The American University in Cairo, Egypt

Location

The capital of Egypt, Cairo is a large, vibrant city possessing one of the greatest collections of architecture in the world, and is a wonderful place for students.

University

The American University in Cairo was founded in 1919 by Americans devoted to education and service in the Middle East. Founding president, Dr. Charles A. Watson, wanted to create an English-language university based on high standards of conduct and scholarship and to contribute to intellectual growth, discipline, and character of the future leaders of Egypt and the region, as well as to improve America's understanding of the area. Today, AUC is a leading intellectual center in the Middle East and North Africa. AUC balances a strong commitment to liberal education with a concern for the region's needs for practical applications and professional specializations and its strong commitment to fostering understanding across world regions, cultures and religions. The AUC Press is the Middle East’s leading English-language publishing house, supporting the mission of it’s parent university in education, research, and cultural exchange through its rapidly expanding publishing program of high quality scholarly, literary, and general interest publications on Egypt and the Middle East. AUC enrolls approximately 5,000 students in 19 departments/institutes offering undergraduate, masters and graduate diploma programs.  The university is incorporated in the United States of America, in the State of Delaware. It is accredited in the U.S. by the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools; the last visit by a full accreditation team took place in May 1998 as a part of the ten year reaccreditation review process.  In Egypt the university operates as a private cultural institute within the framework of the 1962 Egyptian-American Cultural Cooperation Agreement, in accordance with an implementing protocol with the government of Egypt.

Academic Program

All courses are taught in English. A survival Arabic course is offered at the beginning of each semester for an additional US$350.

Click here for access to the course catalog.

Program Dates

Fall Semester: September 6 - December 22 (dates will be similar each semester)
Application deadline: February 1

Spring Semester: January 31- May 28 (dates will be similar each semester)
Application deadline: February 1

Program Costs

Exchange programs charge only regular JMU tuition, based on residency, while room and board are paid to the host institution.  Students are responsible for airfare and personal expenses.

SAMPLE BUDGET (one semester):

Accommodations

The university maintains a dormitory for students with frequent bus service to the university. 

Reflection Paper

All students who participate in a JMU exchange program will be required to write a reflection paper upon completion of the program which will be available for future participants to read. Please click here to read past reflection papers from JMU students at American University in Cairo.

Eligibility

Applicants must have a 3.0 GPA and be in good standing with the university.

How to Apply

Spaces are limited. Please meet with a study abroad advisor before applying. For more detailed instructions and to download the application, please click on the following link to the Applications and Forms section for JMU Exchange Programs.

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Scholarships specifically for exchange programs are sometimes available. Check our website for current offerings. Students should consult with a financial aid counselor for specific information about awards and eligibility. For more information, please click on the following link to the Financial Aid & Scholarships page.