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| Cost | Academic Structure | Travel |
| Housing | Eligibility | Financials |
| Food | Credit | Insurance |
| Program Structure | Orientation | Health |
How much will it cost me to participate in this program?
The budget sheet for American University in Cairo outlines the most current program fees plus estimated cost of attendance.
Am I required to pay any fees to apply?
There is no application fee for American University in Cairo. The Learning Abroad Center also does not charge an application fee for this program.
Will I have to pay anything other than the program fee?
Yes. You will pay a non-refundable confirmation deposit to the Learning Abroad Center once you have been accepted by the American University in Cairo. The confirmation deposit is subtracted from the program fee and is not an additional cost. Note that upon acceptance, you will need to pay the $300 refundable housing deposit and $250 refundable reservation fee directly to American University in Cairo. Do not send any additional money to American University in Cairo, as the program fee will be billed to your University of Minnesota student billing account by the Learning Abroad Center. The Learning Abroad Center deposit and reservation fee reserve your place on the program and should be paid once you are sure of your participation. Financial aid will likely not disburse before deposits and fees are due.
Where will I live?
You can live in either the Zamalek residence hall, located in a quiet residential quarter of Cairo or arrange your own off-campus apartment. The International Student Services Office at AUC can provide some assistance finding off-campus housing, though the responsibility of finding an apartment and roommates, signing a lease, and paying rent and utilities will be yours.
More information on housing can be found on the AUC Housing website.
Will I have a roommate?
If you live in Zamalek, you will have a roommate. Your program housing fee covers the costs of a double room. If you wish to request a single room, American University in Cairo will bill you directly for the additional cost.
Are homestays available?
Homestays are not available on this program. It is not customary for Egyptians to invite an unknown person, especially males, into their homes. Students who manage to arrange a homestay in Egypt more than likely stay with their own families.
How close will my housing be to my classes?
Zamalek is about a 45-minute walk to the American University in Cairo campus, which is located in downtown Cairo. You may also take a 15-minute shuttle to and from campus, which runs every 20 minutes from early morning to early evening (approximately 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.). During terms with unusually high enrollment, students may be placed at a different housing facility, which may be further away from campus.
Will I be able to meet and interact with people from the country in which I am studying?
In the residence hall, you will be staying with other international students, many of which are from other Arab countries. Egyptian students from Cairo tend to live at home with their families, as it is most culturally appropriate. However, all your classes on the Standard Study Abroad program are integrated with host country nationals and students from other Arab nations.
Where will I be eating my meals?
Meals are available at the American University in Cairo cafeterias on campus and in the residence halls. Cafeteria meal plans are available. You may also choose to eat at the many local restaurants near the University.
If you live in off-campus housing, you will need to cook your own meals or eat at local restaurants.
Will I be able to cook my own meals?
Cooking facilities are not available in the residence halls. However, you will find affordable options at the local restaurants and university cafeterias.
With whom will I work for all of my pre-departure planning?
You will work with both the Learning Abroad Center and American University in Cairo's New York office for your pre-departure advising.
How much work will I need to do on my own to prepare?
You should read all pre-departure materials from the Learning Abroad Center and American University in Cairo. To complete the academic planning process, you should identify courses in advance and work with your departmental adviser regarding credit. The Academic Planning for Study Abroad form is available on the Learning Abroad Center website to help with this process. We also encourage you to read about Egypt. The resource center library at the Learning Abroad Center has some travel and culture guides about Egypt and the Middle East available for browsing or for purchase.
Will I know the exact classes I'll be taking before I leave?
No, but enrollment in desired courses is usually not a problem. Course selection is finalized once you arrive in Cairo and you can view the AUC academics website and the class schedule beforehand.
What language are my courses taught in?
Standard Study Abroad program: All of your courses will be in English; however, there is the option to take an Arabic language course (beginning/intermediate level) if you wish.
Arabic Language Institute: All courses will be taught in Arabic.
Is the Global Identity course required?
No, but this course is highly recommended and will help you make sense of the new ideas and experiences you encounter while abroad. Global Identity is a 1-credit, online course that will help you gain a better understanding of how to apply your new intercultural skills to your post-graduation plans.
Eligibility & Application Process
Do I have to be an undergraduate or graduate student at the University of Minnesota to participate?
Yes. Graduate students may participate for graduate-level credit only if the coursework is reflected on their degree program form, and will receive transfer credit. Graduate students wanting to take undergraduate-level credits can follow the same process as undergraduates and will receive resident credit.
Does the program usually fill before deadline?
The Arabic Language Institute's Intensive Arabic track (where you only enroll in Arabic language courses during your term abroad) tends to fill long before the program deadline. To increase your chance of being accepted to the Intensive Arabic program, submit your complete application at least six months prior to the deadline. The standard study abroad program may also fill before the deadline.
How long will it take to find out if I am officially accepted to the program?
Once your completed application has been submitted to American University in Cairo's New York office for review, you can expect to receive an acceptance decision in approximately three to four weeks. If you do not hear back within that timeframe, contact the New York office to follow up on possible missing materials.
How many credits will I receive, and what kind of credit will I get?
Students typically take four to five classes each semester, for a total of 12-15 resident credits per semester. During the summer, students typically enroll in 6 credits.
Can I take more than 15 credits per semester, or more than 6 credits during the summer?
Yes, but you will be charged for additional tuition per credit over the maximum. You will need to pay American University in Cairo directly for the additional tuition.
Can I take fewer than 12 credits during the semester? Can I take fewer than 6 credits during the summer?
You may not drop below 12 credits per semester because you will lose your student status in Egypt. You may take as few as 3 credits during the summer, but will be charged the full tuition for 6 credits regardless. You will also lose your eligibility for financial aid if you drop below 6 credits during the summer. Review the financial aid website for more details.
How long will it take for my credits to show up on my transcript?
Two to four months after the end of the university's examination period.
It has been over two months after my program ended and my grades from AUC are still not posted to my transcript. Should I be worried?
You will want to make sure that you completed a Transcript Request Form and submitted it to the American University in Cairo New York Office. If you are sure that you completed this form, follow up with the New York Office as you may have some outstanding fines that are holding up the release of your transcript.
How will I know if these credits will count toward my degree requirements?
You are strongly encouraged to complete the academic planning process prior to departure. Please see the Academic Planning for Study Abroad form for more information.
Will I attend an orientation before I leave?
Yes, a mandatory orientation held each semester for program participants. Refer to our program orientation schedule regularly for updates on dates, times and locations.
Will I have an orientation once I arrive on site?
Yes, American University in Cairo will provide an in-depth orientation program once you arrive in Egypt.
Are there any other meetings I will have to attend before I leave?
You will attend meetings with your academic advisers and financial aid staff (if appropriate), but after your orientation, there are no other mandatory meetings with the Learning Abroad Center. You are welcome to visit with your Learning Abroad Center adviser if you have questions at any time during the process.
Will I have to arrange my own travel or will it be arranged?
Group flights will not be available. For assistance in finding airline tickets, consult the transportation information web page.
Will someone meet me at the airport when I arrive?
You may request airport pickup service, which costs approximately $10. This service is provided only if you submit your written request form to American University in Cairo at least ten working days before your scheduled departure date. More information is provided about this service once you are accepted.
Do I need a student visa to study in Egypt?
You will need to apply for a tourist visa prior to departure in order to enter the country. After you have arrived in Egypt, and once you have registered for courses, you must apply for a student visa. American University in Cairo will be mailing you detailed instructions after you have been accepted.
Can I travel during this program?
Yes, during official university breaks.
Are there any excursions planned during this program and will I have to pay for them separately?
The International Student Services Office at AUC usually organizes a few excursions each term. You will receive further information from their office after acceptance.
Can I use my financial aid for this program?
Yes. You will need to receive a Study Abroad Cost Estimate (SACE) from the Learning Abroad Center after you are accepted. Details for obtaining a SACE will be included in your application status email. The steps required to access financial aid are:
1. Complete the FAFSA
2. Schedule a Financial Aid Preview Meeting (optional but strongly recommended)
3. Obtain a SACE
4. Submit the SACE to the Office of Student Finance
Can I use my scholarships for this program?
Scholarships can usually be applied. Check with your scholarship provider to inquire if there are special requirements for applying the scholarship toward study abroad costs.
Are there study abroad scholarships for which I can apply?
The University of Minnesota offers several scholarships. Visit the Learning Abroad Center's website for more information. The American University in Cairo offers the Simpson Scholarships in Egyptology for students wishing to concentrate their studies in Egyptology. You may also qualify for the NSEP or Gilman scholarships.
Will I be covered by insurance while abroad?
You will be covered by the Learning Abroad Center's mandatory CISI insurance and American University in Cairo's insurance policy. The cost makes up part of your total program fee. Neither policy can be waived.
Do I need to keep my US insurance while I'm abroad?
Yes. It is strongly recommended that you maintain your current insurance in order to cover pre-departure, return, and pre-existing conditions.
Are there any vaccinations I will need to get before going?
You will need to check with a travel clinic or travel nurse for specific recommendations. Click here for a list of local travel clinics. Refer to the Centers for Disease Control website and be certain all regular vaccinations (including tetanus) are up-to-date. You may also visit Boynton's Travel Clinic.
What should I do about the prescription medicine I take?
Consult with your local physician and the Egyptian embassy. In most cases, take your medication along and bring the prescription. If significant medication is required (for conditions such as diabetes), be certain the dosage exists in Egypt and identify an alternative as a precaution.
Last modified on May 20, 2008 |