Studying at AUC in Cairo, Egypt January 14, 2026

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Somewhat similar in level of academic rigor, much less weekly work or preparation for most classes. The two I felt took the most time were my introductory Arabic classes, which like most I've taken, required repetitive intro level homework assignments to familiarize with the target language. The other was an introductory drawing class which required different types of drawing assignments in preparation for each week, which took much time weekly. I took a masters level course in linguistics, which along with the other linguistics course I took, only had around 3 or 4 written assignments. The undergrad course also required no reading assigned every class, unlike the grad course and most I've taken at home. Finally, I felt I spent less time in class than in the U.S., as 3/5 of my classes only met once a week, and the other two twice, whereas in the U.S. most meet at least twice, and three or even four times is not uncommon.

On-site administration of your program

There were definitely some administrative challenges I faced with different departments. IPSO is responsible for all study abroad students as well as all full time international students, as well as their academics, and employs only a few people to handle this, which I feel could be run better. Before arrival, I filled out my course selection form, and was only placed into 2/5 I selected, despite their policies on emailing with reasons a student would not be placed into a class. I emailed several times, as well as mentioning that I needed to be enrolled in a full course load in order to keep my scholarship, and did not receive a response. I was able to schedule an advising meeting during orientation, which I also felt could have used some more organization or thought. There was also plenty of difficulty with obtaining a visa, with little information being provided where I thought was necessary, as well as very last minute communication.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Housing was a little confusingly introduced, and there was no explanation of how many or what buildings and rooms were available, as all that was included in the introductory video were general images of bedrooms with most focus on the communal living area. I had to select housing online at the same time as everyone else choosing housing, meaning the screen was constantly changing with what was available and there was no way for me to search for a specific room or unit while doing so, meaning I did end up with a different type of room than I had initially wanted, and with a roommate change I was not aware of until after moving in, but I was happy with my room and the amenities generally.

The food options on campus were very good, however almost all of them were closed during the weekend, which was difficult. Additionally, most of the opening and closing times listed on the school website were not accurate so I could not really rely on that when considering what to eat at specific times.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

When alone or with other international students, I did not feel particularly integrated, mostly because of my physical differences from most Egyptians, as well as my lack of fluency in Arabic. When I was with my Egyptian friends, I was able to see a more native side of Egypt, but even then due to the general demographic of AUC students as well as my presence I did not feel entirely authentically integrated.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not really have an experience with the healthcare system, I know there was a clinic on campus as well as different mental health options but I did not utilize them. I don't believe that there was a vaccine recommended to enter Egypt I did not already have.

On campus there was plenty of security and I felt very safe, outside of this Cairo is definitely not the most safe, mostly in regards to women. I did experience many instances of catcalling or whistling, a few instances of being followed, as well as a few instances of physical inappropriateness from men, but in all of these cases I was able to remove myself from the situation or push the person off of me, and did not feel like any of these situations would lead to a more physically dangerous situation for me. I did walk around alone quite a bit, and felt generally safe doing so, and did not experience anything that made me avoid or reconsider any of my actions. I did have an incident of repeated physical harassment by a member of hotel staff while on an AUC lead weekend trip, which I did take to a member of the international students office, who then escalated it to other offices of the university.

There weren't many other academic options in this part of the world, and I did enjoy the structure of this program and the ability to study at this university.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

3 - In Egypt, things were generally cheaper and U.S. currency stretches further there, however I was spending more weekly than I do at home on different activities, excursions, and trips.

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• Dorm

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• Local Students
• Americans
• International Students

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• Local Students
• International Students

• I really liked the direct enrollment and being able to attend a local university and live on campus.

• I think there could be a little more information provided for students beforehand, the orientation seemed very rushed and many speakers seemed to run out of time.
• I also think who to contact about what was a little unclear, it was somewhat unclear if as international students everything would be directed through the IPSO employees we were introduced to, or through other channels.

The Academic or Linguist