Lebanese American University (LAU) is a non-profit higher education institution situated in Beirut, Lebanon. It is administered by the New York State Education Department. It was initially founded as a women’s college in 1924 but later gained the status of a university. LAU ensures its commitment to academic excellence, students, civic engagement, scholarships, education, and formation of leaders. LAU has an International Service Office that helps students to study abroad through international student exchange programs such as the Erasmus program. Lebanese American University also offers international diplomacy programs for middle school and high school students. The university is dedicated to the development of the community by providing quality academic programs and equal educational opportunities to every student. Students of LAU have also worked in a project where they taught children of the Sidon area. Most of the majors include a compulsory course where the students have to volunteer in an NGO for community service. LAU’s Office of Graduate Studies and Research facilitates interdisciplinary graduate education and research. Lebanese American University comprises of various schools including the School of Architecture and Design; School of Arts & Sciences; School of Engineering; School of Business as well as two institutes, namely, the Center for Lebanese Studies, and the Institute for Women’s Studies in the Arab World.