Welcomed by Egypt
Egypt is really starting to feel like home. My first two months in مصر (Egypt in Arabic) have been even better than I could have hoped. The people are incredibly kind and welcoming, always excited to practice Arabic or English and eager to share stories about their families while learning about mine. Everywhere I go, from taxi rides to neighborhood shops, I hear the same phrase: “You are most welcome in Egypt.” Hearing it never gets old.
My contact list is now filled with Egyptian names. People insist I take their number and call if I ever need anything. Their generosity, humor, and openness have made settling into Cairo feel surprisingly natural.
Exploring Beyond Cairo
In just a short time, I’ve already had some unforgettable adventures. I’ve been inside the Great Pyramid twice and even ventured deep into the Sahara to explore the White Desert. The landscape there is unlike anything I’ve ever seen, with white rock formations shaped by the wind into forms that seem almost otherworldly.
I tried sandboarding and camped under the stars with the help of our Bedouin guide, who drove us over the dunes and cooked the best dinner and breakfast I’ve had in Egypt using nothing but a bonfire in the sand. Getting outside of Cairo to experience more of the country has been the highlight of my time so far. I’m already planning trips to Alexandria and Siwa Oasis next.
Lessons from the Classroom
Inside the classroom, I’ve been equally challenged and inspired. In my International Refugee Law course, we’ve explored the complex and often frustrating process refugees face when seeking asylum. It has been eye-opening to see how the same countries funding conflicts are often the ones unwilling to host those displaced by them.
Studying these legal frameworks while living in a country that hosts large refugee populations has deepened my understanding of how policies play out on the ground. It is one thing to learn about international cooperation in theory, but another to witness its importance firsthand.
Advice for Future Students
If I could offer one piece of advice to anyone preparing to study abroad, it would be this: travel as much as you can and speak to people in the local language, even if you’re not fluent. Those small interactions, whether with store owners, Uber drivers, or classmates, often lead to the most memorable experiences.
You never know what kind of adventure might start just by introducing yourself in the local tongue.