Egypt

A journey to the cradle of civilization

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Start your study abroad experience in the “cradle of civilization” where you can see the last remaining wonder of the ancient world—the Pyramids of Giza—and walk along the banks of the world’s longest river—the mighty Nile—which divides a harsh, yet beautiful desert. Explore the Cairo Opera House, the Bibliotheca in Alexandria or go shopping at local bazaars and visit old Fatimid Cairo. Egypt is a unique mixture of ancient and modern texture blended together into a unique mosaic.

Egyptian teenagers enjoy meeting in cafés, sports clubs, the cinema or shopping malls. Although mingling at schools and universities is acceptable, it is not very common for young women and men to go out on their own. Group activities are more the norm.

Host Family & Community

Life in Egypt usually revolves around extended family, religious events and activities. You can be hosted throughout Egypt, most likely in urban and suburban areas of Alexandria, Cairo, El Fayoum, El Menya, Giza, Ismailia, Port Said and Tanta. If you’re in an urban area, expect to live in an apartment, while people in more rural areas usually live with extended family in a big house. Jokes are a common way to socialize, so join the fun. 

School

You will probably attend a regular Egyptian high school, although some students attend an international U.S. schools. The school year runs from September until May, with a two-week break in January. School week starts on Sunday and ends on Thursday. Most students wear uniforms. Some classes may be taught in English, others in Arabic, and you may choose some subjects, depending on the school.

Language

The official language of Egypt is Arabic, with many regional dialects spoken all over the country. English is also commonly used and is taught in schools starting with first grade. Having a good knowledge of English will help you adjust and enjoy your program. AFS will also help you find a course in Arabic and your host school might have classes of Arabic as a second language.

Food

The Egyptian diet is typically rich in beans, bread, rice, vegetables and fruits. Lunch is the most significant meal of the day and is often followed by an afternoon rest. Falafel(fried bean balls), and koshary (a dish of rice and lentils) can be purchased from street vendors all over Egypt.

RELIGION

Majority of people in Egypt are Muslims and the rest are Christians (mostly Orthodox) and very few Jewish and Bahaies. There are many mosques and churches in Egypt. 2 synagogues only in Cairo.

DIETARY CUSTOMS

Vegetarian and vegan are still uncommon in Egypt. Since most people in Egypt are Muslims so they eat halal food and it is very rare that you find pork in shops and restaurants.

HEALTH
SMOKING

Smoking is not permitted for students under the age of 18. Students over 18 who smoke are more difficult to place.

ENVIRONMENT AND GEOGRAPHY

Greater Cairo the capital has almost 25% of our population and this is why we host most of our students in Cairo, However a few are hosted in 8 other cities around the country.

It is a lot easier for us to place girls in families than boys. Since we have many woman that wear Hejab, they dont feel comfortable wearing it at home all the time if they are hosting a male student.

Let AFS guide your intercultural adventure

Go abroad with AFS to discover who you really are, make new lifetime friendships and immerse yourself in a fascinating intercultural experience.
TEEN PROGRAMS (UNDER 18 YEARS OLD)

Our learning program will prepare you for an amazing AFS intercultural experience. The program begins at your home country with a pre-departure orientation and continues with orientations and other supported learning activities and facilitated conversations will help you maximize your experience, cope the challenges of navigating a new culture and community and gain knowledge, skills, and a global understanding, throughout your time abroad, and as you return to you home country. AFS volunteers will be there to support and guide you and your host family through your learning journey abroad.

ADULT PROGRAMS (18 YEARS OR OLDER)

The Global Competence Certificate (GCC) program will support your intercultural learning experience. This state-of-the-art program prepares you to successfully navigate new cultural environments—during your AFSNext experience and long after you finish the program. Online intercultural learning modules combined with in-person sessions help you develop practical and global skills, knowledge and attitudes that employers need and mission-driven organizations believe will help achieve their social impact goals. You will receive your certification upon completion of the training program.   

Explore the Programs Available in Egypt