Egypt, at the northeast corner of Africa on the Mediterranean Sea, is bordered on the west by Libya, on the south by the Sudan, and on the east by the Red Sea and Israel. The economy of Egypt is one of the most diversified in the Middle East, with sectors such as tourism, agriculture, industry and services at almost equal production levels. Egypt is considered to be a middle power, with significant cultural, political, and military influence in the Middle East and the Muslim world.
Egypt is an Arab country located in Northeast Africa on the Mediterranean Sea. In addition to a coastline with the Red Sea on the east, the country has borders with Israel, Libya and Sudan. Home to ancient pyramids, wide deserts, sparkling coastlines and the Nile River, Egypt is a popular destination for tourists from around the world. The official currency is the Egyptian Pound (EGP) and the official language is Arabic.
Egypt has four major geographical areas. The Nile Valley is the wettest area and contains most of Egypt’s agricultural lands. The Western Desert is the largest area, about two-thirds of the country, and is the hottest and most arid. Elevations are higher in the Eastern Desert and the area is home to many natural resources such as gems, coal and oil. The Sinai Peninsula is a plateau that is linked to the north-eastern corner of Egypt and has the most rugged mountainous terrain in the country.
Climate
Egypt has two seasons, with a mild winter from November to April and summer from May to October. Coastal regions experience temperatures ranging from about 14 degrees C to 30 degrees C. Desert temperatures fluctuate significantly from daytime to nighttime, with extremes as low as about 7 degrees C and as high as about 43 degrees C.
Culture
Egypt has a multi-cultural society that blends modern and western customs with traditional Middle Eastern practices. Dedication to family is central to the Egyptian culture and Egyptians are also well known for their excellent sense of humor and friendliness. Sports, especially soccer, are very popular, along with traditional folkloric dances, which vary by region. Egypt is also famous for film, theater, music and television.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Egypt is very low; one-bedroom apartments can be rented for about $US 125 to $US 250 each month. Utilities and Internet add about another $US 80 per month.
Visa Requirements
Non-Egyptian students must have a valid passport from their home country to enter Egypt; the passport must have an expiration date at least 6 months past the planned return date. Students normally enter on a tourist visa, which is obtained from the Egyptian embassy or consulate in their home country; the tourist visa is good for 1-6 months.
After entering Egypt, the student must register at the nearest neighborhood police station within 7 days of arrival; however, students from the United States, Canada and the European Union do not need to register. Within 30 days of arrival, all international students must apply for the student residence visa, which is renewed each semester. Students in master’s degree programs must be studying full time, or 9 credit hours per semester.
