Fall – 18 weeks (late August to late December)
Spring – 23 weeks (late January to late June)
Summer – 7 weeks (early June to late July)

Spring Semester 2010 closed

Sponsored by the College of Arts & Letters and the College of Social Science

Arranged through the Office of Study Abroad (OSA)

What's this program about?

To many, Egypt is the cradle of civilization, “The Mother of the World” - to others, it is the leader of the modern Middle East.   Studying at the American University in Cairo will provide students with an extraordinary educational experience in a complex city that is 1,000 years old, in a country that’s 5,000 years old!

Students will have the unique opportunity to experience the wonders of Egypt while studying with Egyptian and other Arab students under the guidance of some of the best scholars in the fields of Arabic language, Middle East studies, Egyptology, and Islamic art and architecture.

Where does it take place?

In Cairo, the capital of Egypt, the ancient and the modern, the rural and the urban are brought together on the banks of the Nile in one of the most fascinating cities of the world.  The largest city in Africa, the cultural center of the Arabic-speaking world, and a crossroad for the sharing of ideas, leadership and trade, Cairo is home to people from all continents. A rich melting pot of history, culture and tradition, Cairo will captivate you with its incredible past and vibrant present. Where else can you experience both 2000 B.C.E. and 2000 C.E. in the same city?  Or travel back further to the cradle of civilization along the Nile River and then forward to study the modern impact on the coral reefs of the Red Sea?

The American University in Cairo was founded in 1919 by Americans devoted to education and community service in the Middle East. Today, AUC is the region’s premier English-language university — an essential contributor to the social, political and cultural life of the Arab world. It also serves as a crossroads for the world’s cultures: a vital, vibrant forum for reasoned argument, spirited debate and global understanding.   It is a vital bridge between the cultures of East and West, linking Egypt and the region to the world through scholarly research, study-abroad programs and partnerships with academic and research institutions.

AUC is an independent, nonprofit, apolitical, non-sectarian and equal-opportunity institution, fully accredited in Egypt and the United States. AUC’s academic program is rooted in liberal education and focused practice. The university’s rigorous core curriculum offers an intensive investigation of fundamental questions in every major discipline. Nearly 5,000 undergraduates come from every corner of Egypt and from one hundred countries around the world to study at AUC each year, with 17 percent of the student body coming from outside Egypt.

In fall 2008, the American University in Cairo moved from its small 7.3-acre downtown Cairo campus to the 260-acre new campus in the suburb of New Cairo, a development comprising 46,000 acres of land and with a projected population of 2.5 million people.  New Cairo, located to the east of the Cairo suburbs of Heliopolis and Nasr City, is designed to be a predominantly middle-to-high-income residential community with schools, cultural facilities, commercial enterprises, government agencies, hotels, open spaces, parks and the AUC New Campus at its center.  The New Campus has been designed to offer state-of-the-art resources to students and faculty from around the world, and weaves Egyptian urban and architectural traditions into a modern campus and is designed to be accessible to persons with disabilities.

By making this vibrant city your home, you guarantee yourself a unique educational experience. The city awaits you as your classroom and laboratory. You will meet people from all over the world who share your spirit of discovery as you sharpen your linguistic skills and cultural understanding. In addition, Egypt's location makes it the perfect starting point for travel throughout the Middle East.

What can I study?

The American University in Cairo includes programs and research centers on:

• The Middle East
• American studies
• forced migration and refugees
• gender and women’s studies
• philanthropy and civic engagement
• specialized teaching programs in Arabic language and electronic journalism

The emphasis of this program is on Arabic and Middle East Studies. Arabic language instruction is at the core of the program, and all participants are expected to take Arabic. AUC houses one of the premier Arabic language institutes in the world, so students can learn Arabic intensively or continue the study of Arabic at an advanced level. AUC will issue a Certificate in Arabic Studies to MSU students who complete two semesters of relevant coursework at AUC. The language of instruction is English except for advanced courses in Arabic literature.

Students are required to enroll in a minimum of twelve (12) credits during fall or spring semester and six (6) credits during the summer. They may choose from the following options:

1. Intensively study only Arabic language at the Arabic Language Institute (ALI), or
2. Take an Arabic language class plus enroll in any courses offered at AUC (subject to the approval of your MSU department for the transfer of credit upon return).

Most Arabic courses count for four credits.  To determine MSU equivalencies, contact Bethany Judge, Assistant to the Dean in the College of Arts & Letters. For students wishing to take more than Arabic language (option #2 above), there will be 9-12 credits of coursework per semester, four credits of which is Arabic language. The non-Arabic language credits (three credits per course) may be taken in any of the regular undergraduate degree programs at AUC. Check http://www.aucegypt.edu/intstudents  for course descriptions (Academics/Undergraduate Studies) and a listing of summer and semester AUC course offerings (see Class Schedule).

This is a co-sponsored program. Credit may be awarded for certain courses as regular MSU credit rather than transfer credit.  These courses will be listed on your official MSU transcript and will include the title of the course abroad, the number of credits and the grade earned. For further details see co-sponsored programs.

To find out what courses other students have taken on the program and what MSU courses they might replace, visit Transfer MSU and Office of the Registrar - Co-Sponsored Study Abroad Programs. Courses listed may not be offered every semester, and additional courses may be available during the semester you plan to participate.

Course prerequisites may apply; see Course Descriptions (on the MSU Website) or program leader for details.

What are the requirements?

For semester enrollment, students must be in good academic standing, with a grade point average of at least 3.00 at the time of application and have completed 30 credits by the time of participation.  For summer, students must be in good academic standing, with a grade point average of at least 2.5 at the time of application and have reached sophomore status by the time of participation.

Admission is competitive, especially for the ALI program, and completing the application process does not guarantee admission.  Once you submit the MSU application, you will need to submit a second application to either AUC or ALI. Do not wait until the deadline to apply since it is likely the programs will be filled.

An essay, official transcript, and two letters of reference will also be required as part of the application process.  Final acceptance is determined by the American University in Cairo.

Adjustment to the culture of Cairo can be a challenge since social and religious practices are very different from the United States; thus, a high degree of maturity is necessary for participation.  Students should be aware that poverty is quite evident in parts of the city.

This program is open to MSU students only.

Applicants’ participation may be denied or their participation approval may be revoked if their conduct before departure raises doubts as to their suitability for program participation.

Where will I live?

Residential Life offers two excellent residence facilities. Students may choose to reside in the AUC dormitory in Zamalek, a residential district in downtown Cairo about fifteen to 60 minutes away from the campus by bus (commute depends on Cairo traffic).  Shuttle bus service from all housing facilities to the new campus will be provided at the cost of $300 per semester.  The Zamalek dormitory offers single or double rooms for 350 students and is an attractive newer building with a large, quiet interior courtyard.  A cafeteria, computer lab, and fitness room are located in the building. Linen is provided. Meals and laundry service are also available.

The on-campus residence in New Cairo provides the comfort of close proximity to classes and university life for 480 students. Each three-story unit includes single and double rooms, group study rooms, administrative offices and visiting faculty apartments.  The new housing residences are modeled on the concept of a village, where individual and community life co-exist and where the courtyard serves a central unifying space.  Each new campus cottage features a single room, nine double rooms, five apartments, a courtyard and a roof terrace. All rooms are furnished with a bed, desk, chair, cupboard, bookshelves, and closets. They are equipped with a telephone set, high-speed Internet connection and an adjustable temperature control unit. There are two showers, two baths and two sinks for every three double rooms and single.  Each apartment has four single rooms and a common living space, two toilets, a sink, common lounge and study area.  Both the women’s and the men’s sections have a laundry room with washers and dryers and a storage trunk. The common areas shared by women and men include a large lounge, additional study area and a computer lab.

Each cottage will house a live-in resident assistant (RA) to ensure a safe and respectful community environment, respond to emergencies and serve as liaison between residents and Residential Life staff. There will also be one live-in resident director for men and one for women. All the housing units are clustered in the Student Life area that is conveniently located near the campus center, the food courts and the athletic facilities, and is within a 10-minute walk to any campus building.

Both facilities are air-conditioned, come with housekeeping services, high-speed internet connections, telephones, 24 hour security. An AUC physician has clinical hours in Zamalek; the clinic is located in the Campus Center, next to the on-campus residence and has emergency services equipment and protocols. All residents in campus housing are provided shuttle transportation between the New Cairo campus and various points downtown.

Students are segregated by sex and live with Arabic students from Egypt as well as other Middle Eastern countries, in addition to international students from around the world.  Space will be assigned on a first-come, first-serve basis and every effort will be made to assign students to their preferred residence.

Extra-curricular activities such as evening cultural events, clubs, sports, and field trips are available. 

Who can tell me more about this program?

Mahmoud Abdalla
Department of Linguistics and Germanic, Slavic, Asian and African Languages
A-647 Wells Hall
Phone:  (517) 353-4862

David Prestel
Department of Linguistics and Germanic, Slavic, Asian and African Languages
A-615 Wells Hall
Phone: (517) 353-0740

Oumatie Marajh
College of Social Science
201C Berkey Hall
Phone: (517) 353-9202

Cindy Chalou
Office of Study Abroad
109 International Center
Phone: (517) 432-4345

You can also log-on to AUC’s Web site.

Do I need a passport or visa?

U.S. and non-U.S. citizens need a valid passport both to enter other countries and to return to the United States.  If you already have a passport, make sure it is valid until at least six months after your return date.  If you must apply for or renew a passport, APPLY EARLY, since a minimum of eight to ten weeks is usually required for processing.  During peak travel seasons, more processing time is required.  Passport forms are available at many federal and state courts, probate courts, some county/municipal offices and some post offices.  They can also be downloaded from the Web.

For more information about passports visit the web page.

A visa is official permission granted by the authorities of a country where you will study or travel that allows you to enter and remain in that country for a specific purpose.  The visa itself is frequently a stamp in your passport, not a separate document. You will need a passport before applying for a visa and the passport plus visa process may take several months, so start early.   It is your responsibility to inquire about visa requirements for all countries you plan to visit while abroad; this includes countries that you plan to visit before or after your study abroad program.  If you are not a U.S. citizen, consult the embassy or consulate of the countries you will visit to learn their document requirements.

For more information about visas visit the web page.

If you will be staying in Europe for longer than 90 days, you will need to contact the consulate(s) of your host country(ies) for advice on visas.

Are there special health issues?

As part of your acceptance you will complete a Student Health/Emergency Treatment Authorization. It is your responsibility to ensure that your routine immunizations are up-to-date; inquire whether there are recommended and/or required immunizations or medications for the country/countries you will visit (including any countries you will visit that are not part of the study abroad program’s itinerary); and review educational issues relevant to your personal health and safety.

For further health information and recommendations visit the "Health Issues" section of the Student Handbook.

How much does it cost?

The program fee is $100 in the summer and $165 for a semester and includes the following:

• Application fee
• Deposit
• Orientation
• Accident and sickness insurance

Approximate amounts not included in the program fee for which participants will need to budget include:

• Airfare
• Meals
• Accommodations
• AUC reservation fee
• AUC tuition
• AUC student services and medical service fees
• Books and supplies
• Passport application fee
• Visa application fees
• Pre-departure doctor visits
• Pre-departure immunizations (if applicable)
• Personal spending money

These additional costs are estimated at $19,373 (SS10) for a semester or $9,039 (US09) for summer.  Students are encouraged to request a cost sheet which lists both the program fee and an estimate of additional expenses by contacting the Office of Study Abroad at (517) 353-8920.

Approximately two months before the program’s departure date, students will receive an e-bill from the MSU Student Accounts Office for the study abroad program fee. 

How can I get help to pay for it?

Financial assistance is available to students who make appropriate arrangements with the Office of Study Abroad (OSA) and MSU’s Office of Financial Aid. 

If you are an MSU student and indicate on your application that you plan to use financial aid to pay for your study abroad experience, OSA will forward an estimated cost sheet to the MSU Office of Financial Aid for processing.  This form will include all anticipated costs associated with the program, including airfare.

If you are a non-MSU student, please request financial aid from your home university.  If your university is unable to award you financial aid, contact the MSU Office of Study Abroad to apply for loans only and you will be provided with instructions on how to proceed.

For further information about financial aid, visit the Web page.

Additionally, MSU students applying to any credit-bearing study abroad program are eligible for OSA Scholarships.   Some scholarships are based exclusively on academic performance; others are based on a combination of academic performance and financial need.  Requirements are listed in the scholarship application.  The deadlines to apply for these scholarships are March 1st for summer, academic year and fall semester programs, and October 15th for spring semester programs.  

A generous endowment from the MSU Federal Credit Union, as well as additional resources provided through the Forest Akers Endowment, MSU Alumni Association, the Australia-Pacific Council, Eleanor and Charles Greenleaf Sr., Brigitte and Thomas Huff, the Georges Jules Joyaux Memorial Fund, the Kellogg Foundation, Charles and Marjorie Gliozzo, and contributors to the Overseas Study Endowment provide funding for these OSA scholarships.

The American University in Cairo also offers Simpson Scholarships in Egyptology for outstanding juniors and seniors.  Multiple scholarships of $2,500 per semester will be awarded to the best academic candidates.  For full details, please contact the AUC-New York Office at aucegypt@aucnyo.edu.

For even more MSU scholarship opportunities through individual colleges or external scholarship possibilities (including funding for Multicultural students) visit the web page.

How do I apply?

Students must complete a Study Abroad Application and an AUC/ALI application.  Because of the lengthy application process, applications must be received in the Office of Study Abroad by October 1st for spring semester participation, December 15th for summer ALI program; February 1st for summer and fall participation.  We strongly recommend that you apply early as this program may fill to capacity prior to these deadlines. 

You can apply online or download an application form.

You may apply online or download the AUC application form.

Selection of applicants is done on a rolling admission basis - that is, applications are accepted and students are evaluated and considered for admission throughout the academic year.  Please remember that applying early and meeting the minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee admission.

A $100 application fee is required.  Students will receive an e-bill for the application fee that is applied to the cost of the program and is non-refundable once a student has accepted admission into the program. 

Students who wish to withdraw their application are required to notify the Office of Study Abroad, in writing, that they no longer intend to participate.

Acceptance to all programs is based, minimally, on a faculty review of your transcript and a review of the Judicial Affairs Office records (MSU students) or Dean of Students Reference (non-MSU students).

Details about the admissions process, pre-departure information, what to know while you’re abroad, and information about returning home can be found in the Study Abroad Student Handbook that will be sent to you with your acceptance letter.

Program fees, dates, and arrangements may be subject to change due to unexpected circumstances.