10 Most Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Study Abroad in Egypt
- Can I get financial aid?
Financial Aid is available for those students who qualify. Financial aid monies can be used to fund travel abroad if that travel is part of an academic course, which this is. Contact Billy Satterfiled in the Financial Aid office at UHCL (281-283-2489) for more information.
- Is it safe to go to Egypt?
As of right now, there are no travel restrictions for US citizens to Egypt. The US State Department has on their website information about Americans traveling abroad. One section discusses “Travel Warnings.” However, Egypt does not fall on this list of countries. We also will be spending our time as a group with Egyptian officials, American Embassy officials, and folks from the American University in Cairo as well as the Fulbright Foundation. Being part of an organized group with official itineraries increases our safety. Fulbright Commission of Egypt, Helwan University, Cairo University and Abercrombie and Kent, Egypt travel and tour service. - How long does it take to get a passport?
Traveling outside of North America generally requires a passport. The easiest way to get one is to go to your local Post Office and fill out the forms, taking with your 2 personal photos, proof of US citizenship, and an official picture ID (such as a driver’s license). You can also pay extra to the Post Office to take your photo. The cost is approximately $85, and takes around six to eight weeks to get it in the mail. You’ll need to apply in person if you are applying for a U.S. passport for the first time; if your expired U.S. passport is not in your possession; if your previous U.S. passport has expired and was issued more than 15 years ago; or if your previous U.S. passport was issued when you are under 16 your currently valid U.S. passport has been lost of stolen. Please begin your passport process before January 1, 2008.
- How does a travel abroad fit into my current plan of study or degree?
For most students, the academic credit you will receive from the study abroad experience should be considered electives. For Cross Cultural Studies students, depending upon the coursework you have already taken, possibly 3 of the 6 hours you take for this study abroad would count toward requirements, and 3 hours toward electives (contact Dr. McMullen mcmullen@uhcl.edu or Dr. Penn pennev@uhcl.edu).
- Why do I have to sign up for 6 hours credit?
As you can see with the Egypt Course Agenda on our website, the first semester of our course (Spring 2008) is in-class work, where we will engage in intensive study of Egyptian history, culture, politics, and the Islamic religion. We will also begin preparing our research papers; some of the research will take place in Egypt (with the help of Dr. Penn and Dr. McMullen). Our Study Abroad will take place between semesters in late May -June 2008. After our full 12 days of lectures, tours and research, we return to Houston ready to continue our study via WebCT format and limited class time during the 1st 5 week summer session to hold discussions and read further information. The semester will culminate with a research term paper and short presentations by all students at the end of the 1st 5 week summer session. Students will be receiving 6 hours of academic credit, which by state law requires 90 hours of instruction time-which we will accomplish between Jan. and the end of May/early June.
- Do I need to get a Visa to enter Egypt?
Visa is included in cost of the fees.
- Who will arrange our air flight?
Airline cost is included in the fees.
- Will I have free time in Egypt?
Yes. Research Days and Evenings.
- Where can I get information about shots?
See Susan Prihoda (281-283-2626) in the Student Health Service for information about shots. You will need to get them several weeks before leaving for Egypt.
- How much spending money should I bring?
Lunch and dinner will be the responsibility of the student. All tours and day trips will be covered in the money paid up front. However, extra spending money may be useful depending upon how much shopping you will do. There will be times when you can shop for family and friends back home, or purchase tickets to concerts or other entertainment. However, as do all tourists, you will need to be careful about how much cash you carry around. The cost of living in Egypt is cheap; yet in the past students have spent hundreds of dollars on gifts for family and friends. Your cost will vary.
