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American Univ. in Cairo
Currently EAP's only offering in the Arab world, the program in Egypt allows you to be immersed in the cultural and educational diversity of modern Egyptian life. You enroll at the American University in Cairo (AUC), where you can take advantage of the broad array of regular courses taught in English from an Arabic, Muslim, or Near or Middle Eastern perspective. The program also provides a venue to learn Arabic (colloquial Egyptian and/or Standard Modern), a language not widely taught in the UC system. You may participate in one of three year-long options: a regular study abroad program, a full-time intensive Arabic language study program, or graduate study.
 
Do not miss the opportunity to take unique courses in such fields as Egyptology, art history, Middle East and Islamic studies, journalism and mass communication, economics and development studies, international relations and political science, anthropology, or other related fields that draw on the rich resources of Cairo and Egypt as a whole. A number of courses involve field trips to relevant sites in Cairo as well as other locations in Egypt. If you are an advanced student in archaeology or anthropology, you may be able to take courses in AUC's Egyptology program and gain practical field experience that is otherwise difficult to access due to government regulations.
 
During your free time, be sure to explore the souks (bazaars), mosques, and madrasahs of Cairo, while experiencing the majesty of the city's art and architecture and its energetic street life, music, and people.
 
Students attend classes with host country students.

Course Opportunities

​Regular university courses in a wide range of fields.

Use the following resources to learn about courses on EAP:
 
  • EAP Program Search provides information on general areas of study.
  • Host institution online catalogs or course listings:
    - The American University in Cairo
  • MyEAP Course Catalog lists courses previously taken by UC students. Additional courses may be available and not all courses may still be offered. Since courses in new programs have not yet been taken for credit, they may not appear in the MyEAP Course Catalog.

Units

You are required to take a full-time course of study while abroad and enroll in five courses to meet the unit requirement for the term of 22.5 UC quarter units per semester.
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Language of Instruction

Arabic; English


Language Study

Arabic


Internships, Research, and Independent Study

Independent study and internships for academic credit are possible in this program. Arrangements are generally made at the Study Center after arrival at the host institution. Predeparture preparation may be required. Past students have conducted field research at active Egyptian excavations for academic credit.
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Duration

Go to the Participants section to see current or past calendars.
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Fall :  
​late August to late December.

Spring :  
​late January to late May.

Year :  
​late August to late May.
 

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Housing

NOTE: Housing options permitted by UCEAP will vary by current security situation. The possible options are (1) live in AUC housing or any other housing you choose, as described below; (2) live only in AUC housing; or (3) live in AUC housing or privately-owned apartments only on Zamalek island.​ At this time (Spring 2012), all students are required to sign an Agreement that only option #3 is in effect.

You can choose where to live: an AUC residence hall on the new campus, which is about an hour away from old Cairo; an apartment that you have located for yourself either in the city or a suburb; or an AUC residence hall in Zamalek, an upscale residential district in downtown Cairo. Your choice is between closeness to the new campus which does not offer the city's amenities, or commuting between old Cairo and the new campus to attend class. Past students have noted the advantages of both options, either commuting to class in the morning and back into the city in the afternoon or commuting into the city some afternoons and back to the new campus at night. The university offers a shuttle bus service, with stops at AUC residence halls and other areas where students usually live. Also, you can live in an AUC residence hall the first semester, and find your own housing for the second semester.

On-site Support

​EAP students are supported by UC's network of EAP offices at every UC campus and partnerships with EAP host universities throughout the world. UC faculty and local staff abroad help students integrate into the culture of their host country and provide assistance with academics, housing, safety, and other issues.

​See the EAP Program Guide (PDF) for program-specific details about host institutions, program structure, and courses; academic culture and conduct; internships, research, & independent study; units, exams, and grades; orientation; housing; and information about the intensive language program (if applicable).

Host Institutions

The American University in Cairo

 
The American University in Cairo
The American University in Cairo (AUC), which opened in 1919, fosters American principles of higher education and serves as a bridge of understanding between the US and Egypt. AUC maintains a modest enrollment of about 5,500 students, a small figure when compared to the vast size of enrollments in other institutions of higher education in Cairo. About 90 percent of AUC’s student body is Egyptian, while 10 percent come from other countries.
 
In fall of 2008, AUC opened a new, 260-acre campus just outside of Cairo. This new campus offers state-of-the-art resources to students and faculty from around the world. AUC shuttle buses transport EAP students between the new campus and downtown Cairo where many important cultural venues can be explored, such as the National Cultural Center and the Egyptian Museum. Courses are taught in English through AUC’s three main schools: Humanities and Social Sciences; Sciences and Engineering; and Business, Economics, and Communication. You will take an Arabic language course each term and also select from a wide variety of courses. If you are majoring in Middle Eastern Studies—including language and literature, history, politics, development, archaeology, and Egyptology—you will find ample course work.
 

Estimated Cost

Participation in UCEAP is a great value! The cost of studying abroad on UCEAP programs is typically less than that of non-UC study abroad programs. The dollar figures listed in the chart represent: 1) the amount of the fees that are paid directly to UCEAP in the current year, and 2) an estimate of the amount needed to cover personal living expenses in this location. Personal travel and entertainment are not included here.
 
Don't forget that you take your financial aid with you and the amount of your financial aid package will take into account the estimated TOTAL COST of this experience, as it is estimated below.
 
These expenses are estimated for 2012-13. Amounts will vary for 2012-13 participation due to potential changes to UC fees, exchange rate fluctuation, etc. Non-Resident Fees apply: If you are subject to out-of-state tuition at your UC campus, you will pay the same fees on UCEAP. For a more detailed breakdown of 2012-13 payment information, visit the Participants Portal and select the appropriate program. 
 
Here’s what is included in the estimate:
 
  • Predeparture expenses (health clearance, student visa, etc.)
  • Round-trip airfare
  • UC fees
  • Cost of attending the host university
  • Accident and medical insurance
  • On-site orientation
  • Room and board
  • Local transportation
  • Optional excursions
  • Books and other incidental expenses
  • Automatic transfer of credits and grades to your UC transcript

Estimated EAP Costs*

Options Cost
  • Fall
  • Spring
  • Year
  • $15,200
  • $15,000
  • $28,300
*Based on most recent costs to the nearest $100.

Scholarships

UCEAP scholarships for the 2012-13 academic year are available. Please visit our scholarships overview page for general information and details  regarding eligibility requirements and application deadlines.

Application Requirements

Class Level:

Junior, Senior, Graduate

Language Prerequisites:

Arabic
- The University-level language requirement is: minimum 0 quarters / 0 semesters.
* Students may opt to pursue intensive Arabic language study at the Arabic Language Institute (ALI).

GPA:

3.00 cumulative GPA at the time of application and maintained through the end of the last term prior to departure.

Minimum Criteria:

 All applicants must also have:
  • Serious academic goals and a clear plan for integrating EAP studies into the student's UC degree program
  • Social and cross-cultural sensitivity; maturity; ability to adapt successfully to a different environment and an new education system; ability to assess and exhibit appropriate behavior in a variety of situations
  • A willingness to abide by program regulations
  • An endorsement by the Campus EAP Selection Committee and completion of all campus-specific requirements (an interview may be required)

Deadlines

Application deadlines and information on the application process are available through your Campus EAP Office. Supplemental predeparture materials will be required for many programs, including, but not limited to, host institution applications, visa and housing applications, medical clearances, etc.

For participation in the program, you must meet all deadlines and submit complete application materials.

Visit your Campus EAP Office for more information: