Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

This Is Egypt Past Review

By (History And Political Science, Presbyterian College) for

Study Abroad in Egypt at the American University in Cairo

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Yes, I want to go back. It has made me see that I really want to focus on the Middle East whether in Political Science or in History.

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.

I was really unhappy with teaching methods and the lack of commitment from some of the professors at AUC.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Everything was very unorganized and it took a great amount of time to get anything handled.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Too far from town.

* Food:

Not enough options. I ate McDonalds way too much because it was one of the few options. Most of the options were unhealthy and did not provide nutrients.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

The health clinic on campus was very good. Anyone could go and they were very good about dealing with "Mummy Tummy" which everyone encountered.

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? It varied greatly depending on what I was doing and how much I as traveling. Also be aware of the bus pass expenses.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? The bus pass which was way too expensive. 300 dollars.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? None
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Language acquisition improvement?

I went from knowing no Arabic to being able to have basic conversations. My professor set me up with a language exchange partner. I was also able to practice constantly in Cairo.

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

Select all that apply

  • Local Students

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Be prepared for anything. Bring your Lonely Planet and absorb everything around you. Try to get into Egyptian culture as much as possible. Most importantly, "love Egypt and it will love you back" like the Lonely Planet authors say.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Modern Movements of Islam
Course Department: History
Instructor: Keaney
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Amazing course. The class which reminded me the most of my home university. I highly suggest it to anyone interested in history and Islam at AUC.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Arabic Intensive
Course Department: Arabic 111
Instructor: Abeer Heider
Instruction Language: English/Arabic
Comments: The best language course I have ever taken. Dr. Abeer went above and beyond most professors I have ever had before. I loved this class and highly suggest it to anyone interested in taking Arabic language at AUC. I felt like I learned so much in only 4 months.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Egyptian Government and Politics
Course Department: PLSC 325
Instructor: Kassem
Instruction Language: English
Comments: This was the worst course I have ever taken in my educational career. The professor showed up late to class constantly and canceled class too many times. I felt like the class was a joke and a waste of my time and money.
Credit Transfer Issues: