Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An experience in Egypt thanks to AUCians. Past Review

By (Bogazici University) - abroad from 09/03/2018 to 12/20/2018 with

Study Abroad in Egypt at the American University in Cairo

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Actually before coming here, I was expecting a different experience. I had lots of bad moments because of the challenging life conditions in Egypt, however, AUC and AUC community always helped me. For academic purposes, it is different than European education system, the university totally adapts the American system. Even though being integrated into the system is a bit difficult, instructors are well educated and helpful. Also I have lots of good friends here and I went lots of good destinations where resemble heaven. Cairo is especially a crowded and noisy city, and living here is difficult for foreigners if you don't know Arabic. However, Egypt is also a country that i have lots of good beaches and blue diving points. I am happy to be here and I am recommending this program to those who want to choose Egypt.

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

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

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

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Advanced
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced

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

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

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

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • AUC community
  • Academic strength of AUC
* What could be improved?
  • Integration of international students in the life in Egypt
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Bureaucracy in Egypt is so tight. For a basic student visa we have to complete long series of paper work. I wish I knew this before coming to Egypt.