AUC: I love Egypt! Past Review

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Study Abroad in Egypt at the American University in Cairo

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Definitely worthwhile! I loved being in Egypt! I had zero expectation and came away with 101% fulfillment.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

N/A I applied directly to the university.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Living on campus was difficult since it was so far away from everything. I wasn't expecting to be in the middle of nowhere. we were required to pay bus fare, but students living on campus shouldn't have to do this.

* Food:

I loved eating off campus! Egyptian/Middle Eastern food is the best! :) El Rehab (neighboring area) has a few good restaurants and a lot of cafes. I spent a lot of time at "New Look" cafe. On campus: don't eat at Tabasco.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I was sure to try to make friends off campus as well as friends on campus. I found my friends off campus were more caring and helpful. Egyptians are a special, wonderful brand of people who love to help people, especially foreigners or those not familiar with the area. But every country has bad people. I would recommend students studying abroad in Egypt to be at ease (it's a rather safe country), but be wary. I love Egypt!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Cairo is a fairly safe city when compared to other cities of the same size (possibly since it is an Islamic country). However, every issue in other large cities is still an issue in Cairo. I think the biggest worry is theft.

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)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Language acquisition improvement?

I could practice with fellow students, citizens, practically anyone around me if I chose. There were times when I needed to use the host country language (good practice opportunity), but a lot of people spoke English.

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

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? AUC is a great university. I would recommend living in Zamalek residencies so you can experience the culture more! Living on campus often made me feel trapped.