American University of Cairo (AUC)

Most helpful thing I could suggest is, take some pepper spray, because it will deter the vagabonds... Never ever walk the streets alone at night. Always have a boy crew who you hang out with ragularly in the city and especially in Zamalek if you choose to live inthe dorms, because this will be your saving grace because most men will think that they are you cousins or husband or what ever and they will not approach you. People don't steal there so you don't have to worry about theft. traveling just be constantly aware of your surrounding at all times. You have to keep you head about your self, it is important never to be too offensive. I would suggest if you drink to do it at some ones home instead of in public because you need your full sense and faculties at all times to even get a cab or you may end up in the dessert some where... well maybe not that drastic but you get the point. Your arrival into Cairo is an adventure unto itself, the airport smells like livestock so be prepared to be sick. After a few weeks you get use to the smell and don't notice it. My group of friends coinded the phase " the Cairo stench" whcih consists of dead carass, garbage and of course the smells of the Nile... and just the general filth. The biggest suggestion I can give is take clothes you don't want to wear ever again because Mom will burn them when you get home. The smell of Cairo tends to stay with you even when you get back. Your fiends and family will notice it immediatly. Til this very day a good friend of mine who I met in Cario, he's mother still ask what in the world were you guys doing over there rolling around with the animals.. She threw all his clothes away as did my mother as did all the other the mothers... So believe me when I tell you the stench sticks, in your hair and pores. It takes about a week to get rid of it. Good Luck and have fun!

ENJOY!!!! CAIRO IS SO AMAZING! YOU WILL HAVE AN AMAZING TIME IF YOU KEEP AN OPEN MIND AND ARE OPEN TO DIFFERENT EXPERIENCES AND PEOPLE! KEEP YOUR SENSE OF HUMOR EVEN WHEN YOU WANT TO BE BACK HOME SO MUCH IT HURTS... IF YOU GET SO HOMESICK YOU CANT MOVE- BOOK A HOTEL ROOM AT THE HILTON OR MARRIOT! ITS A GREAT WAY TO RELAX AND "GET OUT" OF EGYPT WITHOUT LEAVING. Besides- talking to all the tourists who wouldn't dream of leaving the hotel not in a charter bus will be so amazed with your bravery! Its a great way to put things in perspective.

My only problem with my living arrangements other than you couldn't have your friends to your room if they were male... was my roommate who was 18 and at the time I was 24. I think they should pair people up according to there age and experience. It was difficult living with someone so young who had never been exposed to anything in life really. She was from Sudan and had a very strict family but basically lost her mind because she was free to go out and do what ever as long as she was back by crufew. I loved AUC but I think that living out in the city is better than being in the dorms.