The University Diploma in Mountain Guide and Outdoor Activities is intended to prepare a new generation of mountain and outdoor practitioners. It develops their skills in various activities related to nature and adventure, specifically in the mountains and more generally in outdoor environments. It covers a broad range of physical disciplines, such as hiking, camping, cycling, rock climbing, caving, and snow activities, as well as mental wellness topics such as life coaching and mindset. It also develops skills and competencies in mountain environment protection, sustainability, and mountain rescue.

This program aims to prepare mountain and outdoor guides, leaders, program trainers, and administrative managers to work in different types of organizations and institutions, municipalities, associations, clubs, and NGOs involved in mountain and outdoor activities.

Collaboration with Lebanese federations and specialized associations allows students to acquire the knowledge needed to succeed in their mountain endeavors.

The program combines a theoretical component with an extensive practical field component, in addition to a mandatory internship that gives students the opportunity to gain real-life mountain experience.

Applicants wishing to enroll in this program must hold a bachelor’s degree in any field.

Admission requirements include:

• a nature and mountain assessment aimed at identifying previous experience in outdoor activities;
• an interview with the Dean of the Faculty of Sport Sciences and the Diploma Coordinator;
• a physical capacity test based on the one developed and approved by the French Olympic Committee;
• a medical test to ensure that applicants can perform physically demanding activities;
• a language placement test. An English B1.1 level or equivalent is required. Applicants with lower levels will have to take English remedial courses.

Depending on the types of courses offered and their evaluative components, the system for assessing students’ achievement of course learning outcomes is set as follows:

Theoretical Courses Grade Distribution
The knowledge acquired by students in theoretical courses is evaluated through continuous assessment and a final exam:

• 80% final exam
• 20% continuous evaluation

A grade of 40/100 on any section of the final exam leads to a direct fail. Students will not be allowed to complete their internship.

Final Project Grade Distribution
The competencies acquired by students in practical courses are evaluated based on their capacity and pedagogical approach:

• 70% final report
• 30% oral presentation

The passing grade is 70/100.

By the end of the program, students will be able to:
1. Transmit ethical and social values through practicing different jobs in the field of mountain sports.
2. Work in groups as well as individually on various projects, whether at a nature reserve, a municipality’s tourism, culture, and outdoor activities department, a school, and/or other sports institutions.
3. Communicate easily in English, both orally and in writing.
4. Use digital referencing tools and security rules for the acquisition, processing, production, and dissemination of information, as well as for better organization, planning, and evaluation of their tasks.
5. Master the fundamental techniques used in the different proposed types of mountain and outdoor activities and sports.
6. Design and organize a class, team, workshop, or any mountain sports-related activity or group.
7. Promote and implement Agenda 21 and the Sustainable Development Goals in every approach to nature in general and mountains in particular.

The University Diploma in Mountain Guide and Outdoor Activities prepares students for various roles, such as:

• Mountain Guide
• Social Entrepreneur
• Administrative Job
• Outdoor Activities Monitor
• Consultant