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CONTENT AIESEC 1. AIESEC in Egypt
EGYPT 1. Land & Geography 2. Main Cities 3. Climate 4. History 5. Culture & Traditions 6. Hotspots
CAIRO 1. Districts 2. Hotspots 3. Must oo路s
1. Cuisine 2. Sports 3. Main Events 4. Transportation
MONEY 1. Currency 2. Average Cost
STAY COMFORTABLE 1. Mobi le Applications 2. What to bring 3. oo路s & Donfs 4. Emergencies
ABOUT PROJECTS 1. S&E Process 2. safety 3. Expectations 4. Pickup
AIESEC
AIESEC In Egypt
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AIESEC in Egypt is currently having 17 entities across the country. In the past year. AIESEC in Egypt has been growing and h as managed to host more than 1400 exchange participants from more than 70 different countries from all around the world . Our impact and reach has been expanding across Egypt inc h by inch and our project s are fully running in different cities. We provide exc hange participants from around the world with the opportunity to participate in diverse projects and to be part of impacting Egypt. In the next year. we are striving to grow. not just in the number of experiences we do but also in the kind of experiences we provide. all because we aspire to deliver unique impact on our community and our interns.
EGYPT
Land & Geography
Main Cities
Climate
History
Cultures & Traditions
Hotspots
With Libya to the west, Sudan to the south, Gaza and Israel to the east, surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea and Red Sea, the Nile river within. Egypt is considered the 30th largest coun try worldwide Given geopolitical stems due to its transcontinental strategic position. linking together Africa and Asia with a land bridge called the lsthums of Suez and connecting the Medi terranean Sea with the Indian Ocean with the means of the Red sea (The Suez Canal) Most of Egypt's landscape is composed of deserts. such as Western. Eastern and the Sa hara desert
Luxor cty in Upper
~gypt
Main Cities
History
Climate
Cultures & Traditions
Hotspots
To get to know Egypt's cities, Cairo is the capital, Alexandria is the second largest city. Other countries include: Luxor, Aswan, Giza, where the Pyramids are found , Suez where the south end of the Suez Canal is located, Hurghada & Sharm El Sheikh. There are also Oases including Bahariya, el Dakhla, el Farafra, El Kharga and Siwa. Protectorates include Ras Mohamed National Park, Zaranik Protectorate and Siwa. All of which are very beautiful and are common touristic places
Land & Geography
Main Cities
Climate
History
Cultures & Traditions
Hotspots
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Land & Geography
Main Cities
Climate
History
Cultures & Traditions
Hotspots
Historically, Egypt is probably the world's oldest civilization having emerged from the Nile River around 3.100 BC. By about 3100 BC these communities have become sufficiently prosperous and stable. The unifying of Upper and Lower Egypt into a single kingdom is the event pointed to by the ancient Egyptians themselves as the beginning of their civilization. From about 6000 BC various communities of hunter-gatherers make the Nile the centre of their territory, around which they roam. But the drying of the Sahara increasingly confines them to the river area. The unusual habit of this great river flooding every year and depositing a layer of rich moist soil on the surrounding region is ideally suited to the development of settled agriculture. The river takes upon itself two otherwise laborious tasks, irrigation and the enriching of the soil. As its culture evolved and flourished as outlined below, it always remained distinctively Egyptian in its religion. culture, arts. language and customs. despite the many wars. foreign occupations and other forces that have shaped the people and their environment over the past six thousand years. After the Pharaonic and Greco-Roman periods, Christianity came to Egypt. For several centuries Egypt was essentially a Christian country. The Muslim conquest in the seventh century C . E . brought a new force, but it was some time before there was a Muslim majority in Egypt. In the sixteenth century, Egypt became part of the Ottoman Empire. ruled from Constantinople (now Istanbul). On the eve of modernization, Napoleon and the French army conquered Egypt in 1798. and remained through 1801. Many writers identify this period of three years as a major turning point in Egyptian cultural history. while others argue that the process began earlier and lasted longer.
EGYPT
Land & Geography
Main Cities
Climate
History Cultures & Traditions Hotspots
Egypt's culture and traditions mainly are a mix of Pharaohs and tribal origin. evolved throughout centuries. Here are some important modern traditions you should know before visiting Egypt. Egyptians are extremely friendly toward the foreigners and tourists. If asked , people of Egypt will always share their service and enthusiasm with the people whom hardly they know. In Egypt, family integrity matters a lot and head of the family takes the entire responsibility to run the family in proper manner and with great focus on behavior. Here people put special respect for family value and family relation. Perhaps this is one of the reasons, traveling to Egypt is safer than any other top global destinations, even for women traveling alone. In Egypt tipping is cordially accepted and often expected. You can offer tips for all the people who has helped you during your travel but do not offer them small coins or notes. These activities are taken as insulting for the people you have tipped . However, your tipping should be spontaneous.
EGYPT
Land & Geography
Main Cities
Climate
History
Cultures & Traditions
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 tourist destination in Egypt, with more than 100 different hotels, many of which line the shoreline. Hurghada is especially popular for its diving opportunities.
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 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 some 85 km (53 miles) north of Sharm el -Sheikh on theGulf 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 something of an "alternative resort", mixing cheap accommodation with a laid back lifestyle. The combination of Red Sea and Sinai desert make Dahab perfect for world class windsurfing, scuba diving, rock climbing and desert trekking with the Bedouin.
Dokki and Mohandeseen Located o n t he west bank of the Ni le, with upmarket restaurants. shopping. and accommodation.
Midan Tahrir
Gezira and Zamalek
Midan El Tahrir is the very centre of t he mode rn city: big hot e ls, transpo rt nexus and t he Egyptian Museum. w ith d ownt own extending t h ro ug h Midan Talaat Harb up to M idan Ataba. Midan Tahrir (literally. "Li beration Square") is famous for the massive 2011 protests that oust ed p resident Mubarak. Massive polit ica l rallies still occur o n t his squ are.
Upmarket suburb on t he Gezira island in the Nile. with hotels, the Cairo Tower. t he Opera House. as w ell as some nice shopping. restaurants. cafes. and accommod atio n. A lso. is where the Gezira Sporting Club is located .
Giza Midan Ramses Contains Cai ro's main rai lway stat io n and a b urgeo ning retail and accommod ation zone.
GarClen City A suburb cl ose to t he city centre and the Corn ic he e l-Nil. a good option for centra l accommodation .
Giza dist rict is a sp rawling western district of the city overlooking the Nile where the Giza Zoo is located as well as a few other attractions. Giza Governorat e contains the Haram district where the Giza Pyramids are lo cated. The Governorates of Cai ro and Giza have more or less merged into t he same city of Greater Cairo. although originally they were two different cities. The term Giza commonly refers to the district of Giza wh ich is within Cairo. not the actual location of the pyramids!
Heliopolis and Nasr City
The cent re of h istoric Ca iro. located east of d owntown: contains t he Citadel. Mohamed A li Mosque. Khan el Khali li (the main bazaar o r souq). h istoric mosques and medi eval architecture. as we ll as some of Cairo's tu rkish baths orHammams.
The two of them are actually completely distinct areas. Heliopo lis is an older district where well -t o -do Egyptians and higher cl ass people live. bu il t by a Belgian architect. Nasr City is newer. and contains City Stars. Cairo's biggest and most modern shopping mal l. and reta il socia l complex. The airport is actua lly located a bit further east of th is area out in the desert near Masaken Sheraton
Old Cairo
Ma 1adi
Located south of d ownt own. includes Coptic Cai ro. Fustat (Cairo's historica l kernel) and Rhoda Island.
A more quiet residential suburb cateri ng to many foreign expatriates. located southeast of Cairo. where upper-class Egyptians live.
Islamic Cairo
Hotspots
Must DO's
Giza Pyramids and the Sphinx
Egyptian Museum
The Giza Pyramids are the real must of Cairo. Like the Colosseum in Rome, the Blue Mosque in Istanbul and the Eiffel Tower in Paris, this is the place where you want to go first.
Egyptian Museum is one of the must-visit places in Cairo! The value of the collection is invaluable.
Khan el Khalili Market and Islamic Cairo Khan el Khalili is a large typical market with a wide touristic area but many unknown parts to get lost in. It covers a vast area in the part of the city called "Islamic Cairo". Not only you can buy souvenirs as well as spices. handcrafts and fabrics. but also the area offers a lot more.
The Citadel The Citadel is another very touristic landmark, but one of those you can't miss. It's a very peaceful experience. as the area surrounded by the ancient walls of the Citadel is closed to traffic.
Al Azhar Park 22improve the looks of the city. and to give people a quiet place to relax.
Cairo Tower Cairo Tower is a concrete 187 m (614 ft) h ig h tower. It was built in 1961. Its design is unique. recalling the lotus flower shape. From the top terrace you can have a 360째 view over Cairo and also eat something at its revolving restaurant. Ca iro Tower is on an island called Zamalek. so you will be surrounded by the Nile. with its feluccas and floating restaurants that make it almost as trafficked as a street.
CAIRO
Districts
Hotspots
Must DO's
Eat koshary, foul and falafel. Cruise down the Ni le. You can 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 Badawaian 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 sunset. Wa lk around the old city of Cairo. Relax. enjoy tea, smoke a un iquely flavoured 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 g ifts from Khan El-Khalili
Cuisine
Sports
Main Events
Transportation
Koshary Grilled pigeons or rice stuffed pigeons are one of Egypt's favorite meals. "Farahat", which is considered as one from the most famous restaurants in Cairo and you will only pay about 35 EGP
Foul The king of Egyptian food, as it is cheap, healthy and delicious and you can try it at any place all over Egypt. It only costs about 2-3 EGP
Dumplings, or Zalabya come in different varities: dipped in honey, powdered sugar, milk or white chocolate at "Btates and Zalabeya" for 15 EGP
one from the most popular foods 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 10 EGP.
Sports
Main Events
Transportation
DISCOVEREGYPT
Cuisine
Sports
Main Events
Transportation
Metro
Taxi
The fastest and cheapest method to get anywhere. It will cost you only one pound .
Taxi fare starts at 3 EGP and increases by 1.40 EGP for each km traveled.
B
Train if you want to discover Egypt and visit every government just take the train and enjoy the ride. Ticket prices will vary depending on your destination.
You can take the bus to any place in Giza ana and the ticket ranges from 1 to 3 EGP. \
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1. MAP: the first thing t hat you should carry with you whenever you go should be a map of Egypt and to be specific a map for the city hat you are staying in not to get lost and always to feel safe. 2. GPS: 1f you are a phone add ict then the GPS w ill be a perfect substitute for the map thing as it will help you to know your destination and where are you right now and how long It will take you to reach your destination
J. GOOGLE translate application or any other Arabic-English d1ctio路 nary 1f you don't know, the first language spoken al l over Egypt 1s the Arabic language and yes we know that it is the most difficult language in the world so we will rea lly appreciate your tnals to pronounce our difficult letters and sounds To reserve all that effort a ll what you need 1s Google translate app 1n your smart phone and then you are ready to go into the streets of Egypt
4. Charging cables: this Is a very important tip to know in Egypt the charging cabtes are somehow different in most of the foreign cou ntries so before coming to Egypt just try to research about the p lace and the city that you are going to stay in and know what is the suitable kind of chargers you should have for all your electronic devices
s. All your sun protecting products: this Is very important tip
too 1n order to stay alive 1n the buming sun 1n Egypt specially in the hot summer days you really shou ld bring alt your sun protecting products in order not to get sun burns from the hot sun rn summer and also in some places 1n the south rn the wrnter too.
6. A fly and mosquito spray: sometimes 1t gets really annoying when they sta rt b1t1ng and making their annoying sounds but here is the solu t1on for protecting you from alt of that. The Antt mosquito spray for your body will be your ultimate solution to protect you from their bites
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TheDo's
TheDont's
Hang around in g roups.
Wear sleeveless tops. shorts. or short skirts in the street.
Look both ways before crossing the street.
Drink tap water. even though it is clean and all Egyptians are used to it you will take a few days of stomach aches to get aqua tinted.
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. Shout out the name of the location you're going to. w hen ca lling a Taxi. Wear sun-screen lotion.
Talk back to any "Passes" or attempts by strangers to talk to you. si mply ignore them. Swim where there's a black flag up. it means the water is too rough. Drink alcohol in the street (ifs not socially acceptable. and in som e areas it's forbidden by law). 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.
Avoid drinking hard liquor that has no brand name.
Take pictu res of mili tary build ing.
Learn some arabic words.
Take photog1aphs whe1e you're not supposed to. the flash f101n the camera may damage paintings on the walls.
Tip if you enjoyed the service at a restaurant. Rei nuve yuu1 shues u pun enll::!• i ng a11 Egyplid 11 µ1::!1 sun's hun 1e.
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. And remember to take your shoes offl Spend time talking to the people. Eg~ptians are interesting. kind and have a great sense of humor. You will learn from them 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. Spending Eid in an Islamic country can be fascinating. Ask directions from at least three d ifferent people (to be sure you have the right information) Sometimes people try to help even ifthey don't know the place.
Forget your ID.
St ayComfort
Mobile Apps
What to brmg
Do & DOnt
Emergency
Emergency Contacts 1) Ambulance 123 2) Pol ice 122 3) Firemen 180 4) Electricity office 121 5) Natural Gas office 129 6) Police rescue tourism 126 7) International trunk service 120 8) Trunk Service provinces 10 9) Telephone directory 140or141
About Projects
S&E
Safety
Expectations
Pickup
So let's cut a very long discussion short by simply saying this:
No matter what you heard or read through media. EgyRt is safe." There have been talks of how unsafe Egypt was ever since the 25th of January of 2011 where a revolution eruRted in il'ahrir Square in Cairo Egypt.
STANDARDS & ESCALATION PROCESS In Al ES EC In Egypt. w e 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. For such a thing w e have taken certain precautions In order to ensure our Interns' satisfaction. In order to make sure this happens we have created a feedback collection tool that w ill be available to our Interns as soon as they start the matching process w ith Al ES EC In Egypt. How this tool Is to be used: In case the Intern has any Issue or complaint the Intern can fill this form. upon filling this form the corresponding local chapter w ho the feedback Is for should take action to solve the Issue In less than 48 hours. In case such an action Is not taken. a team of spec la II zed people from Al ES EC In Egypt known as the Entity Control Board (ECB for short) Interfere In order to provide a fast sol u tlon to the problem at hand. Thus to keep It simple. the Intern fills the feedback tool , action Is taken to solve the Issue In less than 48 hours by the Local Chapter w hom the feedback Is for. If such an action Is not taken the ECB Interferes to provide a fast solution for our Interns.
Since then rumors and media have been scaring peoRle off Egypt. However the fact remains is that Egypt is for the most time a safe country and we as AIESECers care and look afte~ ou~ interns' safety as ou~ numbe~ 1 priority. For this to happen we take care when renting aRartments that these apartments are in no way shape or form close to any "hot zone路 where anything may occur. We also have Re ception & Servicing teams to provide our interns' with quality exRerience. such a team is also resRonsible for the interns' safe!)'. having rules and Rrocedures to ensure this safety. If anything should occur in any place across EgyRt the interns will be notified prior to anything happen and asked to take care. All of this is simply to ensure that simply. we as AIESEC in EgyRt care about ou~ interns' safe!)'. and in fact. Egypt is indeed safe.
About Projects
S&E
Safety
Expectations
Pickup
EXPECTATI ONS WE PROVIDE YOU W ITH Accommodation. Arabic sessions. LEAD sessions feedback meetings. Reception & Servicing team. outings. trips. support & problem solving local Chapter Interaction. preparation conference and g lobal viIfage WE EXPECT FROM YOU Proactlvlty. commitment. maturity. participation In LC events: e.g global village and Interns preparation sem inar. and p roductivity. SnaP.PY snappy: This Is your experience. In o rder for you to enjqy It and for us to be able to provide It to more people. It would help us If you were snappy w ith your camera. snapping t his and that bits and pieces of your experience. captured In pictures and shown to the world .) ACCOMMODATION Accommodation ts covered by way of Intern fee regularly made up of 100$ to be paid upon arrtval. these 100$ cover 50$ Utility fees 35$ Damage Fees 15$ Airport pickup fees AIESEC In Egypt LCs proVide accommodation to Interns In a number ofwa'JS. more commonly renting apartmentS close to the work location to ease the Interns路 experience with transportation and to make reaching the workplace easy. whereas less commonly. some LCs offer accommodation w ithin hostels. Accommodation have strict rules that need to be followed. such rules w ill be explained In depth In apartment rules document. those w ho break apa rtment ru les w ill face repercussions.
OPPORTUNITIES SEARCH TOOL •
SOCIAL MEDIA For The Love OF Egypt
AIESEC Egypt Social Media