Study Abroad Orientation & Excursions in Egypt

IFSA-Butler Egypt Program

Arrival and orientation

• Arrangements for mandatory group flight
• Airport pick-up for group flight travelers
• 10-day on-site orientation: Includes transportation, accommodation, activities and most meals
• Intensive language classes to give students everyday language skills
• Welcome meal

Orientation lectures

• Introduction to Egyptian culture
• Discussion of academic differences and expectations
• Egyptian antiquities
• Egyptian literature
• Egypt Revolution
• Future of Egypt
• Health issues and nutrition
• Crossing Cultures
• Traveling around Egypt
• Safety briefing
• Women's issues
• Dealing with Stereotypes
• Egyptian music
• Calligraphy

Cultural events

• Visit to Khan el Khalili, the oldest continuous market in Cairo
• Visit to the Egyptian Museum
• Evening show(s) at Cairo Opera House, Whirling Dervishes or Egyptian Traditional Music

Excursions

• 5-day trip to Luxor to visit the Valley of the Kings, Karnack Temple and Valley of the Queens (included in program fee)
• Weekend excursion-various excursions in the past have been to the Red Sea, Oasis or along the coast of the Mediterranean
• Tour of Islamic Cairo and Al-Azhar Mosque
• Tour of the religious complex (Coptic Cairo)
• Visit to the Citadel of Cairo and Mohamed Ali Mosque
• Tour of a carpet school
• Visit to a perfume factory
• Day trip to the historic sites of pyramids-Sakkara, Dashur and ending at the Great Pyramids of Giza
• Tour of the National Museum of Alexandria
• Visit to Fort Qaitbey on the location of the Lighthouse of Alexandria
• Tour of the Bibliotheca Alexandria, one of the oldest libraries in the world

Other activities

• Monthly get-together meals
• Cooking Lessons
• "Home Cooked" Egyptian meals
• Language partners in Alexandria