The Pyramids.  Luxor and Karnak Temples.  Irrigated agriculture.  Water wheels.  Papyrus boats that sailed the oceans.  The Nile Barrages.  Suez Canal.  Aswan High Dam.  Preservation of Abu Simbel.  El-Salaam Water Project. From ancient times to the present, many of the world’s most impressive engineering feats have occurred in one country – Egypt. 
 

 Academics

The History of Engineering is a 3-credit course offered jointly by AMIDEAST Education Abroad Programs in the Arab World and the Faculty of Engineering of Cairo University. Topics addressed during the course range from ancient engineering feats such as the temples and monuments of ancient Egypt to ancient and modern water resource management and irrigation. Preservation and restoration of historic sites, including ancient monuments, mosques, churches and synagogues will also be covered.  These topics are addressed through lectures, discussions and numerous site visits and excursions. 

Excursions

History of Engineering students participate in program-organized excursions to many parts of Egypt to visit major attractions and historical sites. The excursions are coordinated by AMIDEAST/Egypt in conjunction with the program’s academic staff and are led by a member of the Cairo University engineering faculty. Organized activities are combined with free time, allowing students to explore independently within a safe and structured framework.  Excursions will include visits to: 

·   The Giza Plateau – site of the Great Pyramid and Sphinx

·   Luxor and the West Bank of the Nile to visit ancient temples, monuments and tombs

·   Aswan and the Aswan High Dam

·   Abu Simbel

·   The Nile Barrages

·   Irrigation Museum

·   Major Islamic monuments in Cairo

·   The Suez Canal and El-Salaam Water Project

·   Ongoing preservation and restoration projects  

Faculty

History of Engineering will be taught by a team of Cairo University Engineering faculty members led by Dr. Abdallah Bazaraa (PhD, Colorado State University), Dr. Sherif Mourad (PhD, UC Irvine) and Dr. Hafez Abdel-Azeem.  They will deliver lectures, lead site visits, and accompany students on the tour of Upper Egypt.  In addition, a group of distinguished guest lecturers will address the group. 

Orientation

Upon arrival in Cairo, AMIDEAST Education Abroad Program students participate in an orientation designed to introduce them to Egyptian culture and daily life and familiarize them with the logistics of the program. Students move immediately into their accommodation for the program. Topics such as safety and health, cultural adjustment, program regulations, participant responsibilities and other essential information are all discussed during orientation. During the on-site orientation students also meet the faculty and become familiar with the program’s IT environment. 

Program Manager

Matthew Kuehl serves as the Program Manager for AMIDEAST Education Abroad Programs in Egypt.  Matthew has worked in professional and educational exchange programs for nearly 5 years, including developing a study abroad college in Sana’a, Yemen.

Scholarships

History of Engineering is supported in part by a grant from the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the U.S. Department of State.  A limited number of $1500 travel grants are available to support students who receive Pell Grants and Stafford Loans.

 Health & Safety

With AMIDEAST’s nearly 60-year presence in the Middle East and North Africa, AMIDEAST Education Abroad Programs are able to draw on AMIDEAST’s long-term experience in the region, strong local connections, and deep understanding of the intercultural, health, safety, and security issues inherent to study in the Arab world. AMIDEAST provides medical insurance for all enrolled students through HTH Worldwide, as well as medical, political, and security evacuation coverage. AMIDEAST has also contracted with an intelligence provider to assist with monitoring, protecting against, and responding to security issues in the region. 

The AMIDEAST Advantage

Guided by an Academic Consortium that represents a cross-section of U.S. higher education, AMIDEAST programs are designed to provide academic excellence. AMIDEAST programs also include ample opportunities to interact with local university students and to reflect on intercultural encounters in structured settings. 

Transcripts

Students receive credit for their program through an AMIDEAST grade report or (if requested) through AMIDEAST’s Institution of Record, Queens College of The City University of New York.  The Queens College transcript will carry an additional fee.