Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Egyptian lifestyle, Revolutionary study abroad experience. Past Review

By (International Relations and Affairs., University of the Pacific) for

Study Abroad in Egypt at the American University in Cairo

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
DEFINITELY! It is an amazing cultural experience and gave a greater perspective of the world, especially learnt the Arab side of the story about world politics.

Review Photos

Study Abroad in Egypt at the American University in Cairo Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The classes and the grading at the American University in Cairo were upper division and the professors held high standards for all of their students.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The administration and staff were amazing and great hosts who made the stay in Egypt a phenomenal experience. Especially the student affairs office which performed amazingly. They were always there when someone was in need of anything.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The Office of Residential life was simply the BEST! They were always there for everyone in the dorms and were of great assistance. They made living and nightlife great. The proximity of classes were great too.

* Food:

The school does not have a meal system like American universities thus I prefer students going to Egypt should be made aware of this. There are only restaurants and fast food like Subway and McDonalds. It becomes challenging to have a proper meal with only one (not great quality) restaurant "Tobasco" open during the weekends.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The Resdidential Life Office had amazing trips prepared for students. I would advise every student to take the Luxor and Aswan 3 day Nile cruise.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

The University has one of the best safety program which constantly alerted every student through multiple means about safety concerns and protocols students need to follow. Cairo is safe as long as students follow protocol and do not commit stupid acts. The University also provides bus system for students and staff, which brings extra safety for everyone. As for health, the University always is cautious and has a great healthcare program.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Approximately 1000 USD which served me lavishly, and cheaper since I cooked.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Learn how to cook to save money and have decent food.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Language acquisition improvement?

I used my peers and the the entire city for improving my language skills. Especially with 4 classes during the week my Arabic professor was of great help for me and my peers.

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

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

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

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

Select all that apply

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Accessibility
  • City life
  • Food
* What could be improved?
  • Communication lines
  • teaching students how to navigate the city
  • more access
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Any student who is interested in studying egyptian history and Middle Eastern Politics and sociology would love Egypt. However, if students are going just because of the revolution then I advise them not to, because the Egyptians do not need people jeapordizing their movements.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Contemporary Political Islam
Course Department: POLS 426
Instructor: Heba Raouf Ezzat
Instruction Language: English
Comments: This was a highly challenging class with amazing material provided by the professor and the most amazing thing was her experties and bringing guest speakers to class. Simply Amazing but super challenging.
Credit Transfer Issues: Still waiting for the transfer of credits.
Course Name/Rating:

Governance Accountability and Stakeholder Negotiations
Course Department: PPAD 518
Instructor: Warrigia Bowman
Instruction Language: English
Comments: The course was a graduate level course however, it was not challenging enough in comparison to my home institution courses. The class was mainly lecture and there was no proper use of outside materials.
Credit Transfer Issues: Still waiting for Transfer of my credits
Course Name/Rating:

Arab Social and Political Thought
Course Department: Pols 354
Instructor: Walid W. Kazzia
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Yes it was challenging and the current political situation made great examples for the class. Participation was similar to my home institution, and being abroad did not make much difference in it since the professor made sure every body participated.
Credit Transfer Issues: Still waiting for credit transfers.