A dramatic rise in demand for English in Beirut led Amideast to establish an English language center to improve the quality of English language programs and instruction in Lebanon. With support from the U.S. Department of State, private donors and client institutions, the new Center for English Language Education launched a variety of activities, including a month-long teacher-training program for 80 teachers from across the country. Encouraged by this success, Amideast began to consider offering English language training in other countries.