Program Details
Location
Cairo,
Egypt
Term
May Session
Housing
Apartment
Hotel
Languages Taught In
English
Program Eligibility
Student Type
UofM Students
Non UofM Students
Student Year
Freshmen
Sophomores
Juniors
Seniors
Graduate Students
GPA
2.5
About
From the hieroglyphs seen on Tutankhamun's tomb to the Classical Arabic heard in prayer at the Al-Azhar Mosque, the linguistic diversity in Egypt is a critical piece of the culture and history of the country. In this program, you will study the history and structure of the Afroasiatic languages found there. This includes extinct languages (old and middle Egyptian), liturgical languages (Coptic, Classical Arabic), vernacular languages (Egyptian Arabic, Siwi Berber), and standardized languages (Modern Standard Arabic). We will investigate these languages through the lens of linguistic typology, a framework that explores the different types of grammatical patterns found in and across languages. When out of the classroom, we will see and hear these Egyptian languages and engage with those who speak them.
During this program, we will discuss how languages have developed and how they have played a role in Egyptian culture. Some activities include visiting historical sites like the pyramids, exploring different museums, and Coptic Cairo tour.
Program Model
Housing & Meals
Stay in shared housing with other program participants. A welcome and farewell meal as well as some additional meals are included in the program fee.
Excursions
Excursions in Egypt may include:
- Giza Pyramids & Sphinx visit
- Egyptian Museum
- Khan El Khalili Bazaar
- Coptic Cairo Tour
- Possible day trips to Luxor, Siwa Oasis, and other historical sites
Flight
All program participants will take the coordinated group flight to and from the program site. The cost of the group flight is included in the program fee that will be posted to your student account. Do not book your own flight; you will receive information from the Learning Abroad Center about your seat on the group flight once your participation has been confirmed.
It might be possible to deviate your return flight. Inquire with your program contact if interested.
Learning Outcomes
- Develop independence by challenging yourself in a new environment
- Explore a specific topic through experiential and interdisciplinary approaches
- Function as an effective team member by utilizing your personal strengths in a group setting
Faculty & Staff
This program is led by Morgan Staley, an adjunct professor in the College of Liberal Arts Linguistics department who was previously a Fulbright scholar. Professor Staley has spent multiple years in the Middle East studying and conducting research focused on linguistic topics of morphology and syntax with Semitic languages.
Program Structure
Program Level
3000 level coursework
Courseload
One 3-credit course
Global Seminars are 3-week study abroad programs led by University of Minnesota faculty and staff that feature:
- Intensive learning in a location that illuminates the topic
- Small groups of 15–25 students
- No prerequisites or language requirements
- Included excursions and cultural activities
- Instruction in English
Coursework
In the classroom we will study the history and structure of the Afroasiatic languages found in Egypt, including extinct, liturgical, vernacular, and standardized languages. We will investigate these languages through the lens of linguistic typology. With a particular focus on word formation and sentence structure, we will examine how the typological patterns relate to one another and how they can generally inform our understanding of human language. When we step out of the classroom, we will see and hear these Egyptian languages and engage with the people who speak them.
A secondary focus of this program will be linguistic methodology. Over the course of the program, we will practice 3 unique field research methods employed by linguists: formal elicitation sessions, rapid and anonymous surveys, and linguistic landscape documentation. In the classroom, we will learn to write research questions and design studies that reach the heart of language variation and its intersection with society. Working in small groups and individually, we will tailor these projects to the specific interests and language expertise.
This program will utilize a mixture of lectures, discussions, and small group work. In addition to participation, you will be assessed from 3 major assignments, each centered on a particular methodology of linguistic fieldwork. Two of these assignments will be done in small groups, and the third will be done individually. These 3 projects can be attuned to your language experience and research interests.
Receive credit for: LING 3702/5702
Approved for: Elective for the Linguistics major.
Sustainability
The Learning Abroad Center is committed to sustainability and incorporating this into its programs. This course can be tied to Sustainable Development Goals through course content and program activities including:
SDG #7: Affordable and Clean Energy—Our carbon footprint will be considered when planning travel within Egypt. Short flights are often taken to get around the country, but we will use other modes of transportation when possible and discuss the topic of clean energy while in Egypt.
SDG #10: Reduced Inequalities—A course theme will be the link between language use and access to social capital. When we study minority languages, we will discuss how minority language use can further marginalize communities in the public sphere.
SDG #11: Sustainable Cities and Communities—One of the projects in this course is linguistic landscape documentation, which requires students to observe and analyze what and where languages are found in public spaces. Part of this task includes thinking about inequities with regard to accessing public information that can be unintentionally baked into unofficial language policy.
Dates Details
Submit the online application and complete the assigned application checklist according to the appropriate deadline:
| Term | Program Dates | Priority Application Deadline | Final Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| May Session 2025 | May 16–June 8, 2025 (tentative) | February 1, 2025 | March 1, 2025 |
Program dates are subject to change.
If the deadline falls on a weekend, submit your materials on the following business day.
Important Note: Enrollment on this program is limited to 25 students. Admission is granted on a rolling basis and applications are reviewed in the order they are completed. Some programs may fill to capacity prior to the application deadline, therefore applying early is recommended. Additionally, applying early will allow for more time to plan ahead and prepare for the program.
Information Sessions
Join in-person or over Zoom. Register and learn more about this and other events on our events page.
| Date | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| TBD | TBD | TBD |
Orientation Dates & Locations
Orientation will be conducted in 2 parts: an online orientation—which is mandatory—and in-person or online program-specific session with program leader(s). All meetings are required and failure to complete the online orientation will impact your ability to go abroad. The online orientation module is found on your application checklist and is due by your first orientation session.
You will be notified of the official date and time of required orientation sessions or will be contacted to send availability in order to schedule sessions. Reach out to your program leader directly for any concerns about orientation session date and times. You will receive applicable orientation materials from your program leader either in advance or after the orientation session(s).
Priority Deadline
If you apply by the priority deadline and confirm within the allotted time you will receive the published program fee. Applying after the priority deadline and/or not confirming within the allotted time means you may be subject to an airfare increase.
Fees
May Session 2025 Cost of Participation forthcoming.
The cost of participation includes educational costs, group flight airfare, program administration, housing, most meals, international health insurance, entrances to course-related excursions and site visits, and local transportation. Generally, program fees to these locations range between $7,000–$9,000. Program fees can vary widely due to location, cost of living, airfare, and program inclusions. You must also budget for visa, passport and passport photos, meals not included (most are included), spending money, and miscellaneous living expenses.
Recent increases in international airfare and accommodation costs have impacted all instructor-led program fees. The LAC strives to follow best practices to provide the lowest cost program while ensuring a quality academic experience.
If you do not see a budget estimate for the term you intend to go abroad, the fee has not yet been finalized. We strive to post fees for this program at least 30 days prior to the application deadline. The Learning Abroad Center will delay the posting of some fees until enrollments, inflation and exchange rates are determined. Note the average increase in fees will be 3–10%. Program fees are based on estimates and may change depending on international economic factors.
Billing & Payments
Visit Billing for information about the billing process for application fees, deposits, and program fees.
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Visit Financial Information for information on using financial aid and scholarships for study abroad.
This program is considered part of summer enrollment for the purposes of registration and financial aid.
Cancellation Policy
Before you apply to or confirm your participation on this program, review the Learning Abroad Center's Cancellation Policy to inform yourself of the timeline and financial obligations for canceling.
Prepare
Be aware: Learning Abroad Center programs require a $50 application fee. This fee will be charged to your student account upon submission of an online application.
Apply
The COVID-19 vaccine series is strongly recommended, pursuant to CDC guidelines, but not required for participation in this program.
You will be charged a $50 application fee for each application you submit.
Complete
After you submit your application, you will receive an email notification confirming that your application was received. Submitted applications are assigned an application checklist, which will include the following items:
- Application Essay
Detailed descriptions and instructions for submitting each checklist item are included on the application checklist assigned to you.
If you do not meet the GPA requirement for this program you will be required to submit an additional essay. It will be added to your checklist after you start your application, and you will be notified when it has been added.
Next Steps
- After you complete all required application checklist items, you will receive an automated email message indicating your application is ready to be reviewed.
- Your completed application will be reviewed by the Learning Abroad Center.
- If admitted, the Confirmation & Payment Agreement form will be added to your checklist. Complete this form to secure your spot on the program. By submitting the form, you also give your approval for the program deposit to be billed to your UofM student account.
- Complete the confirmation checklist, which include the following items in additional to program-specific forms:
- Passport Information
- Emergency Contacts
- Health Information Form
- Online Health & Safety Orientation
- Release & Waiver
- You will receive information about additional steps from the sponsoring college/department.
After You Apply
Before your program begins, review these resources.
Health & Safety
Learn more about staying healthy and safe abroad, including mental health and wellness, international travel insurance, and safety precautions.
Power of Attorney
Consider designating someone as your power of attorney to act as your legal representative while you’re abroad.
Student Identity
Consult our resources on student identities as you prepare for your abroad experience.
Travel Resources
Ready to go abroad? Our travel resources will help you pack and learn what to expect.
Program Contact
For further information or questions about this program, send an email to
Jemma Lund at [email protected],
or call at
612.625.8827