THE CITY OF CAIRO
In Cairo--a city of over 13 million--- the ancient and the modern, the rural and the urban are brought together on the banks of the Nile in one of the most fascinating cities in the world. Cairo is the largest city in Africa, a cultural center of the Arabic-speaking world, and the crossroads for the sharing of ideas, leadership, and trade. For a thousand years, Cairo has flourished as one of the vital centers of the Arab world. As the site of great development of Arabic literature, science, and institutions, Cairo is an ideal base from which to explore the rich heritage of Arab and Islamic culture.
THE AMERICAN UNIVERSITY IN CAIRO
Founded in 1919 to offer a comprehensive American-style, liberal arts education to Egyptian students, the American University in Cairo (AUC) enrolls about 6,000 students in its degree, Arabic language, and study abroad programs. AUC students hail from over 100 different countries, but the majority of students are Egyptians.
AUC holds institutional accreditation from the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools in the United States (MSCHE /"Middle States"). The University is also fully accredited by ABET and AACSB. Credits earned at AUC are transferable to any U.S. college or university, provided that course material is approved on an individual basis by the home institution.
NEW CAMPUS
In 2008, the University campus moved from its location in central downtown Cairo to the suburb of New Cairo, a development comprising 46,000 acres of land and with a projected population of 2.5 million people. The new 260-acre complex weaves Egyptian urban and architectural traditions into a modern campus that places a distinct emphasis on environmental sustainability.
The campus offers state-of-the-art resources to students and faculty from Egypt and around the world and is accessible to persons with disabilities. Campus facilities include libraries boasting the largest English-language research collection in Egypt, a travel office, a bank, a fully-staffed medical clinic, a counseling center, student dormitories, a state-of-the-art athletic complex, and a variety of food services. Take a virtual tour of the campus.
A University shuttle system provides convenient access to downtown Cairo, from which students can explore a wealth of cultural opportunities. The Cairo Museum--the world's richest repository of pharaonic antiquities--is only a short walk from the old campus center, while the pyramids of Giza, the tombs of Saqqara, and the myriad mosques of medieval Cairo are all within an hour's ride.
PROGRAMS
General Study Abroad--Students choose classes from more than 30 undergraduate programs. The language of instruction is English, but Arabic language courses are offered as well. For study abroad students wishing to study Arabic alongside general courses from other disciplines, AUC offers a wide range of non-intensive classes in Modern Standard Arabic and Egyptian Colloquial Arabic.
Arabic Language Institute--In its Arabic Language Institute (ALI) AUC maintains what is probably the largest corps of full-time, professional Arabic language teachers in the world, and its many Arabic programs have earned international renown for their quality and competence. The ALI Intensive Arabic Program is ideal for students wishing to maximize their progress in Arabic language study by focusing exclusively on Arabic for the period of their study abroad. Students in this program take a full course load of intensive classes in the Arabic language and Egyptian culture.
Both programs are offered during the 6-week summer session and the two full semesters (fall and spring.) The general Study Abroad program is also available during the 3-week winter session. Students attending the summer and winter programs take reduced course loads to correspond with the shorter periods of instruction.
COURSE LOAD
The full course load at AUC is four or five classes (12-15 credits) per semester. The standard summer session load is 2 classes (6 credits); the winter session, one class (3 credits.) Study Abroad students must maintain full-time status in order to qualify for a student visa.
Fields of Study:
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Accounting
Actuarial Science
African Studies
American Studies
Architectural Engineering
Anthropology
Applied Probability and Statistics
Arab and Islamic Civilizations
Arabic Studies
Archaeological Chemistry
Architectural Design
Art
Biology
Business Administration
Chemistry
Classical/Medieval Islamic History
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Comparative Religion
Computer Engineering
Computer Science
Construction Engineering
Coptic Studies
Development Studies
Economics
Egyptology
Electronics Engineering
English and Comparative Literature
Environmental Science
Film
Gender and Women's Studies
History
Information Systems
International Relations
Islamic Art and Architecture
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Islamic Studies
Journalism and Mass Communication
Linguistics
Mathematics
Mechanical Engineering
Middle East Studies
Music
Petroleum and Energy Engineering
Philosophy
Physics
Political Economy
Political Science
Psychology
Rhetoric and Writing
Sociology
Theater
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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. School-sponsored events include lectures and panel discussions on current religious, political, and cultural debates; outings to the pyramids; a weekend trip to Alexandria; horseback riding in the desert; and felucca rides on the Nile.
AUC offers a multitude of social, athletic, travel, and cultural opportunities throughout the semester. Study abroad students have successfully represented AUC in the annual Egyptian National University Sports Competition in gymnastics, rowing, basketball, and volleyball. Students often complete the training necessary to become certified scuba divers while enjoying the coral reefs of the Red Sea. Others become involved in musical theater and dance events on campus and in the community. Almost all international students will travel on their own or with student-organized groups to tourist sites in Egypt and to other countries in the region.
Prior to the beginning of each semester, AUC offers a pre-semester intensive course in colloquial Arabic. The International Student Affairs Office organizes an extensive new student orientation and academic advising (including final course registration) program prior to the start of each semester.
For information on cultural events, extracurricular program activities, and resources for student support, please visit the Campus Life webpage.
LIVING ARRANGEMENTS
Two University housing options are available for study abroad students:
On-Campus: The on-campus residence facility has twelve residential units called cottages - 7 for women and 5 for men. Each cottage has a ground (garden) level plus 2 floors with a sum total of nine double rooms, one single room, and five apartments. Each apartment has four single rooms and a common living space; there are two toilets, a sink, a common lounge, and a study area. As for the rooms outside the apartment set up, for every three double rooms, there are two showers, two baths, and two sinks.
Each cottage has a courtyard and a roof terrace. The men's section and the women's section each have study areas. There is a laundry room with washers and dryers and a storage trunk in both the women's and men's cottage areas. Students living on campus can use the AUC shuttle system to travel between campus and the city center at night and on weekends as they wish.
Zamalek: The Zamalek Student Residence is located at 16 Mohamed Thakeb Street in Zamalek, a residential section of downtown Cairo where many foreign embassies now occupy the former colonial villas built at the turn of the 19th century. The Residence is an 11-story building that houses both students and faculty. Security guards ensure the safety of the Residence 24 hours a day. Women and men live in separate sections of the building to guarantee privacy, while a common reception area on the ground floor provides comfortable areas for receiving guests, group studying, watching international programming or videos, dining, and socializing. These common areas are also the stage for a diverse number of social, educational, and cultural activities. Students living in the Zamalek residence commute to and from campus for classes via the AUC shuttle.
ACADEMIC CALENDAR
Fall: September- December
Winter: January (3 weeks)
Spring: Late January- Late May
Summer: June-July (6 weeks)
For specific program dates, including those for orientations, University holidays, and final examinations, please view our academic calendar.
HEALTH & INSURANCE INFORMATION
Applicants to AUC are required to have a complete physical examination with a satisfactory report before their final enrollment will be confirmed. Participants should be up-to-date with their primary childhood vaccinations and boosters, particularly polio, and tetanus. All students must supply the results of an HIV blood test to ensure entry into Egypt. AUC requires all students to pay a one-time Medical Service Fee for use of the campus clinic.
AUC also requires all international students on its campus to enroll in a comprehensive accident and sickness insurance plan. For details about AUC's insurance plan and semester costs, click here. This requirement cannot be waived, even if a student has coverage under a prior policy.
FINANCIAL AID AND SCHOLARSHIPS
Most students are able to apply for aid from their home institution to the cost of studying abroad. One-time consortium agreements can be arranged to facilitate this transfer of aid if no standard billing agreement is in place.
Hermann F. Eilts International Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded in tribute to Hermann F. Eilts, an AUC trustee and former U.S. ambassador to Saudi Arabia and Egypt. Eilts played an integral role in Arab-American relations during his 32-year tenure with the U.S. Foreign Service. He was a negotiator on the Camp David peace accords and one of the State Department's first Middle East specialists. Through diplomacy and education, Eilts worked tirelessly to bridge political divides and increase cultural understanding between the United States and the Arab world.
To be eligible, a student must be accepted to AUC's study abroad program, have a 3.5 cumulative GPA, maintain full-time status, and register for at least one political science, Middle East studies, or history course each semester of attendance at AUC.
To apply, please write a 1500-word essay on the following topic: "How will my experience at The American University in Cairo impact my future career plans and broaden my appreciation of Arab culture?" This essay should be emailed to Wesley Clark at wclark@aucnyo.edu or mailed to his attention in the New York office. The award received may be applied to tuition, fees, and on-campus housing.
The Simpson Scholarship in Egyptology
The Simpson Scholarship is a $2500 award for one semester to be used toward tuition or living expenses. The scholarship is designed for students who wish to increase their knowledge and familiarity with ancient Egypt at The American University in Cairo. Students must enroll in at least three Egyptology courses.
Up to five scholarships are awarded annually, for one semester each. To apply, please send a 1500-word essay about why you want to study Egyptology at AUC and include a reference to three Egyptology courses for which you wish to register. This essay should be emailed to Wesley Clark at wclark@aucnyo.edu or mailed to his attention in the New York office.
MENTAL HEALTH & WELLNESS RESOURCES
To ensure a successful study abroad experience, it is important to research the mental health and wellness resources provided by the study abroad program to determine if they offer appropriate support for your particular needs.
American University in Cairo provides individual and group counseling services and various
disability services to its visiting students. We urge you to explore these resources via the links that American University in Cairo has provided below to determine if your needs will be met.
REQUIREMENTS FOR VASSAR STUDENTS
Vassar students must have completed two years of college-level Arabic or the equivalent in order to apply. Students are expected to enroll in an Arabic language course at the appropriate level while studying with AU in Cairo.
