AFS Intercultural Programs: Egypt Gap-Year and Beyond

  Egypt

• Other Cities in Egypt: 
Cairo

Durations of Program: 3-6 months and 7-12 months
Typical Duration of Program: 3-6 months
Dates: Year Community Service: Aug/Sept. 2010- Jul. 2011; Semester Community Service: Aug/Sept. 2010- Mar. 2011

Description: Egypt is the most populous country in the Arab world and the second-most populous on the African Continent. This "cradle of civilization"--with its 5,000-year history--embraces a unique mix of modern Islam and Christianity, Middle Eastern folk cultures, and Western music and films. Because 90 percent of Egypt is desert, almost everyone lives close to the Nile; whether along the banks of the river in Cairo and Alexandria, in its delta, or along the Suez Canal. In sprawling, cacophonous Cairo, robes are as common as Levis, donkeys share roadways with BMWs, and buildings made of mud stand next to glass-and-steel high-rises. AFS host family placements are located throughout Egypt.

Highlights: Year and Semester Community Service:

As a community service volunteer in Egypt, you will share in and contribute to a community by living and working alongside its members in a community-based service organization. Past participants have worked with street children, mentally and physically disabled children, orphanages, educational projects in rural Egypt, and hospitals. You'll participate in a two-day orientation upon arrival to introduce you to the culture, expectations, and family life9then it's on to your host community! You may live with a host family or in housing through the community service organization, depending on the project. Two hours every week you'll be given Arabic language lessons by your work sites. Take this opportunity to discover the beauty of Egypt and help others at the same time! AFS participants are placed with volunteer host families located throughout Egypt.

Cost in US$: Year: (USD 10,500); Semester: (USD 9,750)

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to American Participants.

Application Process Involves:

• In-Person Interview Required
• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network

AFS Intercultural Programs/USA's Mission Statement: AFS Intercultural Programs is an international, voluntary, non-governmental, non-profit organization that provides intercultural learning opportunities to help people develop the knowledge, skills and understanding needed to create a more just and peaceful world. AFS Intercultural Programs is a leader in intercultural learning and offers international exchange programs in over 50 countries around the world through independent, not-for-profit AFS organizations, each with a network of volunteers, a professionally staffed office, and headed up by a volunteer board.

Year Founded: 1947