I had alot of ups and downs but like any study abroad experience you learn alot Past Review
By Corinne S (International Business., University of Florida) for
Study Abroad in Egypt at the American University in Cairo
Yes!! I would have found a cheaper apartment and make sure you have enough financial aid to cover your expenses. Always have more than what you may think you need.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The teachers were pretty lenient especially the Arabic language instructors. Most study abroad students keep to themselves and Native Egyptians dont really mix which could be improved. Do not live on campus unless you really hate traveling an hour back and forth to campus since it is literally in the middle of the desert and nothing to walk to do for fun. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The office in New York is slow so you must make sure you have plenty of time to apply but other than that no major issues with administration on campus. Easy to register for classes once you are on campus however language placement placed me in a level too high for me. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Found an apartment through an agent called simsars but avoid them if you can since they may want 10% or more of your rent as a fee. But they do have alot of connections and know which areas are reasonably priced but dont get cheated and always, always visit the location before making an contract and ask locals what they would pay for a flat/apartment in the area since foreigners are given higher quotes. |
| * Food: |
Egyptian food is quite heavy so it may take some time getting used to. Definitely eat koushary and shawarmas or visit the local markets to pick up vegetables and fruits. Lots of good restaurants in Cairo but try to avoid the big tourist traps since the prices will be above ridiculous. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Visiting the pyramids of course and spend sometime in Luxor and Dahab. Smaller towns but very charming and lots of friendly people. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I always felt very safe in Cairo however I studied there BEFORE the revolution so the situation is very different and I would advise anyone who is considering within the next year 2011-2012 to carefully consider your living situations and the area since there have been deaths and victims during the protests. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?
(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost) |
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Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
Living in the city gave me more exposure to locals to use my Arabic skills and learn more about the culture and attitudes of Egyptians and of American politics. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Anyone interested in learning more about Arab culture, Islam and Middle East politics this would be the center of it all!! |
