Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

My Days in Cairo January 19, 2024

By (Sociology, Brandeis University) - abroad from 08/27/2023 to 01/22/2024 with

Study Arabic at The American University in Cairo

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I definitely learned that I want to live in the MENA region after graduation, and that is what made this experience worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The rigor is the same that you would find at any college or university in the US, but the professors are very kind and want to connect and support you.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The administration for international students was very disorganized, which contributed to a lot of stress and anxiety for students, especially at the time when we first arrived in Egypt.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was very satisfied! I connected very well with my roommates who came from all different parts of the world. The apartment itself was very nice.

* Food:

The lack of dining halls and meal plans definitely was difficult to adjust to. The places to eat on campus that were provided were really good though, it was just that we had to pay for it.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt pretty integrated, especially since the local students are open to connecting with international students.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't have any health issues, but if I did the school provides you with international insurance and there is also a health clinic on campus.

* Safety:

Since I was a woman walking around Cairo, at first I felt uneasy being alone but once you get comfortable with the city it gets better.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Finances

* 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)

I was able to not only live comfortably in Egypt but also travel to other countries with my student budget.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $50-70
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I saved about $100-200 a week during the summer and it gave me more than enough to get by, especially if you live on campus.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

I was definitely encouraged to go out and immerse myself, to try to use the language to get by while in the city.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Elementary Arabic
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Definitely take an Arabic class or colloquial Arabic class! It will help if you have no background in Arabic while you are outside of the campus.

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Exchange

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Arabic course
  • Location
* What could be improved?
  • International student support office
  • visa process
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew how far we were going to be from the campus, since it is quite far from the city center.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!