Egypt

Study

Language

If you’re serious about learning Arabic, the best option is to sign up at the Arabic Language Institute (02-797 5055; www.aucegypt.edu; 113 Sharia Qasr al-Ainy, Cairo), a department of the American University in Cairo. It offers intensive instruction in both modern standard Arabic and Egyptian colloquial Arabic at elementary, intermediate and advanced levels in semester courses running over five months.

A cheaper option is to study at the International Language Institute (ILI; Map pp144-5; 02-346 3087; www.arabicegypt.com; 4 Sharia Mahmoud Azmy, Sahafayeen, Mohandiseen, Cairo). This offers courses in modern standard Arabic and Egyptian colloquial Arabic over eight levels.

Another highly regarded school, Kalimat (Map pp144-5;02-761 8136; www.kalimategypt.com; 22 Sharia Mohamed Mahmoud Shaaban, Mohandiseen, Cairo) offers courses in modern standard Arabic and Egyptian colloquial Arabic over multiple levels.

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Other courses

The American University in Cairo is one of the premier universities in the Middle East. It offers degree, nondegree and summer-school programmes. Any of the regular courses offered can be taken. Popular subjects include Arabic Language and Literature, Arab History and Culture, Egyptology, Islamic Art and Architecture, Middle East Studies and Social Science courses on the Arab world. Up to 15 unit hours can be taken per semester at the undergraduate level.

The summer programmes offer similar courses. The term lasts from mid-June to the end of July. Two three-unit courses can be taken and several well-guided field trips throughout Egypt are usually included.

Applications for programmes with the Arabic Language Institute or undergraduate and graduate studies at the university are separate. Specify which you want when you request an application form. A catalogue and programme information can be obtained from the Office of Admissions (212-730 8800; fax 730 1600; American University in Cairo, 420 Fifth Ave, New York, NY 10018-2719, USA), or you can write to the American University in Cairo (AUC; 02-754 2964; www.aucegypt.edu; PO Box 2511, Cairo 11511).

It is also possible to study at Egyptian universities such as Cairo University, Al-Azhar (in Cairo), Ain Shams (in Cairo) and Alexandria University. Courses offered to foreign students include Arabic Language, Islamic History, Islamic Religion and Egyptology. For information on courses, tuition fees and applications, contact the cultural counsellor at the Egyptian Educational Bureau (202-296 3888; 2200 Kalorama Rd NW, Washington DC 20008, USA). In London, contact the Cultural Affairs Office (020-7491 7720).

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