There's just something special about Egypt-the ancient atmosphere and ruins, coupled with the near endless list of natural wonders to see, not to mention the modern edifices jumbled with small villages. Egypt may very well be the world's oldest vacation spot in the world, as even the early Greeks and Romans would go there just for fun. Egypt is one of the most alluring of all Middle Eastern countries. A hotbed of political turmoil, economic flux, and archaeological treasures, it has turned from a country into a field of study in its own right.
Scholars have been pursuing Egyptology for centuries and the fact that it remains a target of interest in modern academia just goes to show that there is so much left uncovered. With tensions in the Middle East remaining even today, it is critical that the cultural understandings and cooperation between the US and Egypt move in a positive direction. Students interested in studying in Egypt have scholarship opportunities ranging from the federally funded to those at private college and university programs.
While some of these programs are extremely competitive as the field of study here is specific to one country, they make up for it by generously offering significant scholarships or even full tuition. Egypt, with its prime location in the middle eastern zone, falls under this umbrella of interest.
Even though Egypt's location and developed public transportation system allows students to opportunity to experience other European countries with ease, don't forget that Egypt itself is brimming with interesting and historically significant cities!
As the capital of Egypt, Cairo is a major cultural and political center, and is even the largest city in the Arab world. Though crowded and chaotic, it is chock full of stunning architecture and nods to yesteryear, such as the infamous Great Sphinx of Giza, the Egyptian museum (home to over 100,000 Egyptian artifacts including treasures from King Tut!), and mummies, statues, papyrus scores galore. As a modern city, you can explore history by day and enjoy the amenities of city living by night.
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Take a break from the congested Nile river valley and instead explore the northern coast of Egypt and the Mediterranean Sea. Study abroad in Alexandria, Egypt's largest seaport and second largest city, which is home to 3.5 million people (all of whom enjoy the stunning seaside views along the numerous beaches!). The ancient capital of Egypt, Alexandria is also home to the largest library of the ancient world, once a place where great philosophers and scientists of that age came to seek knowledge.
When it comes to selecting a program for your study abroad experience, be sure to inform yourself about ALL of your options. From language intensive courses, to programs that specialize in home stays, and everything in between, there's bound to be a study abroad program in Egypt that will be a great fit for you.
Egypt's land is primarily desert, with about 90% of the country's population inhabiting less than 5% of the entire land (largely concentrated around the Nile); the nation's profound political position has a vital influence on the world even today. Don't live in denial-live in the Nile!
Grand Egyptian Museum EXCLUSIVE private tour - ONE DAY BEFORE THE FULL OPENING including King Tut!
The American University in Cairo (AUC)
The American University in Cairo (AUC) is a state-of-the-art, US-accredited, English-language University. Established 100 years ago, AUC is one of the oldest liberal arts institutions in the region. Located in the heart of the Middle East and in one of the most vibrant cities in the Arab world, AUC is an ideal place to explore your academic interests while you become immersed in a new culture. AUC is a liberal arts program that encourages students to think critically and find creative solutions to conflicts and challenges, facing both the region and the world.
Students accepted into the American University in Cairo’s study abroad program are eligible to apply for the Herman E. Eilts international scholarship. Applicants are required to write an essay answering the question, “How will my experience at The American University in Cairo impact my future career plans and broaden my appreciation of Arab culture?” The paper must be a minimum of 1500 words. The scholarship is directed towards American undergraduates who have a desire to pursue Middle Eastern studies or Arabic studies at the University for up to one year. Students receiving the scholarship must maintain a 3.5 GPA minimum.
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You will need to be sure that you are registered as a full time student according to AUC and Rutgers University. That means you will need to take 12-16 credits while abroad. AUC’s on-campus halls are just a five-to-seven-minute walk to classes, and residents of near-campus halls can take a complimentary shuttle right to the campus gate for an equally short walk to class. On-campus halls are also close to many food options and supermarkets, both on and off-campus.
My experience at the American University in Cairo (AUC) has been transformative, marked by exceptional education, a robust community, and unique opportunities for personal growth. Studying abroad at the American University in Cairo (AUC) was nothing short of transformative. My experience with Peace Boat was transformative, both personally and professionally.
The American University in Cairo Campus
Key Considerations for Study Abroad in Egypt
Language
When selecting a program for study abroad, be sure to take note of the programs' dedication to teaching the Arab language. Arabic is the official language of over 20 countries and there are well over 300 million native speakers of the language. There is a high demand and a low supply of Arabic-speakers in the western world.
Housing
Living abroad can mean different things to different people. If you're interested in a true immersion experience, you would likely take advantage of any opportunity to closely interact with the locals, including participating in a home stay. On the flip side, if you prefer a bit more independence abroad, you may find an apartment is a more suitable living situation.
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Immersion and Cultural Activities
Many independent program providers will include small group trips in their program fees to complement students' learning experiences. These trips can range from a daily trip to a nearby sight or a longer venture out in the neck of the woods.
Scholarship Opportunities
Students interested in studying in Egypt have scholarship opportunities ranging from the federally funded to those at private college and university programs. Here are a few notable scholarships:
- David L. Boren Undergraduate Scholarships: Designed for undergraduate students studying in a critical needs international program, such as Egypt and the Middle East. Eligible students must be engaged in a program of study that enables them to not only learn the formal language-Arabic-but the vernacular, or everyday colloquialisms or common language inherent in any linguistics system. Students must also be able to become very familiar with the country’s culture and norms.
- Boren Graduate Fellowships: Require the same program criteria and the same arrangement of service for scholarship.
- The National Flagship Language Program: Designed solely to get a student up to speed with a critical needs language, such as Arabic, by immersing them in the country, its language and culture. Students may engage in language studies in Egypt and qualify for the full-tuition funding.
- The School for International Training (SIT) Middle East and Islamic Studies Scholarship: Students pursuing a program of study in Egypt qualify for consideration. Selections are made on the basis of academic merit and a demonstrated financial need.
- Simpson Scholarships in Egyptology: Cover studies in culture and history of the country from antiquity up to the present. This highly selective scholarship is ideal for the student interested in Egypt as a whole picture, complete with its centuries of unique and fascinating history.
- Herman E. Eilts International Scholarship: Students accepted into the American University in Cairo’s study abroad program are eligible to apply.
Besides these scholarships, many colleges and universities offer a changing menu of abroad study programs that do occasionally include destinations generally considered exotic such as Egypt. Nearly all private college study abroad programs, due to their significant expense associated with traveling overseas, include some kind of financial aid package.
## Required Documents for ApplicationFollowing attachments are required along with the application form:
- A copy of the educational certificate or Official educational transcripts: An official copy of the secondary school certificate or official secondary school transcripts with diploma.
- A valid passport copy.
- Photocopy of Birth Certificate
- English language certificate: TOEFL/IELTS
- New Twelve passport-size photos with white background and application fee.
- A photocopy of legal guardian’s national ID or passport
- Proof of twelve years of schooling has been required since 2010. Three of the years must be completed after Preparatory School Certificate (Grade 9).
These are estimated expenses that are not part of your term bill. Some of these expenses will be paid for prior to going abroad, such as an airline ticket, while some of these expenses, such as meals and personal expenses, will be paid in-country as part of your daily expenses.
| Expense | Description |
|---|---|
| Airline Ticket | Cost of round-trip airfare |
| Meals | Daily food expenses |
| Personal Expenses | Miscellaneous spending money |
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