Job Discussion Forums

[xnihil]

I also posted this in the Egypt forum:

I have been accepted to the American University of Cairo MA in TEFL
program. I would like to hear from anyone who's either had any experience
with the program, AUC in general or living in Cairo.

I've heard that AUC has a bit of a lightweight reputation so I'm curious to
hear about how rigorous their academic standards are.

I've read several posts about how Egypt is becoming less friendly for
Americans, can anyone corroborate, deny or amplify these observations?

Finally, if I do go, I have to decide whether or not my wife (also American)
should accompany me. She is of Armenian background and might blend in
better than some, but she's not accustomed to dressing or acting
conservatively. Will she hate it there?

[Communist Smurf]

I'm currently a student at AUC. I'm sorry my post is coming a bit late, but I only just recently started reading this forum.

This is what I've heard from the school itself: Women need to be very careful, especially when they're alone. They get harrassed and groped from time to time and receive numerous rude remarks from locals.

This is what I've observed: Nothing of the sort. I've noticed the blondes will get stared at a lot.

As far as being Armenian, I'm only aware of prejudices against Armenians in the northern area of the ME.

As far as AUC, it is a lightweight. Grading is very easy. Academic standards/expectations aren't high (a few exceptions, depending on the teacher).

I personally have experience NO prejudice as an American. Egyptians are usually very friendly. At first, they seemed TOO friendly which made me very suspicious that they were trying to swindle me (which is true only 1/10th of the time). You can survive here without speaking Arabic, but of course you should learn it anyway. Just make sure you studying colloquial Arabic. Trying to have a conversation in MSA is impossible with people on the street.

[xnihil]

Thanks Smurf,

Maybe I'll meet you in a few weeks.