The program is managed by AMIDEAST/Egypt in conjunction with AMIDEAST headquarters in Washington, D.C. AMIDEAST works collaboratively with Arab Academy to oversee the academic curriculum and implementation of the program. It also manages all logistical elements of the program, including the on-site orientation, student accommodations, arrangements for excursions, and the planning of special events and extra-curricular activities. Finally, AMIDEAST provides comprehensive support to both participants and administrators in the event of any problems or unusual circumstances.

Orientation

Upon arrival in Cairo, AMIDEAST Education Abroad Program students participate in an in-depth, week-long orientation designed to introduce them to Egyptian culture and daily life and familiarize them with the logistics of the program. Students move to their accommodation for the semester immediately and begin their on-site orientation, which combines structured informational sessions with organized activities and free time to familiarize participants with Cairo. 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 their professors, take language placement tests, and become familiar with the program’s IT environment.

Dr. Dina Shehata (Academic Coordinator & Professor, Contemporary Egyptian Politics)

Pharaonic, Coptic, & Modern Egypt: Culture and Religion from Ancient to Modern Times (Anthropology 350; 3 credits)

What makes contemporary Egyptian culture and religious practice distinct from that of other Middle Eastern countries? This course will explore the role that Pharaonic Egypt played in shaping Egyptian folklore and social customs until today and the way in which Muslim and Christian traditions have been interwoven with the ancient culture and changed or reinforced it.

Arabic Courses on AMIDEAST Programs

Arabic is a diglossic language. That is, there are two varieties of Arabic, one for reading and writing and another for speaking. The textbook series used in Arabic courses in all AMIDEAST Education Abroad Programs in the Arab World, Al Kitaab fii Taallum al Arabiyya, introduces both from the beginning to help students engage easily in their host country and learn the language as its native speakers learn it. However, in the AMIDEAST programs separate courses address two the different varieties of Arabic – Modern Standard Arabic and the local dialect.