AIESEC
AIESEC AUC
since 1984
AIESEC AUC has been setting global examples for its commitment to providing life-changing experiences to its interns. Over the past two years, we have delivered more than 650 experiences to participants from all around the world.
AIESEC AUC is a campus-based local chapter, situated at Egypt’s top university, The American University in Cairo (AUC). You can read more about the university at aucegypt.edu. Located at the heart of Egypt’s capital, Cairo, AIESEC AUC has won multiple excellence awards for the quality and quantity of experiences we provided.
EGYPT
Main Cities
Climate
History
Hotspots
Cairo is the capital of Egypt and Alexandria is the second largest city. Other cities include: Luxor, Aswan, Giza (where the Pyramids are found), Suez (where the south end of the Suez Canal is located), Hurghada & Sharm El Sheikh. Also Oasis such as Bahariya, el Dakhla, el Farafra, El Kharga and Siwa. Protectorates include Ras Mohamed National Park, Zaranik Protectorate and Siwa. All of which are of stunning beauty and considered as main touristic attractions.
Luxor City in Upper Egypt
Alexandria The second largest city.
EGYPT
Main Cities
Climate
History
Hotspots
Egypt is located between two seas, the Mediterranean sea & the Red sea , and two deserts , the Eastern desert & the western desert . The abovementioned results in various climate changes throughout the year. The northern and eastern coasts are known for their perfect weather in the summer, making them the best places for relaxation and recreation. Temperatures range between an average of 14 degrees Celsius in the winter (October-March) and 30 degrees Celsius in the summer (AprilSeptember) .
Summer
30° Winter
14°
EGYPT
Main Cities
Climate
History
Hotspots
Historically, Egypt has one of the longest histories of any modern country, arising in the tenth millennium BC as one of the world's first nation states. Considered a cradle of civilization, Ancient Egypt experienced some of the earliest developments of writing, agriculture, urbanization, organized religion and central government. Iconic monuments such as the Giza Necropolis and its Great Sphinx, as well the ruins of Memphis, Thebes, Karnak, and the Valley of the Kings, reflect this legacy and remain a significant focus of archaeological study and popular interest worldwide. Egypt's rich cultural heritage is an integral part of its national identity, having endured, and at times assimilated, various foreign influences, including Greek, Persian, Roman, Arab, Ottoman, and European. Although Christianized in the first century of the Common Era, it was subsequently Islamised due to the Islamic conquests of the seventh century. Modern Egypt is considered to be a regional and middle power, with significant cultural, political, and military influence in North Africa, the Middle East and the Muslim world. Its economy is one of the largest and most diversified in the Middle East, with sectors such as tourism, agriculture, industry and services at almost equal production levels.
Alexandria EGYPT
Main Cities
Climate
History
Hotspots
Hurghada Hurghada was once a fairly small and unimposing fishing village, located next to the Red Sea and boasting a number of sandy beaches. Today, the resort town of Hurghada is almost unrecognizable from its past life and has grown to become one of the most visited touristic destinations in Egypt, with more than 100 different hotels, many of which line the shoreline. Hurghada is especially popular for its diving spots.
Alexandria Located on the coast of the Mediterranean sea, Alexandria is Egypt's leading port and transportation hub. Founded in 331 BC by Alexander the Great, the city was once considered the crossroads of the world. Many of Alexandria's most famous historic sites, including a library that housed more than 500,000 books, were destroyed by a devastating earthquakes in the 14th century. Today the city is a faded shade of its former glorious cosmopolitan self, but still worth a visit for its many cultural attractions and glimpses of its past.
Dahab Dahab is located 85 km (53 miles) north of Sharm el -Sheikh on the Gulf of Aqaba, near the southern tip of Sinai .Once an isolated coastal village, Dahab turned into a hippie hangout in the 1980's and became an "alternative resort", mixing cheap accommodation with a laid back lifestyle. The combination of Red Sea and Sinai desert makes Dahab perfect for world class windsurfing, scuba diving, rock climbing and desert trekking with the Bedouin.
Hurghada
Dahab
EXPLORE EGYPT
Cuisine
Sports
Main Events
Transportation
Grilled Pigeons or rice stuffed pigeons are one of Egypt's favorite meals. You can have it at "Farahat",which is considered as one of the most famous restaurants in Cairo, and you will only pay about 35EGP($4).
Foul The king of Egyptian food , as it is cheap, healthy and delicious. You can try it at any place all over Egypt. It only costs about 2-3 EGP ($0.34).
Egyptian Dumplings or Zalabya Come in different varieties: dipped in honey, powdered sugar, milk or white chocolate at "Batates and Zalabya" for 10 EGP ($ 1.13).
Koshary One of the most popular dishes in Egypt that contains rice, macaroni, lentils, chickpea, fried onions, sauce and a dressing. You can enjoy this wonderful meal at "Koshary Eltahreer“, and it will not cost you more than 7 EGP ($0.79).
EXPLORE EGYPT
Cuisine
Sports
Main Events
Transportation
Soccer is the popular sport in Egypt It is constantly the hot topic all around. The major clubs in Egypt are Al Ahly and El Zamalek club. Al Ahly is the most successful club of the 20th century in the African continent according to CAF. The Egyptian national football team is one of the most famous and talented teams all over Africa. It is the winner of the African cup of nations seven times, including three time in a row: 2006, 2008, 2010. Besides the African cup of nations, Egypt got qualified to the FIFA world cup two times. Beside football achievements, there is an strong fingerprint for the Egyptian teams in the international championship since 1930. Three of the most famous sports players in Egypt are Amr Shabana, Ramy Ashour, Karam Gaber and Alaa Abdoul Kassem .
Al Ahly Club Egyptian Sporting Club
Ramy Ashour Professional Squash Player
EXPLORE EGYPT
Cuisine
Sports
Main Events
Transportation
Ramadan The ninth month of the Islamic calendar
Christmas Annual festival commemorating the birth of Jesus
Bairam Feast 3 days celebration after Ramadan
Sinai Liberation Day Celebrates the final withdrawal of all Israel military farces from the Sinai Peninsula
Prophet Muhammed's Birthday PBUH Revolution Day Easter National holiday marking the beginning of spring
Public holiday celebrated in Egypt to commemorate the military coup of July 23, 1952
Cairo Book Fair The largest and oldest book fair in the Arab world
EXPLORE EGYPT
Cuisine
Sports
Main Events
Transportation
Metro
Taxi
The fastest and cheapest method to get around. It will cost you only one pound ($0.11).
Taxi fare starts at 3 EGP ($ 0.34) and increases by 1.40($ 0.16) EGP for each km traveled.You can use Taxi Applications as well like Uber and Careem.
Buses
Train
You can take the bus to any place in Giza and Cairo, and the ticket ranges from 1 ($0.11) to 3 EGP ($ 0.34) .
If you want to truly discover Egypt, just take the train and enjoy the ride. Ticket prices will vary depending on your destination.
CAIRO
Districts
Hotspots
Must Do’s
Midan El Tahrir Also known as "Martyr Square", is a major public town square in Downtown Cairo, Egypt. The square has been the location and focus for political demonstrations in Cairo, most notably those that led to the 2011 Egyptian revolution and the resignation of President Hosni Mubarak.
Midan Ramses Is the name of the large square in front of the Ramses station , the main station in Cairo for long-distance trains. It's located north of the very center of the modern city at Midan Tahrir.
Garden City Is a wealthy, residential district in Central Cairo that spans the East side of the Nile and just south of downtown, the location of the famous Midan Tahrir.
Islamic Cairo Is the area of the city which holds the most, the greatest and the most famous Islamic monuments. Many of these raised by the Fatimid caliphs who founded the city Cairo (preceded by Fustat or Old Cairo). A huge, bustling center of worship, trade, shopping and commuting - it's a must-see for any visitors and deserves at least a couple of days exploring.
Dokki and Mohandeseen Is located on the west bank of the Nile, with upmarket restaurants, shopping malls and residential areas.
Maadi Gezira and Zamalek Is an affluent district of western Cairo encompassing the northern portion of Gezira Island in the Nile River. The island is connected with the river banks through three bridges each on the east and west sides of the island, including the Qasr al-Nil Bridge and 6th October Bridge.
Giza Is the third-largest city in Egypt. It is located on the west bank of the Nile, some 20 km southwest of central Cairo. Giza is most famous as the location of the Giza Plateau: the site of some of the most impressive ancient monuments in the world, including a complex of ancient Egyptian royal mortuary and sacred structures, including the Great Sphinx, the Great Pyramid of Giza, and a number of other large pyramids and temples. Giza has always been a focal point in Egypt's history due to its location close to Memphis, the ancient capital.
Heliopolis and Nasr City The two of them are actually completely distinct areas. Heliopolis is an older district where well off Egyptians live. Built by a Belgian architect, Nasr City is newer and contains City Stars, Cairo's biggest and most modern shopping mall, retail social complex. The airport is located a bit further east of this area out in the desert near Masaken Sheraton.
Maadi Is an affluent, leafy suburban district south of Cairo, Egypt on the east bank of the Nile about 12 km upriver from downtown Cairo.
CAIRO
Districts
Hotspots
Must Do’s
Giza Pyramids and the Sphinx
The Citadel
The quintessential Egyptian landmark. Arguably the most famous site in world and a must do on everybody’s Egyptian adventure. At over 4,600 years old, they are one of the only remaining 7 wonders of the ancient world. An incredible sight especially at sunset.
located on a spur of limestone that had been detached from its parent Moqattam Hills by quarrying. The Citadel is one of the world's greatest monuments to medieval warfare, as well as a highly visible landmark on Cairo's eastern skyline. Particularly when viewed from the back side (from the north), the Citadel reveals a very medieval character.
Khan el Khalili Market and Islamic Cairo
Egyptian Museum
Khan El-Khalili dates back to 1382 and is located in Cairo’s old Islamic district. Getting lost in the labyrinth of narrow alleys, stumbling upon hidden treasures and historic monuments, and chatting to the local shop-owners as the smell of spices and local food lingers in the air results in an unforgettable experience. The locals’ warm hospitality is central to this experience: they will offer you tea, a tour around the alleys, tell you stories about their shops, or simply smile for the camera.
It has the largest number of antiquities on display in the world. The museum is packed with over 100,000 ancient artifacts dating back to 3500 BC.
Al Azhar Park Al-Azhar Park is a public park located in Cairo, Egypt. Among several honors, this park is listed as one of the world's sixty great public spaces by the Project for Public Spaces.
Cairo Tower The Cairo Tower is a free-standing concrete tower located in Cairo, Egypt. At 187 m, it has been the tallest structure in Egypt and North Africa about 50 years.
CAIRO
Districts
Hotspots
Must Do’s
Eat koshary, foul and falafel. Cruise down the Nile, either do this on a traditional Felucca boat or a cruise ship. Ride horses and camels. Attend Tannoura show. Safari in the desert and enjoy a Beduin party. Diving in the red sea. Take a Balloon in Luxor and explore the city from the sky. Climb the mountain of Saint Catherine and watch the amazing sunrise. Walk around the old city of Cairo. Relax. Enjoy tea, smoke a uniquely flavored shisha and meet new people in local coffee shops. Sand surfing in the white desert. Walk at night by the Nile side and drink Humus el Sham. Get gifts from Khan El-Khalili.
MONEY
Currency
Average Cost
How the Egyptian Currency looks like:
Food: 1/2 kg (1 lb.) 1 litre (1 qt.) 1 kg (2 lb.) 500 gr (16 oz.) 1 kg (2 lb.) 2 kg (4.5 lb.) 2 litres
of boneless chicken breast of whole fat milk of tomatoes of local cheese of apples of potatoes of Coca-Cola Bread for 2 people for 1 day Pack of Cigarettes ( Marlboro)
22 EGP 8 EGP 3.50 EGP 23 EGP 16 EGP 3.50 EGP 8 EGP 2.50 EGP 20 EGP
Restaurants:
1 EGP = 0.11 USD* * Please check the current conversion rate online
Meal, inexpensive restaurant Meal for 2, mid-range restaurant, three course McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) Cappuccino (regular) Water (0.33 litre bottle)
30 EGP 175 EGP 35 EGP 16 EGP 2.50 EGP
Cost of Going out , Leisure and Entertainment: Fitness club, monthly Fee for 1 Adult Cinema, International release, 1 Seat
300 EGP 35 EGP
Personal Care: Medicine against cold for 6 days Deodorant roll-on (50 ml – 1.5 oz.) Hair shampoo 2-in-1 (400 ml. – 12 oz.) 4 rolls of toile paper Tube of toothpaste
25 EGP 20 EGP 22 EGP 8 EGP 9 EGP
COMFORT
Mobile Apps What to Bring
Do’s & Don’ts
Emergency
Uber / Careem Will allow you to book a taxi and track it.
ElMenus Will show you the menu of any restaurant you're interested in, including the meals and prices, as well as the opening hour of the restaurant.
Bey2ollak Will inform you how the traffic is between the locations you are commuting from and to.
Egypt Yellow Pages A guide to the contact information of numerous places and organizations.
Google Maps Will help you in commuting by giving you directions.
Wally Will help you to mange your finances during your stay in Egypt.
Arabic Dictionary Will help you translate any Arabic phrase or words to English and vice versa as well as familiarizing you with the basic Arabic phrases.
Trip Advisor Will give you ratings and reviews of places around the city.
COMFORT
Mobile Apps
What to Bring
Do’s & Don’ts
Emergency
Map: The first thing that you should carry with you whenever you go (after your passport, of course!) should be a map of Egypt and to be specific a map for the city that you are staying in so that you do not get lost and always to feel safe.
GPS: If you are a phone addict, then the GPS will be a perfect substitute for the map as it will help you to know the location of your destination and how long It will take you to reach it.
Google Translate Application:
The first language spoken all over Egypt is the Arabic language, and yes we know that it is the most difficult language in the world. All what you need is Google translate app on your smart phone, and you are all set to discover Egypt.
Electrical Plug/Outlet : Click HERE for more information. Sun Protecting Products: To avoid any sun burns during summer time in Egypt.
COMFORT
Mobile Apps
What to Bring
Do’s & Don’ts
Emergency
Hang around in groups
Look both ways before crossing the street
Carry a water bottle with you at all times on any trip. Mineral water is available everywhere
Exchange your money in banks or exchange offices. Lock you personal belongings and all your luggage always while you are in the accommodation and also when you go outside. AIESEC is not responsible for any lost/ stolen belongings.
Go out without your passport Wear sleeveless tops, shorts or short skirts in the street. Drink tap water. Respond to strangers calling you on the street. Please ignore them.
Swim where there's a black flag up. It means the water is too rough.
Inform Taxi drivers of the location you are going to before hopping in
Drink alcohol in the street. Its not socially acceptable, and in some areas it's forbidden by law. Drink hard liquor that has no brand name.
Wear sun-screen lotion
Kiss your partner in the street.
Enjoy the country as much as you can. Egypt is not just any country - Egypt is “Om el Donia” (the Mother of the World!)
Pet street dogs and cats.
Learn some Arabic words
Take pictures of military buildings.
Tip if you enjoyed the service at a restaurant
Take photographs where you're not supposed to (e.g. some museums and touristic sites)
Remove your shoes upon entering an Egyptian person's home
Ask an Egyptian if you can take their picture they usually won't mind
Dress appropriately if visiting a mosque. Women need to cover their hair and no skin should be exposed besides the hands, face. and feet. Also, remember to take your shoes off
Spend time talking to the people. Egyptians are interesting people and have a great sense of humor. You will learn from them as much as they will learn from you· -it is always a rich exchange. Don't miss out on that!
Try and be around for Eid at the end of the fasting month of Ramadan. Spending Eid in an Islamic country is fascinating.
Ask directions from at least three different people (to be sure you have the right information) because sometimes people try to help even if they don't know the place.
COMFORT
Mobile Apps
What to Bring
Do’s & Don’ts
Emergency
Emergency Contacts
1) Ambulance 123 2) Police 122 3) Firemen 180 4) Electricity office 121 5) Natural Gas office 129 6) Tourism Police Rescue 126 7) International Trunk service 120 8) Trunk Service provinces 10 9) Telephone Directory 140 or 141
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S&E
Safety
Expectations
Pickup
Safety So let's cut a very long discussion short by simply saying this: “Egypt is safe!” No matter what you have heard or read through media, Egypt is safe. There have been talks of how unsafe Egypt is ever since the 25th of January revolution that erupted in 2011 in Tahrir Square in Cairo, Egypt.
Standards & Escalation Process In AIESEC AUC, we pride ourselves on being a customer centric entity. We provide exchange experiences that are tailored in order for our Interns' to receive the best experience ever. That’s why, we have taken certain precautions In order to ensure our Interns' satisfaction. We have created a feedback collection tool that will be available to our Interns as soon as they start the matching process with us.
How is this tool used? In case any Intern has an Issue or complaint, s/he can fill our form that can be accessed from HERE. Upon filling this form, we solve the issue in less than 72 hours.
Since then media has been scaring people off Egypt. However, the fact is that Egypt now is a safe country and we as AIESECers care and look after our interns' safety as our number 1 priority. We always take care when renting our apartments to make sure that they are in no way, shape or form close to any "hot zone’’. We also have a Reception & Servicing team that is responsible for the interns‘ safety and needs’ fulfilment from the first day of their arrival till they leave the country. If anything should occur in any place across Egypt, the interns will be notified ahead of time and asked to take necessary precautions. AIESEC in Egypt in the summer of 2016 hosted 2658 interns from all over the world, and we faced no safety issues at any point during their stay.
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S&E
Safety
Expectations
Pickup
AIESEC AUC provides pickup to its interns from the airport to their location of stay for $10 paid upon arrival to an AIESEC responsible not the driver himself. In order to ensure an efficient pick up process, some requirements are needed: 1- Fill in the reception form that you can find here.
Expectations WE PROVIDE YOU WITH Shared accommodation, $30 off flight tickets, LEAD and Explore programs inside & outside Cairo, Full access to AUC campus (gym and pool), need based feedback meetings, problem solving assistance, exchange AIESEC buddy, free welcome packs, 2 program certificates, integration conference outside Cairo and global village.
WE EXPECT FROM YOU Proactivity, commitment, maturity, participation in our events: e.g. integration conference and global village, and productivity. In order for us to be able to provide our leadership experiences to more people, it would help us If you were snappy with your camera. Snapping this and that, bits and pieces of your experience captured in pictures and sharing it with AIESEC AUC to show it to the world.
This should be done at least three weeks before arrival, in order for us to be able to provide you with all the necessary logistics and support in advance (make sure you attach your flight ticket in the form and ensure the accuracy of the flight info you provided). 2- Send an arrival notification email to Nihal.Ali@aiesec.net and ahmedsalahatwaa@gmail.com attaching your flight ticket prior to your arrival with 72 hours. 3- Please save your project manager’s number, the program Vice President’s number (Nihal Ali: +2 0102 07 290 90) and the head of the reception team’s number ( Ahmed Salah: +2 0101 3693888) Before departure on a piece of paper. Also, make sure you activate the roaming service on your phone to be able to contact any AIESEC responsible upon landing if you faced any obstacles in finding your driver. 4- VERY IMPORTANT: make sure once you land, you go OUTSIDE the airport’s gate to be able to find your driver. AIESEC drivers CAN NOT enter the airport. You shall be able to allocate your driver through a sign that he will be holding that has your name and AIESEC written on it.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current situation in Egypt? Is the country safe now? Egypt is very safe nowadays, and we are currently living very normally, and without taking any precautions. However, you take the normal precautions that anyone should take, such as avoiding long conversations with strangers and roaming the streets in the dark.
How will AIESEC AUC help me? AIESEC AUC will always be there to support you during your stay. From the moment you arrive, we pick you up from the airport, provide you with accommodation, drop you off on your first day of work, organize trips and outings and much more.
What is the nature of the accommodation and its cost? AIESEC provides you with a subsidized shared accommodation at our hostels in Down town or our apartments in Nasr City (locations might vary). For the hostel, an average of 4-5 interns stay in one room . For the apartments, an average of 4 interns stay in one room, and the total no. of interns in the apartment is based on the total no. of rooms. Each apartments has one bathroom usually. **Accommodation fees is based on your company’s benefit package. To know the exact cost, please check the opportunity you are interested/ accepted in on our portal or check directly with your AIESEC project manager in Egypt. **Your accommodation fees has to be paid in dollars upon your first day of arrival to Egypt along with the pick up fees of $10. **AIESEC AUC does NOT cover transportation or food expenses (unless otherwise stated) .
What are the procedures to get a visa? Make sure that you ask trusted sources for exact information. We definitely recommend that you contact the Egyptian embassy in your country. You can check out more information here.
Are there any rules we need to be aware of? You will be held responsible for our terms & conditions at bit.ly/AccommodationTermsAndConditionsAIESECAUC
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a certain dress code in Egypt? No, there is generally no specific dress code. You’ll mostly be needing casual outfits, and possibly one smart outfit. For girls, it is recommended to avoid wearing revealing clothing, due to the nature of the Egyptian culture and tradition.
Are smoking and drinking allowed or not? Regarding smoking, you are free to smoke wherever you please, given that the place you are in allows it. Smoking in the apartment is extremely prohibited. As for drinking, this is prohibited in both the apartment and public places, as it is against the Egyptian culture. However, you will find specific private places, such as pubs and clubs which allow drinking.
How much money should I bring? Everything in Egypt is pretty cheap. Dinner can be for 10 EGP which is approximately 1 USD. We recommend that you bring with you for 8 weeks at least 400-500 USD for your daily expenses, and an optional 800 USD more for trips and outings inside and outside Cairo. Please make sure you convert your local currency to USD or EUR before your arrival in Egypt, as you wont be able to exchange your local currency to EGP directly in Egypt.
What to pack? Generally, you’re going to need all the essentials. Clothing of course, but make sure you bring formal attire as well for any occasions. Also, bring with you bed sheets, an electric plug and your laptop. It would be great if you could get with you a flag from your home country, traditional attire, and anything else that represents your country for our global village event.
Do you have any advice for me? Make sure you read the opportunity you are interested/ accepted in carefully online on our portal. You will be held accountable for all the information there, and it will set all your expectations correctly and answer your questions. If not, please resort to your project manager in Egypt.
bit.ly/SUPBookletAIESECAUC bit.ly/SUPVacancies bit.ly/AccommodationTermsAndConditionsAIESECAUC bit.ly/SUPExpectationSettingAIESECAUC bit.ly/AIESECAUCRnS16 bit.ly/AIESECAUCComplaintForm16
For more information, please contact:
Nihal Ali Local Vice President, Global Entrepreneurship Program AIESEC AUC, Egypt +2 010 207 29090 Nihal.ali@aiesec.net