Cairo, Cultural Program

AUP’s Cultural Program has been designed to give students the opportunity to link their classroom studies to real-world experiences; professors lead expeditions to destinations that complement the academic work covered in class. For students studying elementary or intermediate Arabic or taking courses in Middle East studies, including as part of AUP’s freshman FirstBridge program, The Cultural Program offers the chance to visit Cairo, Egypt. Students practice their linguistic skills while exploring a thriving city that directly relates to their studies in class.

While staying in the heart of downtown Cairo, students visit many of the locations referenced in their class readings, including the mosques and monuments of Islamic Cairo, the Pyramids at Giza and the Egyptian Museum – home to the world’s largest collection of ancient Egyptian artefacts, including the treasures of the boy-king Tutankhamun. Students meet with families in the nearby oasis of Fayoum, where they learn more about ecotourism and the ways in which it can benefit local populations along with those visiting.

Students also spend time at AUP’s sister institution, the American University in Cairo, where they attend classes and share experiences alongside their Egyptian peers. Cairo is the Arab world’s largest city and among the largest cities on the African continent. From uncovering ancient history in Cairo’s museums to examining development issues in desert communities, students lay the foundations for a path of lifelong learning – often leading to years of reflection and further study of the Arab world.

This Giving Tuesday, AUP is uniting its entire community in support of our Coup de Pouce travel grant. Please support our #OneMoreJourney campaign to help students benefit from the lasting experience of an international study trip. When it comes to Coup de Pouce, a little help really does go a long way.