How to Study in Egypt

Researching the institutions you are thinking of attending in Egypt is the most important step. There are several privately-run universities in Egypt, with the most prominent and respected being the American University of Cairo (AUC). Formerly located in the heart of Cairo's downtown, the new campus is situated in the relatively quiet suburb of Heliopolis. The advantage of choosing AUC is that all classes (with the exception of language classes) are taught in English. In fact, an entrance exam is required for non-English speakers to attend the university. The university is well-respected in the academic, publishing and local communities for its excellent faculty and helpful staff. The new location, while lacking some of the "authenticity" of its downtown campus, offers excellent security and state-of-the-art facilities. Cairo University is another prominent university in Cairo. It is the main state-sponsored university for Egyptians and educates many of the country's engineers and businesspeople. The advantage to choosing Cairo University is that classes are taught mostly in Egyptian Arabic--an important aspect for those wishing to maintain a high level of fluency in the language. Also, because the university is located within Cairo, the opportunity to experience Cairo's neighborhoods and interact with the people is abundant. Some classes at Cairo University are offered in English but admission may be difficult for non-Egyptians (see Resources).

Determine why you want to study in Egypt. If you are applying to strengthen your understanding of Arabic or are of Egyptian descent, then either university will hold immeasurable benefit for you. If you are an American wishing to study abroad for the experience of living and studying in Egypt, or to learn Arabic, then the American University in Cairo would be the best choice. Discuss your options with your academic counselor, your family, and your prospective university before committing to applying. As a side note, the American University of Cairo (like its counterparts in Lebanon and Jordan) offers occasional cultural excursions for its students through cheap or free guided tours. Cairo University is less focused on this, naturally.Other universities include the German University, Ain al-Shams, and the most famous and oldest university, Al-Azhar University. The latter is a more traditional Muslim school, which will require that you contact them directly only if you are fluent in Arabic and wish to study in a traditional Muslim school (see Resources).

Finding funds to attend the universities in Cairo is easy with a simple conversation with the administrators of the universities. American University of Cairo offers a stipend for graduate students, though undergraduate students will also find some small help through scholarships offered there as well. If your aim is to learn and/or improve your Arabic, then applying for a federal Foreign Language Area Studies (FLAS) scholarship is perhaps the best route. Most major universities offer FLAS for Arabic study abroad, as does the American University. Be aware that there are certain restrictions through this type of funding; your counselor will have more information as will the individual universities. The other universities, such as Cairo University and Al Azhar, will have their own apparatus for funding and should be contacted directly for more information. Student loans can be obtained for some of these universities, depending upon the institution you are applying through.

Preparing to go to Egypt can be stressful. Discuss your housing options as soon as you are accepted to a university. Some universities will offer student dormitories, which can be included in the tuition. Cairo University and the American University offer excellent student accommodations, but their prices can be relatively expensive. Other universities do not offer student housing and will require you to find lodging on your own. Cairo Scholars is a Yahoo user group that often lists housing options available. Arranging for an apartment before leaving is highly recommended, as they tend to go quickly. These apartments offer the added benefit of a built-in guide and friend and can lessen the culture shock of studying in Egypt.

Communicating with your friends and family in the United States is easy and convenient. Cellular phones, even the prepaid telephones offered on street corners, are reliable, cheap and easy to operate. Such cellular phones can even connect to the United States for reasonable rates. Email, of course, is readily available through the many Internet cafes of Egypt as well as through campus libraries. Similarly, faxing important documents can be done through university offices. Letters and postcards can take weeks to arrive to their destinations and should not be relied upon for communication unless it is necessary. Packages can take even longer and sometimes get lost or broken in transit. Shipping through international shipping companies such as UPS and DHL are recommended, especially if medications need to be shipped securely and quickly. VOIP and other over-the-Internet telephone products may or may not work, depending on the provider. A work-around is available through video chat providers as long as you have a microphone and/or camera attached to your computer. A laptop is highly recommended as there are more wireless connections available in Cairo than computer terminals. Many Western-owned shops and restaurants carry wireless Internet access.