About The Program
Living in Cairo is an unforgettable experience, and this program is ideal for students interested in history, public policy, Arabic language, Middle Eastern studies, and global affairs. Studying at the American University in Cairo represents one of the best opportunities to experience Egyptian and Middle Eastern culture. What sets this program apart is the historic region, access to world-class university facilities, and the opportunity to explore ancient sites, and highly approachable, supportive faculty. All courses are taught in English (except for the Arabic language classes), and a dedicated team is available to support students adjusting to living in Egypt and Middle Eastern culture. Check out the modern-day coastal cities of Alexandria and Port Said, swim and windsurf the Red Sea, and discover the long-vanished culture of ancient Egyptians at the Pyramids of Giza. Don’t miss a trip to the famous Khan el-Khalili bazaar, a centuries-old trading center displaying Islamic, Mamluk, and Ottoman architectural designs and time-worn charm that celebrates the history and culture of Egypt.
WHERE YOU'LL STUDY
One of Egypt’s leading institutions of higher learning is the American University in Cairo (AUC). Located approximately 45 minutes east of downtown Cairo, in the residential neighborhood of New Cairo, the large, gated campus is a serene and safe atmosphere perfectly conducive to academic pursuits. Originally founded to offer a comprehensive American liberal arts education to Egyptian students, AUC has remained a uniquely American institution as Egypt’s only English-language, US-accredited university. The architectural harmony on campus comes from the geometry, materials, and landscaping that weave urban and classical Egyptian architectural components—like open-air courtyards—into a modern campus environment. The campus boasts libraries with the largest English language research collection in Egypt as well as a travel office, a fully staffed medical clinic, and both indoor and outdoor athletic complexes. The university’s robust drive to sustainability has been driven, in part, by its location in a desert suburb experiencing water scarcity. AUC reached milestones for green campus status through research and campus-wide initiatives, including irrigating the campus landscape with treated wastewater and computer-based energy monitoring systems. The learning environment at AUC offers modern, well-equipped classrooms and research labs. US students consistently report that AUC faculty are approachable, supportive, knowledgeable, and passionate about their fields. They encourage critical thinking and foster intellectual curiosity that extends beyond the classroom.
