Explore Egypt: An Arabic Language and Cultural Immersion Experience

Ready to step into an unforgettable Arabic learning experience this winter! Non-Arabic speaking students will have the chance to learn oral Egyptian dialect for beginners, while exploring Egyptian history, visiting one of the seven wonders of the world and enjoying a luxury cruise along River Nile. Through AUC’s Winter@AUC program, students will delve into the stories of ancient and modern Egypt. 

Join AUC’s Winter@AUC program to jumpstart your Arabic language skills while you immerse into the Egyptian culture. 

Application Deadline: November 30, 2019

Apply Now       Registration and Payment

For more information, email winterauc@aucegypt.edu

WATCH WHAT OUR STUDENTS
HAD TO SAY ABOUT THEIR ARABIC LEARNING EXPERIENCE

Course Description

Join Winter@AUC's Explore Egypt Arabic learning adventure to jumpstart your basic Arabic language skills as you explore all of the modern and ancient magic that Egypt has to offer. Explore Egypt is a two-week beginner oral Egyptian Arabic experience set within the majestic cities of Cairo, Luxor and Aswan. You will embark on a learning adventure, where you will develop basic vocabulary and expressions, daily communication skills and real-life interaction insights as you take a walk through Egyptian history. Get ready to immerse yourself in the shadows of the pyramids, ancient temples and ruins and an unforgettable two-week cruise along the mesmerizing River Nile. Winter@AUC language programs integrate excellent academics with unmatched cultural immersion and interaction with the people and places that bring language learning alive. 

Duration

January 11 - 12, 2020 - Cairo accommodation, AUC orientation and campus tour, and a trip to the pyramids

January 13 - 27, 2020 - Nile cruise, Luxor/Aswan/Luxor

Price

$3,500 - cost includes the following:

• Two nights accommodation in AUC residences
• Trip to the pyramids; including tour guide, transportation, and lunch
• Transportation from AUC New Cairo campus to the airport heading to Luxor
• Transportation to and from the airport in Luxor
• Nile cruise full board accommodation- 14 nights - Luxor/Aswan/Luxor
• Sightseeing trips in Luxor and Aswan, with a tour guide
• Health insurance
• Kalemni Arabi Beshweash Book

Note: Cost does not include international and domestic air flights

AUC Refund Policy

Who May Enroll

• Arabic beginner learners, age 18+, who have no Arabic knowledge, and want to learn all the Arabic language basics, and be able to engage in simple conversations in Arabic
• Any explorer, who is looking for an exotic holiday destination, with a historical and cultural learning experience
• Whoever is interested to walk through the Egyptian history and heritage; learn more about this 5,000-year-old civilization, while enjoying the stunning Nile river throughout the trip
• Spirited learners who like adventure and long walks 
• Learners who are interested in committing to a longer and more serious study of Arabic and wants to test the waters before committing to a longer and more intense academic program

Instructors

Iman A. Soliman
Chair of the Department of Arabic Language Instruction
Iaziz@aucegypt.edu

Hossam Ebid
Part-time instructor of Arabic Language Instruction
hossam2ebaid@gmail.com

About the Instructors

Iman A. Soliman is the chair of the Department of Arabic Language Instruction, and the initiator of the Center for Advanced Arabic Study in Cairo (CAASIC) program (2013 – to date). Acted as CASA executive director from 2010 - 2015. She joined AUC in 2006 as a full-time faculty member. She earned her BA in English literature from Ein Shams University. In 2003, she received her PhD in TAFL from the University of Edinburgh in Scotland. In 2008, she further studied a couple of post-graduate modules in computer-enhanced language learning. Iman has taught Arabic language and culture since 1992 at a number of reputable academic institutions, such as Middlebury College, the University of Edinburgh, and the University of St. Andrews as well as in International House Cairo. At AUC, she taught both Egyptian colloquial and modern standard Arabic language and culture. She has co-authored a number of Arabic foreign language books "Kallemni 'Arabi"; mastering Arabic through literature: Volume I the short story and volume II modern Arabic drama. 

Hossam Ebid is currently a part-time instructor of Arabic at The American University in Cairo (AUC) where he earned his master’s degree in TAFL. He teaches international students courses in Fusha and Amyya, media Arabic, and has assisted in the creation of materials for an online Arabic course developed at AUC. Born to Egyptian parents abroad until coming to Egypt for his undergraduate studies and graduate studies, he became familiar with the Levantine dialects as well as the Khaligi dialects in addition to the Amyya used with his parents and other Egyptians as well as to Fusha that was formally taught in school. Along with the various Arabic dialects, he was also surrounded by international English speakers which inspired his love and development of English which was then furthered in his undergraduate study of veterinary medicine. He earned a BS in veterinary medicine from Cairo University in 2014.

Requirements

No prior knowledge of Arabic is needed

Course Components

• Arabic learning sessions in the Nile cruise, which includes teaching colloquial Arabic language through listening and speaking group projects, and other learning activities
• Sightseeing trips to the Giza pyramids in Cairo, and to different monuments and attractions in Luxor and Aswan Nile cruise stops 
• Lunch trip in Cairo
• Program orientation session and AUC New Cairo campus tour

Students Experience

• Innovative and fun teaching methods
• Interactive hand-on sessions, real-world language practice
• Group work and presentations
• Historical excursions
• Social activities

Learning Outcomes

• Interact comfortably with Arabic native speakers, opening conversations about yourself and family, making purchases, ordering in a restaurant, use all kinds of transportation around the city
• Learn the Arabic names of the days and months and use them while touring the city and visiting the historical landmarks
• Communicate effectively while traveling around the city and finding your way to particular places
• Develop awareness of Egyptian history and culture
• Exposure to Egyptian and international students and faculty

Material to Bring?

• Notebook
• Pen/pencil
• Laptop/tablet

What to Pack?

• Comfortable and modest winter clothing. Do not wear shorts or skirts above the knee, or tank tops for field trips off the AUC campus
• Walking shoes
• A heavy/puffer jacket
• Sunblock (SPF 30 or higher)
• Cap
• Sunglasses
• A backpack for day trips
• Swimsuit for the pool on the ship
• Snacks
• A water bottle
• Camera (for capturing shots of the city and landmarks)
• An adapter for your electronic devices. Egypt has the same electrical outlets as most of western Europe, so American electronic devices cannot be plugged into the walls without an adapter
• Pocket money, for meals, materials, souvenirs, personal trips/outings
• Special medications used

How to apply for the visa?

For more information on how to apply for the visa, click here.