The Lebanese education system : heavy on career orientation, light on career guidance

Abstract

The Lebanese education system is structured in such a way that potential career options for students are restricted by the tracks they are assigned to after the middle secondary level. A large number of students are diverted into vocational and technical education after Grade 9, while students who advance to upper secondary schooling are channelled into tracks that align with tertiary education and training pathways. Career orientation is thus built into the Lebanese education system. The history of career guidance in public sector education is a meagre one as there appears to be little political will to enact this aspect of education. What formal career guidance exists is largely located in the non-government sector. The chapter includes reference to career guidance services provided by UNRWA for Palestinian refugees residing in Lebanon.