Learn & Serve in Egypt (Summer)
Learn & Serve in Egypt is a unique summer education abroad opportunity for undergraduate students to study in the Middle East and North Africa region and engage in an intense service learning experience with local non-governmental organizations.
Students live in the heart of Cairo in the neighborhood of Dokki; just a short walk from the banks of the Nile. There, students engage in experiential learning every day by shopping in local markets, haggling with taxis, and frequenting local cafes with Egyptian friends. Students who study with AMIDEAST in Egypt discover the dynamic and rich side of Cairo, not just the tourist sites.
Students simultaneously study Egyptian Colloquial Arabic, allowing them to practice speaking the most widely understood Arabic dialect, while undertaking an international volunteer placement in Cairo, the Arab world’s most populous city. Students earn a total of 8 academic credits (Community Based Learning, 5 credits and Egyptian Colloquial Arabic, 3 credits). With the addition of cultural activities, dialogue programs with local university students, and excursions, students gain an intimate understanding of the role of organizations in Egyptian society. Applicants are required to have completed at least one previous semester of Arabic study in order to participate in this program.
The following levels are offered:
Egyptian Arabic I (Arabic 121; 3 credits)
Egyptian Arabic II (Arabic 221; 3 credits)
Egyptian Arabic III (Arabic 321; 3 credits)
Orientation
Upon arrival in Cairo, AMIDEAST Education Abroad Program students participate in an orientation designed to introduce them to Egyptian culture and daily life and familiarize them with the logistics of the program. Students move immediately into their accommodation for the program. Topics such as safety and health, cultural adjustment, program regulations, participant responsibilities and other essential information are all discussed during orientation. During the on-site orientation students also meet the faculty and become familiar with the program's IT environment.
Housing
Students enrolled in the AMIDEAST Education Abroad Program in Cairo, Egypt live in shared apartments. The apartments are carefully selected by AMIDEAST to be safe, comfortable and convenient to program facilities and public transportation.
Excursions
Students participate in program-organized excursions both in and around Cairo to visit major attractions and historical sites. Excursions may include visits to:
• Pyramids, Egyptian Museum, Citadel, Islamic Cairo, and Coptic Cairo
• Alexandria
• Black & White Desert
Transcripts
Students in Egypt receive an AMIDEAST grade report which indicates letter grades and credit received. One grade report will be sent to your university and one will remain at the AMIDEAST office in Washington, D.C. Alternatively, students in Egypt can request (for an additional fee) a transcript issued by AMIDEAST's Institution of Record, Northeastern University.
