Cairo, Egypt
American University in Cairo
Where
Situated on the outskirts of the Egyptian capital, The American University in Cairo’s newly constructed New Cairo campus was opened in 2008. Students are immersed in the region’s rich culture, prominent history and diverse society, gaining valuable insight and better understanding of the global world. Cairo, nicknamed “the city of a thousand minarets” is home to a wide range of historic and cultural attractions, including the pyramids; historic; and felucca rides on the Nile.
The Program
Chartered and accredited in the United States and Egypt, the American University in Cairo (AUC) is a premier English-language institution of higher learning. There are two options for study abroad at AUC:
General Study Abroad Program: This program allows you to take a standard course load (15 credit hours); you will choose your classes from among more than 30 undergraduate programs. The language of instruction is English, so you will be able to take classes in your major area of study without having to struggle against a language barrier. You can also take Arabic courses—which, of course, are taught in Arabic—if you choose. Because AUC is accredited in the United States, you should have no trouble in transferring credits earned at AUC back to your home university.
Arabic Language Institute (ALI) Intensive Program: This is a distinct program within AUC, devoted to the study of Arabic language and Egyptian culture. You will be a full-time student, earning 12-15 credit hours depending on your level of study. You will be placed in the elementary, intermediate, or advanced course according to your prior experience in Arabic language, and you will have the option of studying Egyptian colloquial Arabic in conjunction with Modern Standard Arabic. This is an intensive language program, designed to improve your facility with written and spoken Arabic at an accelerated pace; for this reason, you will be unable to take courses in other programs (i.e. political science, English literature, etc.)
Eligibility
The program is open to students from all academic majors who are at least first semester juniors. Most applicants should have at least a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Previous coursework in Arabic is preferred.
Application Process
Allegheny students must first be approved by Allegheny College before applying to their chosen program. Deadlines to submit an application are by 5PM on February 20 for the fall and September 20 for the spring. For more information about the application process please visit http://sites.allegheny.edu/offcampus/application/#allegheny
Student Life
International students at AUC are encouraged to get involved in the campus and city communities by exploring the numerous cultural, academic, and community service clubs available, or by participating in one of several student-organized conferences. Students will have opportunities to travel throughout the country and the region, and experience the fascinating culture and history of a different part of the world. School-sponsored events include lectures and panel discussions on current religious, political and cultural debates and outings around Egypt.
AUC offers two excellent residence facilities for students. The first is the Zamalek residence, located in one of downtown Cairo’s most popular residential districts – Zamalek. In Spring 2009 the brand new on-campus student residence facility was launched in AUC New Cairo. This second residence for student living provides a greater variety of living spaces for both men and women in the form of cottages or large townhouses. The on-campus residence provides the comfort of close proximity to classes and university life.
Costs
Students are charged Allegheny tuition, fees (including $300 off-campus fee) and Allegheny room. Meals are arranged for and paid by students once on site. Additional costs include any laboratory fees, international travel to and from Cairo, Egypt, local transportation and travel within Egypt, additional meals, personal expenses, and health insurance (not required for some programs).