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An International Commitment

Since its founding in 1875, Saint Joseph University of Beirut has been internationally oriented, a defining aspect of its identity and mission. As early as 1846, institutional ties were established with the Jesuit Province of Lyon, which led to the creation of a School of Medicine and later a Faculty of Pharmacy.

Given the longstanding ties between USJ and France, most of the University’s early academic collaborations were established with French universities, grandes écoles, and research institutions. Over time, these partnerships expanded and diversified to include institutions across North America, Asia, Europe, the Maghreb, and the Middle East, reflecting USJ’s commitment to balanced engagement with different regions of the world.

Today, this international commitment is reflected in more than 499 cooperation agreements with 322 partner institutions in 42 countries worldwide.

USJ is also a member of several international networks, including the Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF), the International Association of Universities (IAU), the International Federation of Catholic Universities (IFCU), the European Federation of Catholic Universities (FUCE), the Association of Jesuit Higher Education Institutions in Europe and Lebanon (ASJEL), the Association of Arab Universities (AAU), the Tethys Euro-Mediterranean Network, the Euromed Permanent University Forum (EPUF), the Anna Lindh Foundation, and the Talloires Network for Engaged Universities, among others.

The International Relations Office, established in 2005 by decision of the University Board, is guided by seven strategic objectives:

  1. Enhance academic programs by hosting more than 400 visiting professors each year.
  2. Advance student and instructors mobility while strengthening support for international visitors.
  3. Develop new international academic programs.
  4. Expand partnerships in new regions, particularly East Asia and Latin America.
  5. Strengthen engagement with the Arab world and the Francophonie.
  6. Consolidate existing partnerships and establish new strategic collaborations.
  7. Engage actively in European cooperation programs.