Content on this page requires a newer version of Adobe Flash Player.

Get Adobe Flash player

 

 

Egypt FAQ

Table of Contents

Academics

Costs

Safety

Logistics

Travel

ACADEMICS:

What are the distinguishing features of AMIDEAST Education Abroad Programs?

AMIDEAST programs are designed to provide excellence in Arabic language study and area studies.  AMIDEAST programs provide Arabic language instruction in both Modern Standard and colloquial Arabic, program-related excursions, student centered academics, and other activities designed to develop students’ intercultural and global competence. AMIDEAST programs also include ample opportunities to interact with local university students through facilitated dialogue discussions with students from local universities and language partners. In addition, each program is coordinated by an AMIDEAST Education Abroad Program Manager familiar with the local environment to coordinate housing, orientation, excursions, issues discussions, and other program-related activities.

AMIDEAST is distinguished by its small program size and student centered nature. Students are given opportunities to get involved in aspects of Egyptian life that they might not know to look for otherwise. AMIDEAST is also known and respected for its work with Egyptians (teaching English, administering valuable tests, etc.), not only for bringing Americans to study in the region. Enrolling in an AMIDEAST program is also joining a widely recognized and locally valued organization.
 

What is the average size of a program?

AMIDEAST purposely keeps our groups small in order to maximize the faculty/staff to student ratio. In small groups we find that students are able to get to know one another and the community in which they live. On average, our programs have 15-35 students, with a maximum enrollment of 40 students. This program size allows staff to work closely with each student throughout the semester.  While most program participants are from the U.S., you may also have classmates from other countries (e.g., Australia, Italy, Japan, Latvia). Similar to the overall group, AMIDEAST class sizes are kept small to maximize student learning.
 

How can I make sure that I receive academic credit from my university?

Students are responsible for making sure their home institution is willing to grant credit for the program prior to enrolling. Each institution has a different transfer credit process and AMIDEAST staff will provide documentation and other information to help you complete the process at your institution. If your home institution requires a transcript from an institution accredited in the U.S., you may opt to receive a transcript from AMIDEAST’s Institution of Record, Northeastern University for an additional fee of $350.


What are the classes like?

AMIDEAST class sizes are kept small to maximize student learning and your classmates will be among the other students on your AMIDEAST program, from a variety of academic institutions in the United States. Classes are mainly taught at the AMIDEAST center unless otherwise specified. Courses are generally 3 credits unless otherwise specified, with a work load comparable to rigorous U.S. universities. See below for more details for specific programs.

Area & Arabic Language Studies (Semester/Academic Year) in Cairo, Egypt

Students in the Area & Arabic Language Studies Program enroll in four or five courses (14-17 credits) which are taught by local professors and instructors at the AMIDEAST Cairo office. Area & Arabic Language Studies students enroll a Modern Standard Arabic (5 credits) and Colloquial Arabic (3 credits) course. In addition, students will take two or three electives (depending on a student’s preference) which are offered from a variety of disciplines. Arabic classes are highly interactive, with the focus on improving your proficiency. It is important to remember that this is a rigorous program and the volume of assignments will be comparable to upper division courses at a U.S. institution. All courses are taught exclusively for the AMIDEAST program and students take classes only with other program participants. For more information on courses offered refer to the course pages on the website

Egyptology (Semester/Academic Year) in Cairo, Egypt

Students take three Egyptology courses, one 3-credit content course from AMIDEAST’s course catalogue and one 3-credit Egyptian Arabic course, for a total of 15 credits. Students have the opportunity to take a community-based learning practicum in Egyptology, with placement in an Egyptian institution. All classes are taught at AMIDEAST’s Dokki facilities.

Civil Engineering (Semester/Academic Year) at Cairo University in Cairo, Egypt

Students take three or four 3-credit civil engineering courses (depending on the student’s preference) with the Faculty of Engineering at Cairo University alongside Egyptian colleagues. All engineering courses are taught in English. In addition, students take two courses with the AMIDEAST faculty: Contemporary Egypt and the Arab World (3 credits) and a colloquial Egyptian Arabic class (3 credits). Students on the Civil Engineering Program will earn a total of 15-18 credits. 

History of Engineering (Summer) in Cairo, Egypt

Students take a 3 credit course on ancient construction techniques, water preservation techniques, and preservation of historic sites. All students take the same class, which is taught through lectures, discussions, and numerous site visits. The course takes place at Cairo University’s Faculty of Engineering. For students who wish to extend their time in Egypt, they have the opportunity to add on an intensive four-week Arabic course preceding their course at CU.

Contemporary Politics (Summer) in Cairo, Egypt

Students take a 3-credit course on the contemporary political and social scene in Egypt today.  Students engage in a wide range of onsite lectures, starting with the founding of modern Egypt by Muhammad Ali in the early 19th century, continuing through British occupation and the Egyptian monarchy including the revolution in 1952. The course traces the development of the republican government through the presidencies of Gamal Abdul Nasser, Anwar Sadat, and Hosni Mubarak in establishing political legitimacy. It then continues by examining the January 25th Revolution of 2011 and its aftermath. The course is held at AMIDEAST’s Dokki facilities, and students have the option to add on an intensive four-week Arabic course after the conclusion of their program.

Intensive Arabic (Summer) in Cairo, Egypt

Students may participate in one or two intensive four-week Modern Standard Arabic sessions. The Intensive Arabic program is highly interactive, with five contact hours of Arabic language instruction each day, five days a week for a total of 100 hours of Arabic during each four-week session. Students receive 80 hours of instruction in Modern Standard Arabic, covering the material usually taught in one semester on a U.S. campus and 20 hours in Egyptian Arabic. Students should expect to spend a minimum of 3 additional hours per day on homework. Classes are held at the AMIDEAST facilities in Dokki.

Learn & Serve (Summer) in Cairo, Egypt

Students take two 3-credit courses, one in Egyptian Colloquial Arabic, held at AMIDEAST’s Dokki facilities and another that offers the chance to learn experientially about the role of non-governmental, private voluntary and media organizations in an Arab society through community-based learning. The latter course enables students to examine social issues from multiple perspectives, read relevant texts, participate in projects related to numerous fields (such as education, human development, human and civil rights, journalism or social services), engage in direct service with partner agencies, and reflect on their experience. Guided and facilitated by the course instructor, students work with  community placement daily and submit weekly journal entries reflecting on their experiences. In addition, students design a final service learning project to be shared with a larger audience.
 

Where do classes take place?

Semester abroad Area & Arabic Language and Egyptology classes are held in AMIDEAST’s training facility, also known as the Qambiz Villa, in Dokki, a district in central Cairo. The Villa is located a few blocks from the main AMIDEAST Field Office in Cairo and within walking distance of both the AMIDEAST student apartments and the Behoos Station on the Cairo Metro system. Qambiz Villa has classrooms, a computer lab, wireless internet, offices for program staff, a small program library, and space for students to relax. The Civil Engineering classes are held at the Cairo University campus and additional courses will be at AMIDEAST’s facilities. 
 

Who are the faculty and staff?

AMIDEAST’s full-time program staffs have extensive knowledge of the countries in which they work and provide unparalleled academic and cultural support to students during their time abroad.

AMIDEAST Education Abroad Program courses in Cairo are taught by a select group of Egyptian professors from a variety of institutions in and around Cairo. These lecturers possess a strong instructional experience in English-speaking environments.  All faculty members have either earned post-graduate degrees from North American or European universities, or have spent considerable time at English-medium institutions as students, faculty members, visiting faculty or visiting researchers.
 

What is the grading scale?

Courses are graded on a 4.0 scale using the U.S. letter grade system.
 

How will I receive my course grades?

Students in Egypt receive an official AMIDEAST Grade Report which indicates letter grades and credit received. One Grade Report will be sent to your university and one will remain at the AMIDEAST office in Washington, D.C. Alternatively, students can request a transcript issued by AMIDEAST’s Institution of Record, Northeastern University, for an additional fee of $350.
 

I have not studied Arabic, but would like to participate in the program. Will I encounter any difficulties communicating?

Yes, but not insurmountable difficulties. On many of our programs you will study colloquial Arabic as a required course and will quickly learn enough to ask and understand the basic questions and responses to routine conversation. As the programs progress, your proficiency will increase and your difficulties will lessen. You will also find that a significant number of Egyptians speak enough English to help you if you cannot make yourself understood in Arabic. While in Egypt you will have ample opportunity to learn and practice Arabic with people you encounter. 



 

COSTS:

What does the program fee include?

The program fee covers pre-departure preparation, in-country orientation, tuition, housing, program-organized excursions, supplementary lectures and special events, and medical insurance (including medical evacuation and repatriation, and political and security evacuation coverage). Students in Egypt also pay a $300 housing deposit that is fully refundable at the conclusion of the program if the apartment is clean and there has been no damage other than normal wear and tear.
 

What costs are not covered?

Students are responsible for international airfare, local transportation costs (aside from transportation to and from the airport), most meals (except on predetermined program activities), textbooks, travel insurance, optional excursions, entry visa, communication and other personal expenses. Students participating in the Community-Based Learning class should also plan to pay for transportation to and from their placement organizations.
 

How much spending money will I need?

Although our programs operate in areas of the world where the cost-of-living is significantly less than in the U.S. or Europe, we do suggest that students appropriately budget for spending money during their time abroad. The amount of money a student will need depends on spending habits and travel plans. Students are also responsible for phone and internet costs, outside of the AMIDEAST facilities, incurred while on the program. It is considered very thoughtful to bring small gifts to give to friends you may meet during your time abroad. Please refer to the cost section of the program on the website. There will also be more detailed information provided in your student handbook which will help you estimate the exact amount of spending money you should bring.
 

How can I access my money?

There are many international and national banks in Cairo with ATM services. ATMs in Egypt are quite reliable, and the easiest and most convenient way to obtain cash.  However, you should ask your bank if they charge a fee for international ATM transactions; they may also have other recommendations for accessing your funds overseas. Traveler’s checks provide added security but are not recommended as they are not widely accepted and the exchange rate is much worse.  Credit cards, especially Visa and MasterCard, are accepted at major hotels, and at some high-end restaurants, shops and grocery stores.  If you plan to use one of these cards (debit or credit) you should notify your card company that you will be in Egypt, as they often place security holds on accounts when foreign charges appear unexpectedly. Also, please make sure that you have a 4 digit pin, as some places cannot accommodate longer pin numbers.
 

Are scholarships available?

AMIDEAST offers scholarship opportunities to students participating in our Education Abroad programs.  For more information, including eligibility and application process for AMIDEAST Scholarships as well as links to external scholarship opportunities please visit the scholarships section of our website. The scholarship application deadlines are the same as the program application deadlines.

I am a dual citizen of the U.S. and an Arab country—does this make a difference in my financial aid chances?

Yes, if you happen to be a U.S. citizen, you will be eligible for a larger number of awards as well as U.S. federal financial aid, which can be used for study abroad programs. Sometimes aid is also reserved specifically for non-U.S. citizens. You need to make sure the university is clear about your citizenship in advance so that you receive the correct financial aid information and forms.



 

SAFETY:

How do you analyze the safety and security of the program countries?

Student safety is our number one priority. AMIDEAST has been working in Egypt for nearly 60 years, Jordan for 50 years, and Morocco for 40 years.  AMIDEAST maintains a close relationship with U.S. Embassies in the region and you will be required to register with the embassy prior to departure. AMIDEAST staff members constantly monitor the political and security situation in host countries and in other surrounding countries in the region.

In order to further enhance our access to up-to-the-minute information in crisis situations, AMIDEAST contracts with a company called iJET: Intelligent Risk Systems. iJET’s mission is to protect international travelers through the use of technology and intelligence. In addition to providing AMIDEAST with risk assessment reports on a regular basis, iJET also gives us the ability to immediately communicate with students and staff in the event of an emergency situation.

All students on AMIDEAST Education Abroad Programs are able to access the iJET website for background information on their local community and other places they may be visiting. Detailed information about iJET and the services available will be communicated shortly before your departure for the program country.

The security situation in Egypt in the wake of the January 25, 2011 revolution makes it critically important for students to pay careful attention to alerts from iJET and instructions from program staff.
 

What if there is an international security issue while I am on the program?

Should a situation develop that presents a specific security risk, appropriate action, within well-defined emergency response plans, will be taken in consultation with U.S. Embassy and Department of State officials, with whom AMIDEAST maintains a close relationship. On arrival in your host country all students are provided with a cell phone so that AMIDEAST staff can contact you (and you can contact them) at any time in case of an emergency.

All students are covered by political and security evacuation insurance by HTH Worldwide Insurance, which came into play when the students who were in Cairo in January 2011 were evacuated. During the period from the beginning of demonstrations in Cairo on January 25 until the students were evacuated on January 31, AMIDEAST staff were with the students 24/7 and provided a constant communications link both to AMIDEAST Headquarters in Washington and, through staff there, with the students’ families and home institutions. As a result of the combined efforts of AMIDEAST staff in Cairo and Washington and AMIDEAST’s insurance and evacuation partners, the students were never in danger and were safely evacuated on a charter flight to Athens. From there they were able to continue their semester abroad in either Amman or Rabat on AMIDEAST programs.
 

What if I get sick?

AMIDEAST provides medical insurance for all students on its programs through HTH Worldwide, the leading provider of international health plans to the international education community. Our field staff maintains a list of recommended doctors and medical facilities and will assist you in arranging and paying for appointments. In addition to medical insurance, HTH will provide medical, political, and security evacuation coverage.

Please be sure to register on the HTH website after you receive your medical ID information in your program country (www.hthstudents.com) in order to access online resources such as country reports and translations of over 700 medical terms and phrases. You will be sent additional information about your HTH coverage prior to departure.



 

LOGISTICS:

Do I need to bring my laptop?

The student lounge in AMIDEAST’s facilities has two computers reserved for student use, and there is access for printing and scanning.   Cairo also has a large number of internet cafes that charge between EL5 – EL15 (approximately $0.75-2.00) an hour for use of their computers.

Although computers are available, AMIDEAST recommends that students bring a laptop if possible, but this is not a requirement. You may want to consider purchasing laptop insurance in case of damage or theft.  Please note that Mac support is limited in Egypt.
 

Will I have regular access to the internet?

AMIDEAST has installed 24-hour ADSL wireless internet in all student apartments, as well as in the Qambiz Villa, where classrooms and administrative offices are located. Egypt also has many relatively cheap Internet cafes.  Please keep in mind that internet may not be as strong or as consistent as you are used to in the U.S.
 

What are my housing options?

All Egypt students will live in AMIDEAST apartments in Dokki, in the heart of Cairo.  Students live in same-gender shared apartments with other AMIDEAST students. The apartments are within walking distance of the Cairo Metro and other modes of transportation, markets, and the AMIDEAST facilities.

Once accepted to the program, you will be asked to provide AMIDEAST with information about your hobbies and preferences which will help us pair you with a complementary roommate.
 

Will I be able to use Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) in my daily life in Cairo?

Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) is not used for daily life interactions in any Arab country; it is only used in formal settings such as interviews and speeches. You may use MSA when looking at electronic and print media, and books. While everyone will understand you when you speak MSA, they will likely respond to you in colloquial Arabic.
 

How should I plan to dress?

Although Cairo is a cosmopolitan city, Egyptian society remains fairly conservative, thus a certain degree of modesty is recommended. Summers are fairly hot while winters can be cooler. For women, we recommend basic, cotton apparel such as: three quarter length-sleeved shirts, Capri trousers or skirts below the knee and jeans. Do not bring sleeveless shirts, tank tops or excessively tight clothing. Cotton shirts or sweaters and jeans or trousers are suitable for men. When visiting mosques or when traveling outside of the city, we recommend trousers or long skirts. Please bring comfortable walking shoes as you will be walking and exploring a great deal both in Cairo and when traveling outside the city. Dressing respectfully demonstrates adaptability and will help minimize unwanted attention, especially for women. A packing list is located in the student handbook which is sent to participants prior to departure.
 

Will I be able to travel around the country during the program?

Students may travel independently during the program. Students must provide AMIDEAST staff with a Travel Information Form at least one week prior to their first day of travel. Students may travel during the weekends or in between sessions, but are not permitted to miss class for travel. Although travel outside the country is permitted, students must notify AMIDEAST of travel and AMIDEAST may strongly discourage travel to particular areas of the region. Students who fail to follow these guidelines will be dismissed from the program and may be sent home at their own expense, with no refunds given.
 

Will I have a phone?

Upon arrival, all students are supplied with a mobile phone, local number, and a small number of minutes for calling. These are pay-as-you-go phones, so when the initial allocation of minutes runs out you will have to buy a top-up card either from the mobile provider at a company store or from one of the many kiosks (“kusshk”) and small stores that sell them. The phone, along with the charger, must be returned to AMIDEAST at the end of your term.  Most participants prefer to text each other and use Skype for international calls as calls can be relatively expensive to make on the pay-as-you-go phones. All apartments are also furnished with a landline, useful for making local calls to other landlines, such as AMIDEAST, homes of Egyptian friends, or restaurants. You may also consider purchasing an international calling card and use your landline for calls to the United States.
 

What pre-departure information will I receive?

Students receive communication from AMIDEAST Washington, D.C. staff regarding courses, housing, insurance, packing, flights, visas and what to expect upon arrival. AMIDEAST staff is available to answer program and country specific questions and ensure students are prepared prior to departure for their host country. You should feel free to contact the Washington office with any questions you may have leading up to your program.
 

Will I have much contact with other American students during my stay?

There are approximately 15-35 students on every AMIDEAST program each semester, with a maximum enrollment of 40 students. You will interact with American students in your study space, classes, during excursions and activities. While most program participants are from the U.S., you may also have classmates from other countries (e.g., Australia, Italy, Japan, Latvia).
 

Will I have much interaction with local students through AMIDEAST?

Although AMIDEAST encourages and provides opportunities to interact with local university students (including arranging for language and cultural partnerships) you will be the one who truly develops these relationships. AMIDEAST will assign a local language partner with whom you can meet to practice Arabic and how much you interact with this person is up to you and your partner. In addition, AMIDEAST will organize frequent cultural dialogue sessions throughout the semester, giving you the opportunity to discuss pertinent issues of identity, religion, gender, etc. with local university students.
 

Will I have access to a library?

AMIDEAST maintains a small but growing library in the Program Center for AMIDEAST students.  The collection is focused on works to supplement assigned reading for the courses offered each semester. Students also have access to the public library in Dokki. Other library resources are available to students at the American Research Center in Egypt (especially for Egyptology courses) and other institutes in Cairo. By using the wireless internet available both in the Program Center and in the student apartments, students also may access the electronic holdings of their home institutions’ libraries for research.
 

Will I be able to practice my religion freely?

There are churches of various denominations located throughout Cairo and a functioning synagogue.
 

Who is eligible to apply for an AMIDEAST Education Abroad Program?

Eligible applicants for AMIDEAST Programs:

  • Are enrolled at an accredited college or university and have completed at least one year of post-secondary study.
  • Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale); however, applications will be considered holistically.
  • Are physically and emotionally prepared to spend one to eight months in Egypt (depending on the program).
  • Are willing to adapt to a new, potentially challenging environment.
     

What is the application process like?

Students begin the application process on AMIDEAST’s online application system. Students must submit a completed application online and the following additional documents to AMIDEAST headquarters in Washington, D.C:

  • Official Transcript(s) for all college(s) or university(ies) attended
  • Two Letters of Recommendation
  • Study Abroad Advisor Form

After all documents are received, applications will be considered.  The Admissions Committee reviews each application individually and AMIDEAST staff inform students of their application status within two weeks of receipt of all supporting documents.

Applications for AMIDEAST Education Abroad Programs are accepted and considered on a rolling basis with the following deadlines: April 15th for fall programs, October 15th for spring semesters, and March15th for summer sessions. Despite the open nature of our application process, we urge you to complete your application as soon as possible in order to ensure space for you on your preferred program as our admissions are decided on a rolling basis.
 

Where can I connect with other potential and past AMIDEAST study abroad students?

In order to gain a better sense of our programs we encourage you to visit our Facebook page: Study Abroad in the Arab World and our blog; Mosaic.

If you are interested in hearing first hand from students who have studied abroad with AMIDEAST previously, please email edabroad@amideast.org and we can put you in touch with some of those students.




 

TRAVEL:

What dates should I use to book my airline ticket?

You are required to arrive to and depart from your host country on specific dates so that AMIDEAST personnel can better serve all program participants. Students that arrive before their program begins are responsible for arranging and paying for their own transportation and lodging until their AMIDEAST program begins. The same applies for students staying past the end of the AMIDEAST program. Students should note that their HTH Worldwide Insurance coverage is only effective during the set program dates; students who arrive early or are staying later than these dates will not be covered by the HTH Worldwide Insurance as provided by AMIDEAST.

Arrival and departure dates can be found on the Academic Calendars of our different programs. Area & Arabic Studies (Semester/Academic Year), Egyptology (Semester/Academic Year), Civil Engineering (Semester/Academic Year), Contemporary Egyptian Politics (Summer), History of Engineering (Summer), Intensive Arabic (Summer),  Learn and Serve (Summer). Because we have specific time frames for when you should arrive and depart from your host country, you should not buy tickets without first checking in with AMIDEAST staff in Washington D.C. You will receive more information about flights in pre-departure emails after acceptance. 
 

How can I book my ticket?

We have specific time frames for when you should arrive and depart from your host country. You will receive more information about flights in pre-departure emails after acceptance. Please do not buy tickets without first checking in with AMIDEAST staff in Washington D.C.

If you would like to use a travel agent to book your ticket, here is the contact information for the travel agent with whom we work:

Hani Akil
Golden Eagle Travel Agency, Inc.
7700 Leesburg Pike, Ste. 107
Falls Church, VA 22043
703-288-3444
h.akil@gogoldeneagle.com 

Will I need a visa to enter the country?

If you are a U.S. citizen, you do not need to obtain a visa before departing the U.S., but you will need to purchase a visa as soon as you arrive in Cairo. You will need to present a U.S. passport that is valid for at least 6 months after your departure date. The current cost of the visa in Egypt is approximately $15. Further information about this process is included in the student handbook you will receive prior to your departure.

If you are not a U.S. citizen, you should contact the Egyptian embassy in your country of citizenship to inquire about visa requirements.  AMIDEAST staff in Washington may be able to assist you if you encounter difficulties, but will need to know immediately if that is the case as sometimes it takes more than a month for an Egyptian visa to be issued from a consulate in the U.S.
 

How will I get from the airport to the program?

An AMIDEAST staff member will be at the Cairo International Airport holding an AMIDEAST sign to meet students arriving on the designated arrival day.  It is essential that you provide us with flight details so we know when you will arrive and on which airline. If you arrive before the designated arrival day, you are responsible for your own transportation and housing until the program begins.
 

Can my family visit me during the program?

AMIDEAST strongly discourages visits from family and friends during its programs and recommends that such visits be postponed until the end of the program. We have found that visits during our programs have the potential to have a negative impact on a student's experience. It is fairly common for friends and family to arrange visits once the program has finished. At the end of the program students have more time to spend with visitors and will be well accustomed to the country in which they are studying and able to serve as guides and cultural interpreters for their visiting family and friends.




 

Tagged under: