A Semester in Dublin: Lessons Beyond the Classroom

For students like Perihan Elsheikh, a political science major who came to AUC with an end-goal in mind, the journey is where the magic happens. As an undergraduate, Elsheikh has been involved in 10 student organizations, landed three internships and explored 12 countries on exchange — and she’s not done yet.“My long-term goal is to open my own NGO dedicated to helping women and children in Egypt, especially those escaping domestic violence,” says Elsheikh, who has dreamed of having a positive impact on others and contributing to society since she was a child.At the same time, Elsheikh is interested in international law and the global frameworks used to deal with human rights issues. After she graduates in Fall 2025, Elsheikh will begin her master’s in international human rights law, a program she has been interested in pursuing since she was first accepted to AUC.Since Elsheikh already knows her career aspirations and master’s plan, what makes her time at AUC so special? The answer lies in her journey, from cocurricular experiences to global travel to high-caliber internships."My favorite personality will always be the Pery I met abroad because I realized I was capable of more than I thought."Clubs, Clubs, Clubs Elsheikh has been involved in student clubs since the start of her freshman year, when she signed up to join seven organizations. Between the Political Science Students’ Association, Volunteers in Action (VIA), Mashroo3 Kheir, Theater and Film Club (TFC) and Student Union Explore, Elsheikh has gained diverse experiences that she credits for making her the person she is today.With Mashroo3 Kheir’s Make-A-Wish committee, Elsheikh visited cancer institutes and talked to child cancer patients. “I left every single visit with a different approach to life,” she says.“TFC also helped me develop communications skills and perform in front of huge audiences,” adds Elsheikh, who prides herself on her public speaking skills.Perihan in ParisIn her junior year, the young humanitarian had the adventure of a lifetime on an exchange semester in Paris, where she learned European theories and perspectives from the second best political science school in the world — a welcome complement to the Middle Eastern perspective she had gained at AUC.“My favorite personality will always be the Pery I met abroad because I realized I was capable of more than I thought,” Elsheikh says.“My favorite personality will always be the Pery I met abroad because I realized I was capable of more than I thought."Defying her own expectations, Elsheikh experienced self-reliance and even came to enjoy her alone time, which she spent walking along the Seine and exploring museums. She also planned her own travels, visiting 11 other countries while abroad. Meanwhile, Elsheikh studied and practiced French in its country of origin, fulfilling a dream that dates back to her self-study of French back in 2020.Studying the Global South from a European stance also revealed Elsheikh’s desire to remain local in her work. Now, she seeks to contribute to her country and help underrepresented Egyptians speak up about their struggles. “I want to learn more about how Egyptians in cities beyond Cairo live on a daily basis and what they suffer from,” she says.Nine-to-Five DiscoveriesHer adventurous trajectory doesn’t end there. In addition to working as a political science teaching assistant at AUC, Elsheikh has completed three internships that have taken her across sectors to explore different areas of human rights and international law — from working at a public policy and business lobbying firm, N Gage Consulting, to the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development’s Human Rights Unit. “At the ministry, I learned about how Egypt is planning to promote human development, provide education and alleviate poverty under Vision 2030,” she says.To those seeking a liberal arts education at AUC, the journey beats the destination — and for ambitious students like Elsheikh, the path can shape the course of a career, even when the destination is already figured out.

When junior Marwan Shawwara moved to the south of France to study at Sciences Po last fall, he was prepared to step outside of his comfort zone and experience the trials and tribulations of a semester abroad. Most of the time, Shawwara lived as a typical exchange student — he found community, made lifelong friends, played college soccer with weekend tournaments around France, and backpacked through seven countries and 24 cities. “It’s me and my backpack against the world,” he said.However, what the political science major didn’t expect was that he would reach a new understanding of his own country by meeting Egyptian refugees scattered along European frontiers. Egyptian EncountersLong interested in equality and justice, Shawwara began volunteering with the AUC student organization 3alraseef in his freshman year, educating and spending time with impoverished children in Manshiyat Nasser twice a week. At Sciences Po, Shawwara kept up his commitment to volunteer work, documenting refugees at the Franco-Italian border crossing with Sciences Po Refugee Help, a student club. It was through this role that he discovered a new side of Egypt: the country’s politically marginalized. Throughout the semester, Shawwara learned lessons about Egyptian politics from his fellow countrymen that further shaped his identity and future plans. “Most of the refugees are unfortunately from our region, North Africa. It was a different experience seeing them firsthand, communicating with them, listening to them,” he said. “These people are not just numbers crossing the Mediterranean; they are humans.”“I’m looking at life differently now. These people risked their lives to seek asylum just to live like anybody else: to get married and educate their kids. These are basic human rights.”Traveling in Milan, Shawwara found himself surrounded by his native tongue, the streets filled with Egyptian refugees from areas like Upper Egypt, Fayoum and Beni Suef. Many had come to support their families, working in manual labor jobs. One boy in particular left a lasting impression on Shawwara. When they first crossed paths, the now 17-year-old was excited to buy Shawwara lunch and share his story. Mohamed fled to Italy two years ago as a 15 year old, coming alone to provide for his parents. “He did the unimaginable. He crossed the Mediterranean without his family,” said Shawwara. As a minor, Mohamed became a registered refugee, eligible for housing and documented part-time labor. “When he becomes an adult, I think he will be given the right to come back to Egypt and return to work in Italy.” The potential visit to Egypt would be Mohamed’s first in three years.The touching story — one of many that Shawwara encountered — had a profound impact. “I’m looking at life differently now. These people risked their lives to seek asylum just to live like anybody else: to get married and educate their kids. These are basic human rights,” he said.A New Political VisionShawwara’s interest in history and politics was initially sparked by his post-Revolution Cairene upbringing, leading him to pursue his semester abroad at the second-ranked university in the world for political science. However, it was not university courses but interactions with Egyptian refugees that most shaped his vision for his future, and the future of Egypt.“I want to specialize in political theory now,” Shawwara said. “I want to produce a theory that fits all these people in it rather than excludes them because the current policies of the region are turning a blind eye." “At Sciences Po, I found my interest in journalism and speaking up. When I came back, I thought, let’s initiate something here.”Commenting on the difficult financial circumstances that led many Egyptians astray, Shawwara said, “If you can pay, you can live. These people don’t have the chance to earn money in the first place.” Shawwara is particularly interested in post-colonial and decolonization theories. “Until now, I see that countries in the region are still under Western domination while they are supposed to be independent states. I want to understand this,” he said.Bringing It HomeHis exploration of Egypt from this external lens did not stop at his volunteer work: Shawwara wrote for two campus publications, contributing meaningful stories about the Middle East, from stories about Morocco’s football team to Lebanon’s ceasefire to Cairo’s environmental problems.Upon his return to AUC, Shawwara was inspired to jumpstart a new political science publication, the PSS-Journal, through the Political Science Students’ Association, of which he is now the incoming co-president. “At Sciences Po, I found my interest in journalism and speaking up — we need to be vocal about some topics. When I came back, I thought, let’s initiate something here,” he said. Within two weeks, Shawwara had assembled a team, and the journal published its first issue in one month’s time, with big plans for the year ahead.Though Shawwara wants to remain in Egypt in the long term, he is considering a master’s degree at Sciences Po in Paris after graduating — just one more way in which his study-abroad experience has shaped his outlook on life and his future career.

Farah Helal, University of Groningen Groningen, NetherlandsMatthew Shafik, Northern Arizona University Arizona, United StatesHeba Al-Madhagi, Kent State University Ohio, United StatesMajed Abusamra, ISEG - Lisbon School of Economics and Management Lisbon, PortugalShahd Elmahallaw, Portland State University Oregon, United StatesMario Ghaly, The University of Edinburgh Edinburgh, ScotlandSalma Awad, The American College of Greece Athens, GreeceEarlier this year, Salma Awad boarded a plane heading to Athens. Watching Egypt disappear as she crossed the Mediterranean, her emotions teetered between excitement and anxiety. Having traveled before, she carefully researched her destination's culture, food and tourist traps and was ready to reach out to locals for friendship and guidance.After just four months living in Greece, which included hiking a volcano, becoming an expert in using charades to overcome language barriers and eating plenty of souvlaki, Awad returned to Cairo -- the same person outward, but inward, forever different."Life-changing" is an oft-used term when people reflect on travel. Exiting the comfort zone and exploring a new city and culture can have a profound impact on a person's worldview. Sometimes, such a change is immediately noticeable, while at other times, we don't recognize the shift until long after we return home.Now back at AUC, Awad, an architecture senior, shares some of her memorable experiences and insights about her semester abroad at The American College of Greece.___I believe that Greece picked me.The first thing I was drawn to was the country's abundance of nature. I am a nature-driven person. I can spend hours staring into the sea's horizon or listening to the songs of birds and the rustle of leaves as the wind passes through. When I first googled the campus in Athens, the greenery surrounding the campus spoke to me. I knew that it was my place to go.Same, but DifferentEgyptians and Greeks have very similar cultures, from the way we talk and our mannerisms to the food we eat. But there are differences.Early on in my travels, I experienced the bystander effect, which isn't really a thing in Egypt. My roommate, who is also Egyptian, and I had just finished our first grocery run, and it was a 30-minute, uphill walk back to the dorms. Our bags began to rip, and our groceries spilled onto the sidewalk. Panicking, we looked around to find people staring, yet no one offered help. We laughed it off, but this was a big shock: realizing that this reaction isn't always present in other countries. I think this challenge of cultural norms made us more independent and taught us how to handle -- and laugh off -- stressful situations.Life LessonsSalma AwadNo matter the duration, living in another country comes with emotional challenges. The biggest challenge there was being away from my family. It may sound small when I write "four months," but I haven't been away from my family for that long before. There were days when I felt homesick -- especially during Ramadan and Eid -- and I'd cry to them and tell them how much I missed them. Other days, I'd remind myself, and be reminded, that this is a great opportunity to learn, grow and develop as a person, so I should make the most out of this experience.The most important thing I learned was how to face my fears. My professors, friends, roommate and family all challenged me to do this in different ways. In my Color 1 class, I learned that when I'm afraid to do something, I should close my eyes and open my ears to my gut. One's gut feeling is powerful and can help navigate through fear. My professor taught me that it's okay if my painting comes out terrible or ruined. Sometimes it's about the process and not the outcome because the outcome will happen eventually. It's the process that needs to be worked on.While abroad, I realized I forgot that I believe in magic -- which for me, is the product of the colors and emotions within a space. When I think of a memory, I remember how a particular room or part of nature made me feel, and what its color was. Moving forward in my education and career, when I design a space, I want to make sure that I remember to make it feel colorful, kinder, welcoming and, most of all, magical.Unpacking WisdomI feel very lucky and grateful for the eternity of the study-abroad experience. It helped me figure out what I want and need in my life and career, as well as how I wish to pursue my academic work. Travel makes you aware of your true likes and preferences when you are on your own. It teaches one more empathy and understanding of differences. Everyone's experience is by far different from the other, but if you remind yourself to enjoy all that comes, no matter how different, challenging or experiential, you'll understand how it was all worth it.Most importantly, remember to bring back your experiences home with you. It can be challenging at first, but your learnings aren't restricted to the place you acquired them. You come home and continue to learn from them.When you return, I suggest reflecting intensely on your experiences, including what you liked and what you wish you could improve for next time. The realization of how you matured and your increased ability to read situations and people will be one of your greatest moments.There are two simple ingredients to know if you've actually changed: It's all about reflection and the habits you created in your time abroad. Believe you did change. You just need to sit with yourself and reflect on all the good, bad and everything in-between circumstances and situations you've been through during your time abroad. 

Last fall, economics junior Ahmed Ayman quickly fell into step with Milan’s unique rhythm of life. “Milan is more than just a city; it’s a mood. Mornings start with a quick espresso, afternoons are spent strolling through streets rich with history, and nights are filled with energy.”Whether enjoying an enthusiastic football game at the San Siro or having a deep conversation about life in Navigli, Ayman’s experience was nothing short of exceptional.Ayman spent the Fall 2024 semester studying at the Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, exploring Italy’s rich history and, of course, indulging in the food. Thrilled to immerse himself in another culture, Ayman was led across the Mediterranean Sea by his philosophy on learning: “I’ve always believed that real learning happens when you step out of your comfort zone, and what better way to do that than studying abroad?”‘Go With the Flow’Ayman was drawn to study in Italy due to the country’s unique economic positioning as part of the European Union economy. He also wanted to learn from a different academic perspective and interact with international faculty. “I didn’t just want to read about different cultures; I wanted to experience them,” Ayman said. “And let’s face it — who wouldn’t want to spend a semester in Milan?” “Studying abroad didn’t just teach me about Italy; it taught me about myself." The Milanese balance between tradition and modernity was what Ayman most loved about the city. “It’s visible in the architecture, the way people dress and even in how they party.” While abroad, Ayman took every chance to visit other sites in Italy like Lake Como, Florence, Venice, Cinque Terre and the Dolomitic Alps — “all nearby yet each offering a different slice of Italy’s magnificence.”  “AUC has this way of making you feel like you’re already part of a global community before you ever set foot outside Egypt."He also viewed studying abroad as a way to challenge himself and prove that he could thrive in a completely new environment. “I became more independent, learning to navigate everything from public transport mishaps to cultural misunderstandings. I learned the value of spontaneity: My best experiences happened when I ditched the plan and went with the flow,” Ayman said. Global Engagement Ayman credits the International Programs and Services Office and Office of Student Financial Affairs and Scholarships for securing his trip’s logistics. “They guided me through the application process and ensured I had everything I needed before departure. Even when my experience became stressful (because, let’s be honest, no international process is ever without stress), IPSO had my back,” he shared.But it was AUC’s global focus that most prepared him for life abroad. “AUC has this way of making you feel like you’re already part of a global community before you ever set foot outside Egypt,” he said. From the diverse student body and discussions about international affairs to an emphasis on critical thinking, Ayman said, “AUC gave me the confidence to adapt quickly in Milan.”AUC’s liberal arts education was also an asset. “I learned to approach topics from multiple perspectives beyond my major, which helped me navigate courses taught from a completely different angle.” Socially, being a resident adviser and interacting with students from different backgrounds also made it much easier to connect with people in Italy, “even if it sometimes meant throwing in some broken Italian here and there,” he said.Unexpectedly, being abroad even strengthened Ayman’s love for Egypt. “I became more appreciative of home. There’s something about being away that made me realize the beauty in my own culture too,” he said.Overall, Ayman’s takeaways were wide-ranging and life-changing. “Studying abroad didn’t just teach me about Italy; it taught me about myself,” he said.