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The American University in Cairo (AUC)

Why choose The American University in Cairo (AUC)?

Why Study at AUC?
Academics
With 40 majors and 55 minors, AUC offers 2000+ courses within an American liberal arts system taught by faculty from around the globe. Learn Arabic at an institution with 60+ years of experience teaching Arabic to diplomats, scholars and journalists, AUC has something for everyone!

Campus Life
Thrive on a world-class, environmentally responsible, green campus and join a diverse community from 60+ countries around the globe.
Take a full virtual tour of our campus here.

Career Center
AUC’s internships, work-study programs and job shadowing opportunities allow you to enhance your resume as you earn your degree.
Beyond the Classroom
Discover your interests and develop your skills with like-minded individuals through 70+ student clubs on campus, work alongside faculty and researchers on issues unique to Egypt and the Middle East.

Discover Egypt
Discover the wonders of Egypt, from historic Cairo, ancient pharaonic temples in Luxor to the deep Red Sea.

Reviews

Default avatar
Adhar
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Recognition and Safety

The study in AUC remain a rewarding and life changing opportunity for an overseas students to experience different cultures and cuisines. Further, the study at the AUC is a unique chance to get to know students from different countries that enrich the discussions in the classes and brings insights that are difficult to find in one university at home. furthermore, the faculty at the AUC are practitioners or professionals that brings in over twenty years of work experiences that make a learn environment so rewarding and on a job much more than just being experimental. Finally, the financial aspect of studying and living in Egypt are fairly management for an overseas students, but for locals is expensive. Safety, it is safe easy access particularly for those living on the campus.

Pros
  • Nice buildings with open air, and attractive.
  • Support from everyone including students and faculty
  • Staff are very welcoming and very clean
Cons
  • Far from downtown.
  • Expensive for locals.
Default avatar
Waseem
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

A Great Egyptian & Multicultural University

Studying at AUC has been amazing. Great faculty, diverse courses, and a beautiful campus. It's been a rewarding experience that has broadened my horizons. The campus itself is beautiful and modern, providing state-of-the-art facilities and resources. The library is extensive and well-equipped, offering access to a vast collection of books, journals, and online resources. There are also numerous study areas and labs where students can collaborate and work on projects. his diversity not only enhances the learning experience but also promotes cross-cultural understanding and global perspectives.

Pros
  • Diverse and Inclusive Community
  • Modern Facilities
  • Academic Excellence
Cons
  • May be of high tuition fees:
  • Traffic
Default avatar
Christopher
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Excellent opportunity to experience Egyptian culture

I attended AUC for 2 years and I think that it is one of the best opportunities to see and experience Egyptian and Middle Eastern culture. The academic programs are good quality, the professors are fantastic, and your fellow students are eager to help you adjust to a new culture. Egypt can be a bit difficult for first-time travellers, and AUC helps make that adjustment for first-time visitors to Egypt or the Middle East.

There are a lot of opprotunities for other travel as well, on weekends it's easy to see places like Alexandria, Port Said, Fayyou,, St. Catherine, the Red Sea, etc.

Default avatar
Sofiene
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

The Best Study Abroad Experience You'll Ever Get !

I recently had the opportunity to participate in the exchange program at The American University in Cairo (AUC) (Spring 2023), and I can wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone seeking a transformative and enriching academic experience. From the moment I arrived on campus until the day I left, my time at AUC was filled with incredible learning opportunities, cultural immersion, and personal growth.
One of the standout aspects of the exchange program at AUC is the exceptional academic environment. The university boasts a renowned faculty who are experts in their respective fields, offering a wealth of knowledge and diverse perspectives. The courses I took were engaging and intellectually stimulating, challenging me to think critically and pushing me to expand my horizons. Whether it was in the humanities, social sciences, or business disciplines, I found the academic rigor at AUC to be of the highest quality.
Another highlight of the exchange program was the vibrant and multicultural campus community. AUC attracts students from all over the world, creating a truly global learning environment. Interacting with fellow students from diverse backgrounds not only enhanced my understanding of different cultures but also fostered lifelong friendships. The university also organizes various cultural events, extracurricular activities, and clubs that provide ample opportunities for socializing, networking, and exploring the rich Egyptian heritage.
Living in Cairo, one of the most historically significant and culturally vibrant cities in the world, was an unforgettable experience. The city's energy, bustling markets, stunning architecture, and ancient landmarks offer a unique backdrop for students to immerse themselves in Egyptian culture. AUC's central location in Cairo allows for easy exploration of the city's iconic sites, such as the Pyramids of Giza, the Egyptian Museum, and the vibrant neighborhoods of Zamalek and Maadi. The university also organizes excursions and cultural trips that further enrich the student experience.
The support and resources provided by AUC were exceptional. The university has a dedicated team of staff members who are always ready to assist international students, ensuring a smooth transition and providing support throughout the program. From academic advisors to housing services, AUC prioritizes the well-being and success of its students.
Lastly, the exchange program at AUC offers the opportunity for personal growth and self-discovery. Living and studying in a foreign country can be challenging, but it also presents a chance to develop resilience, adaptability, and a global perspective. The exchange program at AUC encourages students to step out of their comfort zones, embrace new experiences, and gain a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them.
In conclusion, if you are seeking an exchange program that combines academic excellence, cultural immersion, and personal growth, I highly recommend The American University in Cairo. The university's commitment to providing a well-rounded experience, along with its outstanding faculty, diverse student body, and vibrant campus community, make it an ideal destination for any student looking to expand their horizons and create lifelong memories. My time at AUC was truly transformative, and I am grateful for the invaluable experiences and knowledge I gained during my exchange program.

Default avatar
Hadj Ahmed
3/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Studying at AUC

Attending the American University in Cairo (AUC) has been an incredibly fulfilling and enriching experience. From the moment I became a part of this esteemed institution, I have been impressed by the quality of education, the supportive community, and the opportunities for personal and academic growth.

The faculty at AUC is outstanding. They are not only highly knowledgeable in their respective fields but also genuinely invested in the success of their students. The professors are approachable, supportive, and passionate about teaching. They encourage critical thinking, foster intellectual curiosity, and provide guidance that extends beyond the classroom. Their dedication to excellence has played a pivotal role in shaping my academic journey.

Programs

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Alumni Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with verified alumni.

What is your favorite travel memory?

I chose this program to study abroad in Cairo, Egypt, to give me an opportunity to reconnect with my roots.

My family is originally from Egypt and, having lived in the US my entire life, I have always felt so distant from my culture.

Studying abroad at AUC was the perfect chance for me to learn more about the Egyptian lifestyle, live in a country so different than what I know, study Arabic, and connect with family that I have in Egypt.

What did your program provider (or university) assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?

Due to the fact that my home university does not offer any programs in Egypt, they did not assist me with much when it came to planning my abroad experience. I informed them that I was choosing to participate in a non-affiliated abroad program, and the organization was on me at that point on. I applied to AUC independently and organized my travels.

What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?

A piece advice that I would give to someone that chooses to study in Egypt is to put yourself out of your comfort zone, enjoy every day making the most of each opportunity, and soak up the culture as much as possible.

Moving to Cairo is already a leap of faith for most people, so you might as well immerse yourself in the uncomfortableness because the best growth comes from these times of discomfort.

What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?

A day in the life in this program entails classes at the New Cairo campus.

I would have Arabic classes in the mornings, followed by lunch at the oriental food place on campus. We might hang out in the gardens and enjoy the Cairo sunshine, chat, do homework, play games, or just enjoy each other's company and the beautiful campus.

On days that I didn't have school, I would try and explore the city, head downtown to sightsee or visit family.

Overall, days were filled with lots of food, laughs, sunshine, and exploring.

Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?

My biggest fear going into my study abroad experience was that I would be lonely or not meet many friends. I went into the program pretty much solo and was afraid that I wouldn't find people that I connected with. This fear was almost immediately squashed because I met the most wonderful people. I went into the experience striving to put myself out there and be my authentic self. This taught me that being yourself will attract people to you who you'll connect with.

What was the biggest take-away from your abroad experience?

Living abroad taught me so much about the world, about myself, and about humanity. I learned that being true to who you are is so valuable, and the power of human connection is beautiful. Through connecting with family that I didn't know prior, to meeting amazing people from around the world, I formed lasting connections. Traveling and seeing how people different from you live teaches you so much. It gives you a new perspective and opens your mind to seeing the world.

Staff Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with program leaders.

Salima Ikram

Job Title
Distinguished University Professor
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Dr. Ikram is an Egyptologist who has excavated in Egypt since she was a student in 1986, and has also worked in Greece, Turkey, and Sudan. Her main interests in terms of ancient Egypt are death and mummification, daily life, food, rock art, experimental archaeology, ethnoarchaeology, archaeozoologist, and the cultural heritage protection. She has published extensively on these subjects, both for adults and children, and has also appeared on television.

What is your favorite travel memory?

The first time I went into the Great Pyramid at Giza when I was 9.5 years old was amazing – the dramatic architecture of the Grand Gallery that shot up through the pyramid was awe-inspiring, and the whole space filled me with wonder. This was one of the pivotal moments in my decision to become an Egyptologist.

How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?

I have been blessed with the opportunity to live and work in Egypt, and have had access to study its monuments as well as to dig them up. I have also been able to take students to visit the sites and also to work on them, which allows both them and myself to grow as scholars and human beings, as we witness the astonishingly rich culture of ancient Egypt.

What is the best story you've heard from a return student?

One of the nicest things a student has said (actually, several of them say this) is that they have been extremely well prepared for grad school and that the Egyptology unit at AUC taught them how to think, question, appreciate, and be engaged with Egypt in a way that students who study elsewhere cannot. And, at conferences, they always insist on a group lunch, which is starting to mean taking over an entire restaurant.

What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?

The Egyptology Unit at AUC is made up of wonderful scholars with a range of expertise who are engaged in ancient Egypt in a variety of ways. We have a unique understanding and way of interacting with Egypt's culture due to the fact that we live in Egypt and are immersed in both its present and past. We all publish extensively and are involved in a variety of field projects in which we involve our students.

What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?

The Egyptology unit works (and plays) together for mutual benefit and also works very hard to ensure that our students have the best possible education as well as opportunities to work in the field and enjoy a wide variety of experiences as well as exposure to different scholars and intellectual paths.