History and Mission

2. History and Mission • The American University in Cairo was established in 1919 by Americans devoted to education and service in the Middle East. • Today, AUC is a premier English-language institution of higher learning. • The university is committed to teaching and research of the highest caliber, and offers exceptional liberal arts and professional education in a cross-cultural environment.

3. Fast Facts (2010-2011) Total Enrollment: 6,553 Male: 46.6% Female: 53.4% Egyptian: 84.4% Other: 15.6% Faculty to Student Ratio: 1 to 11.5

4. Pre-Departure • Advising and registration • PCP, Arabic Language Resume, Arabic Language Examination • Schedule of Classes: http://student.aucegypt.edu • Housing application • Airport Pickup • Visa requirements • Shuttle bus pass • Medical information • Health insurance • Survival Arabic

5. Safety and Security ISA Emergency Hotline: 010.006.6907 • Campus/Dorm • Security • Communication Network • Medical Services • Navigating Cairo • Post-Revolution

6. New Campus In 2008, the University campus moved from its location in central downtown Cairo to the suburb of New Cairo. The new 260-acre complex weaves Egyptian urban and architectural traditions into a modern campus that places a distinct emphasis on environmental sustainability. Campus facilities include libraries boasting the largest English-language research collection in Egypt, a travel office, bank, fully-staffed medical clinic, counseling center, student dormitories, state-of-the-art athletic complex, and a variety of food services.

7. Residential Life Residential Advisors live in each dormitory to assist students and to encourage a sense of dorm community. Field trips and dorm activities are organized by the Office of Residential Life each semester; all students are encouraged to participate.

8. University Housing Zamalek The University maintains one student residence building in downtown Cairo. Zamalek is a residential section of the city where many foreign embassies occupy the former colonial villas built at the turn of the19th century. Students living in the Zamalek residence commute to campus for classes via the AUC shuttle.

9. University Housing On-Campus 12 residential units known as “cottages” accommodate students on campus, just minutes from classroom buildings, university athletic facilities, libraries, and the campus food court. Students living on campus can access the city via the shuttle system at nights, on weekends, or whenever they have free time.

10. Independent Housing Contact isa@aucegypt.edu and view the International Student Handbook for more information.

11. Student Life: International Students More than 500 students from around the world study at AUC each year, with 15 % of the student body coming from over 70 different countries. International students are encouraged to get involved by exploring the numerous cultural, academic, and community service opportunities available within the campus and city communities. School-sponsored events include religious, political and cultural debates; outings to the pyramids; a weekend trip to Alexandria; horseback riding in the desert; and felucca rides on the Nile.

12. Student Life: Travel Opportunities Every semester, international students take advantage of Cairo’s central location to travel extensively throughout the country and the region.

13. Student Life: Getting Involved • Academic Clubs • Community Service/Volunteer Organizations • Cultural Activities Clubs • Athletics • Student Government • Start a new club or organization! http://www.aucegypt.edu/studentlife/involve/Pages/getinvolved.aspx

14. Student Life: Campus Resources • International Student Affairs (ISA) • International Programs Office (IPO) • Career Advising and Placement Services (CAPS) Office • Office of Student Counseling, Mentoring and Conduct (OSCMC) • Disability Services • Writing Center • Medical Services Department– AUC Clinic • Campus Security • Office of Residential Life

15. Practical Matters: Money • Current Exchange Rate: 1 US Dollar = 5.96 LE (Egyptian Pounds) • Have access to CA$H– most of your transactions will be cash-based. • DO NOT bring traveler’s checks. • Make withdrawals using an ATM card – to minimize fees per withdrawal, bring a combination lock and store extra cash in the safe provided in your dorm room. • If you have a credit card, bring it with you in case of emergency. • We do not recommend opening an Egyptian bank account unless you plan to stay for a full academic year.

16. Practical Matters: Staying in Touch • You can use your home country cell phone in Egypt IF it is a tri-band phone with an international roaming plan. Please note: this can be very expensive! • If you have a tri-band phone that is unlocked, you can replace your U.S. sim card with a local card. You can set up an account to be billed, or you can pre-pay for minutes. Local sim cards are very inexpensive. • If your cell phone is not tri-band or if it is locked, you can purchase a cheap phone in Cairo for as little as $50. • Study Abroad students in the past have found that SKYPE is a wonderful and inexpensive way to keep in touch with folks at home.

17. Practical Matters: Dining There are no meal plans at AUC, and students do not have access to full kitchen facilities in the dorms (though there are common areas equipped with hot plates and microwaves). There are two food courts and an array of dining options on campus, and there is a cafeteria in the Zamalek dorm. Students also frequent excellent restaurants, cafes and delis throughout the city (ask your R.A.s for recommendations!) Most students budget approximately $50.00 per week for dining.

18. Study Abroad Scholarships • Hermann F. Eilts International Scholarship This scholarship is awarded in tribute to Hermann F. Eilts, an AUC trustee and former U.S. ambassador to Saudi Arabia and Egypt. To be eligible a student must: • Be accepted to AUC's study abroad program, maintaining full-time status • 3.5 cumulative GPA • Register for at least one political science, Middle East studies, or history course each semester of attendance at AUC. To apply, please write a 1500 word essay on the following topic: "How will my experience at The American University in Cairo impact my future career plans and broaden my appreciation of Arab culture?"This essay should be emailed to Wesley Clark at wclark@aucnyo.edu or mailed to his attention in the New York office.  The award received may be applied to tuition, fees, and on-campus housing. • Simpson Scholarship in Egyptology The Simpson Scholarship is a $2500.00 award for one semester to be used toward tuition or living expenses.  The scholarship is designed for students who wish to increase their knowledge and familiarity with ancient Egypt at The American University in Cairo.  Students must enroll in at least three Egyptology courses. Up to five scholarships are awarded annually, for one semester each. To apply, please send a 1500 word essay about why you want to study Egyptology at AUC, and include a reference to three Egyptology courses for which you wish to register.  This essay should be emailed to Wesley Clark at wclark@aucnyo.edu or mailed to his attention in the New York office.

19. New York Office The Student Affairs staff can help answer any questions you may have about the pre-departure process. NYO continues to be a resource for you while you are abroad, though the Office of International Student Affairs on campus will be your primary contact in Cairo. You should always feel free to contact us in New York – we are here to support you! The American University in Cairo 420 Fifth Avenue, Third FloorNew York, NY 10018-2729Tel  212.730.8800Fax  212.730.1600

20. New York Office Student Affairs Contacts General Questions Wesley Clark, Director of Admissions and Financial Aid (wclark@aucnyo.edu) Anna Rejman, Admissions Counselor (arejman@aucnyo.edu) Katherine Brandwood, Assistant Director of North American Recruitment (kbrandwood@aucnyo.edu) Adena Spadaro, Admissions Counselor (aspadaro@aucnyo.edu) Financial Questions Kimberly Fischer, Student Financial Coordinator (kfischer@aucnyo.edu) Transcripts Linda Davis-Ore, Administrative Coordinator (ldavis@aucnyo.edu)

21. Questions? www.aucegypt.edu