations (GC LAU MUN)

LAU Model Arab League (LAU MAL)

LAU Model European Union (LAU MEU)

LAU Model African Union (LAU MAU)- Not offered this year

LAU Model Good Governance (LAU MGG)

GC International Model United Nations (GCI MUN)

Global Classrooms (GC) Model UN is a flagship program of LAU, launched in 2005. While having been operated by the United Nations Association of the United States of America (UNA-USA), the year 2016 ushered in a new era as LAU, a partner of the UNA-USA, took over the management of the GC International conferences in New York.

In a Nutshell

• Two international conferences for middle and high school students every spring semester
• Closing ceremonies at the UN Headquarters General Assembly Hall in New York City - subject to availability and approval.
• English is the language of instruction.
• 4 training sessions
• 16,000 student-delegates from 250 schools
• 400 student secretariat
• 20 countries

Global Classroom LAU MUN (GC LAU MUN)

Running at LAU since 2005, the aim of the GC LAU Model United Nations is to increase students’ knowledge of UN procedural rules, improve their ability to research and write position papers, and engage them in public speaking, role playing, conflict resolution, negotiation, and caucusing, among other skills.

In a Nutshell

• 5 training sessions for students to become delegates
• Delegates are divided to take part in UN Committee Simulations, over a two-day conference
• English is the language of instruction
• 39,505 student-delegates from 200
• 2,050 student secretariat

LAU Model Arab League (LAU MAL)

Running at LAU since 2011 in partnership with National Council on US Arab Relations (NCUSAR) and Hariri Foundation for Sustainable Human Development (HFSHD), MAL engages students from various religious and political backgrounds in Lebanon in social, political, and economic discussions that have and continue to define the future of the Arab World’s 22 member states. Student delegates work to achieve consensus on questions that diplomats face every day. They debate, form coalitions, draft and pass resolutions that seek to resolve some of the most pressing challenges that face Arab countries.

In a Nutshell

• Two day conference every spring semester
• 5 training sessions for students to become delegates
• Arabic and English are the languages of instruction
• 5,400 student-delegates from 112 schools
• 800 student secretariat

LAU Model European Union (LAU MEU)

Running at LAU since 2015 in partnership with the Hariri Foundation for Sustainable Human Development (HFSHD), and in cooperation with the Bringing Europeans Together Association (BETA Europe), MEU challenges school students to leverage their diversity for the greater good – following the model of EU member states. They learn the art of coalition building, negotiation and public speaking. They develop diplomatic skills and extend their knowledge on history and procedures of the EU.

In a Nutshell

• Two day conference every spring semester
• 5 training sessions for students to become delegates
• Arabic and English are the languages of instruction
• 1,300 student-delegates from 70 schools
• 300 student secretariat

LAU Model Good Governance (LAU MGG)

Launched at LAU in 2020. It aims to present a new challenge to Lebanese high school students in simulating international organizations tackling aspects of good governance. Participants will be able to simulate international organizations coming from 7 sectors distributed across 7 summits:

• Economy
• Education
• Election/Human Rights
• Emergencies/Health
• Environment
• Refugees/Displacement
• Youth Leadership

In a Nutshell

• Two-day conference every spring semester
• 5 training sessions for students to become delegates
• English is the language of instruction
• 400 student-delegates from 72 schools
• 80 student secretariat

Academy of Continuing Education

The Lebanese American University Academy of Continuing Education (LAU ACE) marshals LAU by encompassing all schools in reaching out to communities for the purpose of adult education, professional enhancement, applied research and impact creativity. Through LAU ACE, LAU as an institution of higher learning is committed to community engagement on the broadest scale, in the interest of sustainable knowledge driven by socio-economic developments.

Our Programs:

• Business
• Human Resources
• Soft Skills and Leadership
• Healthcare, Nutrition and Fitness
• Fashion and Arts
• Projects and Events Management
• Engineering and Design
• Computers and Technology
• Administrative and Secretarial
• Legal and Societal
• Education
• Languages

Other Programs

• Corporate Trainings

Dr. Suad Joseph Distinguished Lecture Series

As part of AiW’s continuing dedication to promoting rigorous intellectual and academic work on the issues of gender equality and women’s rights, the Institute launched its annual Dr. Suad Joseph Distinguished Lecture Series. The aim of the series is twofold, first, to bring speakers that highlight important topics or themes in the field of gender and women’s studies globally, with the aim to contextualize this to the Arab Region and second, to provide graduate students from across the Lebanese American University and specifically, from the MA in Interdisciplinary Gender Studies the opportunity to liaise directly with such high-level academics and researchers.

Dr. Suad Joseph is a Distinguished Research Professor of Anthropology and Gender, Sexuality and Women’s Studies at the University of California, Davis. She founded and is a former president of the Middle East Research Group in Anthropology precursor to the Middle East Section of the American Anthropological Association, the Association for Middle East Women’s Studies, the Arab Families Working Group, the University of California Davis Arab Region Consortium and the Middle East/South Asia Studies Program at UC Davis. She co-founded the Arab American Studies Association, the Association for Middle East Anthropology, the Women and Gender Studies Program, UC Davis and was the president of the Middle East Studies Association of North America.

She is General Editor of the Encyclopedia of Women and Islamic Cultures and has edited and co-edited 9 books, including, most recently Arab Family Studies: Critical Reviews (2018 Syracuse UP). She also published over 100 articles. Her awards include the University of California, Davis Prize for Undergraduate Teaching and Research (the largest such award in the USA) and life time achievement awards from the Association for Middle East Women’s Studies and the Middle East Section of the American Anthropological Association. Her research focuses on Arab families, gender, citizenship and the state, child socialization and cultural constructions of selfhood, and community formation in the Middle East. She has numerous research grants, including grants for training early career scholars in proposal writing and research design. Dr. Joseph completed her Ph.D. in Anthropology from Columbia University in 1975 and joined the faculty at University of California, Davis in 1976.

Volunteerism, Networking, and Civic Engagement

Volunteer Teachers Program with MMKN NGO

In partnership with MMKN NGO since 2011, CSE has been instrumental in guiding LAU students to offer essential academic reinforcement to Grade 8 and 9 public school students. Our dedicated volunteers focus on scientific subjects and mathematics, working closely with schools and MMKN to ensure tailored support. Together, we continue our commitment to enhancing the educational journey of these young learners, fostering a brighter future.

Corporate Visits Series (CVS)

Corporate Visits Series (CVS) within CSE provide an enriching journey, offering the opportunity to explore a wide range of institutions and delve into their distinct work environments and civic responsibilities. You’ll gain invaluable insights into prominent companies, firms, and factories spanning various industries, offering a glimpse into potential future career cultures. This experience will also deepen your understanding of the pivotal role played by non-state actors in shaping our world. CVS serve as your gateway to a world of knowledge, service, and personal growth.

Al Makassed MOU

The Outreach & Civic Engagement Department at LAU signed an MAU with Al Makassed Philanthropic Association which consists of the below:

1. 6 Reinforcement sessions for Grade 9 conducted at Omar Bin Khattab Makassed School during March 2019, tackling different subjects (Math, English, chemistry…)
2. Psychometric Analysis Workshop for 43 high rank educators and administrators of Al Makassed Philanthropic Association, on Saturday April 13, 2019 at LAU Beirut Campus. The next step is to be divided into 2 groups according to their personality type, based on their personality type:
   • Leading with Emotional Intelligence workshop
   • Situational Team Leadership
3. USP Community Service projects at Al Makassed Semipublic Schools during AY 2019/2020
4. “Plant a Smile” event at the Pediatrics Department of Al Makassed Hospital will take place on July 2, 2019
5. LAU Leadership and Civic Engagement Certification

The USAID Higher Education Scholarship Program

CSE takes the helm of LAU’s transformative USAID Higher Education Scholarship Program (HES). This groundbreaking initiative opens the doors of higher education to academically gifted yet financially underprivileged students, both Lebanese and Non-Lebanese (Refugee/Displaced), hailing from diverse backgrounds. We believe in empowering dreams and creating opportunities. Discover more about our mission.

Capacity Building

Soft Skills Series (SSS)

In coordination with the Offices of the Dean of Students, CSE initiated the Soft Skills Series (SSS) in July 2017, spanning across both campuses. These transformative workshops serve as a dynamic catalyst for LAU students, empowering them to cultivate and refine essential soft skills through engaging and enlightening forums, ensuring they are well-equipped for a future of success and leadership.

LEE - Learning and Experience Education

The LEE- Learning & Experience Education program stands as a dynamic response to the ever-evolving needs of today’s youth, encompassing both essential soft skills and cutting-edge digital capabilities. This intensive, focused, and short-term learning initiative is designed to arm students with a precise set of life skills directly aligned with their career ambitions and academic pursuits. Moreover, it serves as a bridge to forge invaluable community-networking connections between participants, esteemed field experts (LAU Faculty), and LAU’s vibrant student body.