GW Exchanges in the Middle East/North Africa CONTENTS

1 Welcome GW Exchanges Middle East/ in the Middle East/ North Africa North Africa

3 Why an Exchange Program? Herzliya 4 Cairo, Egypt Cairo 6 Herzliya, Israel Sharjah 8 Ifrane,

10 Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

12 Eligibility and Application Deadlines The GW undergraduate exchange program fosters academic immersion via direct enrollment in one of our forty higher education exchange partners around the world. The exchange model provides an enriching cultural Welcome experience and is highly recommended for students who are prepared to GW exchanges engage independently in their host institution abroad. Prior to departure, in the students will have the opportunity to meet with exchange students from their future host institution and gain valuable information regarding the Middle East/ everyday life and academic culture of their host country. North Africa

MIDDLE EAST/NORTH AFRICA | 1 2 | GW EXCHANGES Why an • Independent, immersive exchange experience • Directly enroll at prestigious Program? partner institutions • Make lifelong friends and contacts from all over the world

• Meet current host institution students

• $1,500 credit towards tuition for fall semester FOFAC students

MIDDLE EAST/NORTH AFRICA | 3 •• Direct Enroll: Students can directly enroll About the American at AUC, select courses from the general undergraduate programs, and are not limited Cairo, University in Cairo (AUC) to a fixed set of courses. Americans devoted to education and • Language Institute: Students who want EGYPT community service in the Middle East founded • to focus on language training can enroll in the the American University in Cairo (AUC) in 1919. Arabic Language Institute. Today, AUC is the region’s premier English- • Registration Requirements for ALI: language university—an essential contributor • In order to enroll at ALI, students must LIFE IN CAIRO to the social, political, and cultural life of the register for a minimum of 20 contact hours Arab world. It also serves as a crossroads for Students who go to Cairo see the world. per week. This work carries 12 to 15 credit the world’s cultures: a vital, vibrant forum for hours per semester. Monuments of history, including the reasoned argument, spirited debate, and Great Pyramids and Sphinx, are close understanding across cultures. to the city. Students can spend the day LIFE AT AUC visiting the sites of Islamic Cairo and the AUC is an independent, nonprofit, apolitical, Situated on the outskirts of the Egyptian capital, evening enjoying a sail on the Nile. non-sectarian, and equal-opportunity institution, the American University in Cairo’s recently fully accredited in Egypt and the United constructed New Cairo campus was built on 26 States with certifications to ABET and AACSB. acres of land. Not only is the campus a reflection AUC’s academic program is rooted in liberal of architectural magnificence, having received education. The university’s rigorous core an award from the Urban Land Institute in 2009 curriculum offers an intensive investigation of for its construction and design, but it has also fundamental questions in every major discipline. been built to be environmentally sensitive.

This $400 million, state-of-the-art campus offers LEARNING AT AUC exceptional facilities to its students, as well Knowledge of Arabic is not required, and as faculty and staff members. The campus is the language of instruction is English for all equipped with modern classes and laboratories, coursework except language courses. making it a world-class center for advanced research, innovative teaching, and civic Students have two options for studying at engagement. AUC New Cairo hosts advanced AUC: Direct Enroll and the Arabic Language libraries and learning technologies, as well as Institute (ALI). outstanding sport facilities—including tennis, 4 | GW EXCHANGES squash, and basketball courts, an Olympic-size swimming pool, and an indoor gymnasium.

ACCOMMODATIONS The American University in Cairo offers two excellent residence facilities for students. The first is the Zamalek Dormitory, located in one of downtown Cairo’s most popular residential districts, Zamalek.

The second dormitory opened in spring 2009, providing on-campus student residence facilities in AUC New Cairo. This new residence facility provides a greater variety of living spaces for both men and women in the form of cottages or large townhouses. The on-campus residences carry the advantage of their close proximity to classes and university life.

For more information about both residences, please check the residence hall information and amenities section of AUC’s website.

Please note that housing, as well as the shuttle bus from Zamalek to New Cairo, is included in the GW Study Abroad fee. Zamalek is within close proximity to the city center and approximately an hour commute to campus.

ACADEMIC CALENDAR Fall semester: August to December

Spring semester: January to May

Academic year: August to June MIDDLE EAST/NORTH AFRICA | 5 LEARNING AT IDC About IDC At IDC, international students learn side by IDC aspires to become a university that brings a Herzliya, side with their Israeli counterparts and are distinctive, interdisciplinary experience to Israeli involved in all aspects of campus life. Students academia. The Center’s main goal is to provide Israel are permitted to take courses in both Hebrew professional training in the fields of business, and English. The four undergraduate programs politics, law, and computer science, with a wide- taught in English are: ranging awareness of the environment in the 21st century. LIFE IN HERZLIYA •• Business Administration GW students will attend the Raphael Recanati •• Communications Just 20 minutes north of Tel Aviv, Herzliya International School (RRIS), a part of IDC. •• Government is increasingly popular with visitors due RRIS was established to allow students from •• Psychology to its beaches, marina mall, and various around the world to benefit from the excellent seafront cafes. Originally established as academic programs at IDC Herzliya by offering LIFE AT IDC a small farming town, the community several programs in English. The school’s faculty IDC is located in Herzliya, a city six miles north currently consists of two towns. These is world-renowned having earned their degrees of Tel Aviv along the Mediterranean coast. towns boast both residential and office from the world’s finest universities. They are For students, Herzliya is an ideal area as it is buildings that house Israel’s growing determined to help young, bright adults and located in the center of the country and has hi-tech industry. promising students to develop the skills to both train and bus service available to all become future leaders. points throughout Israel. The IDC campus is in a residential neighborhood with malls, restaurants and pubs, concert halls, cafes, parks, and recreational facilities including jogging and bicycle paths, and a beautiful, white sand beach.

IDC is surrounded by an urban environment that is characterized by a flourishing high-tech sector which has earned Israel the nickname “Silicon Wadi” and has attracted the interest of the world’s leading venture capital firms. Many of the Israeli software and biotech companies 6 | GW EXCHANGES traded on the American stock exchanges The rental fee to sublease an apartment is are located in the Herzliya area including approximately $600 U.S. dollars per month. Hewlett-Packard, Horizon Semiconductors, The rental fee covers rent, house committee IBM, Kodak IL, Microsoft, Motorola, and Texas fee, municipal taxes, and maintenance Instruments. charges. Students are responsible for paying utility bills (electricity, gas, water, telephone, The school also offers an extensive etc.) and arranging and paying for their own extracurricular program that takes students Internet connections. beyond the boundaries of the IDC Herzliya campus and acquaints them with the long, rich history and diversity of Israel. ACADEMIC CALENDAR Fall semester: October to January Teaching facilities are furnished with a state-of-the-art infrastructure designed to Spring semester: February to June enhance the learning experience with digital presentations, studio learning, and video Academic Year: October to June conferencing.

ACCOMMODATIONS GW students have the option of residing in IDC housing. These are privately owned apartments rented by the IDC from private owners and sublet to students in groups of three to six. The apartments are located in residential neighborhoods throughout the city of Herzliya. All apartments are furnished and include a bedroom for each student with a single bed, desk, chair, and closet; a shared bathroom, a shared kitchen, and a shared living, and dining room.

MIDDLE EAST/NORTH AFRICA | 7 Students can choose to take courses in the About Al Akhawayn following areas:

Ifrane, University (AUI) •• Human Resources Development Al Akhawayn University is located in Ifrane, •• International Studies and Diplomacy Morocco and is committed to academic excellence. It has a growing reputation for the quality of •• Social Sciences both its academic programs and its graduates. •• Communication Studies Dedicated to being an international university, •• Applied Humanities AUI aspires to have international students make LIFE IN IFRANE •• North African Studies up 25–30% of its student body. Ifrane (nicknamed “Little Switzerland”) •• Arabic Language is a town and ski resort in the region of Morocco. Students will LEARNING AT AUI LIFE AT AUI experience friendly and hospitable Al Akhawayn University provides Al Akhawayn University is the only residential people, stunning countryside, and comprehensive academic and co-curricular university in Morocco, and provides a secure beautiful sites. It is a short trip to the programs that will ensure students get the living environment. The university is built on cities of Fez, Marakesh, Tangier, and most of their study abroad experience. At nearly 100 acres of land in a cedar forest. AUI’s Casablanca. Students can visit the AUI, students will encounter one of the richest library is the largest open stack collection in ancient Roman ruins of Volubalis, the academic and cultural experiences in Africa in a Morocco, and it has been supplemented with Berber villages of the High Atlas, and the safe and clean setting. a variety of online subscriptions. There are Saharan dunes. Morocco has something three restaurants, a coffee shop, and a store, for everyone, and Ifrane is well situated Knowledge of Arabic and/or French is not all centrally located on campus. A variety of to take advantage of everything there is required, and the language of instruction student activities and clubs provide avenues for to see. is English for all coursework except relaxation and personal development. language courses. International students are fully integrated members of the AUI community. Make the team and you might travel with the football (soccer) club to a tournament in Dubai. Join Hand in Hand and you can help provide school supplies and clothing to needy families in the Atlas region. Join the explorers club to investigate 8 | GW EXCHANGES the souks and ksars of Morocco. Whether you want to give back to the community through volunteer work or explore the rich Moroccan culture, you can do it at AUI.

The Al Akhawayn Office of International Programs (OIP) provides full support and services to international visitors, including accommodations, meal plans, airport reception, and an informative and in- depth orientation. The dedicated OIP staff and orientation leaders are committed to providing continuous support.

ACCOMMODATIONS Al Akhawayn University provides on-campus housing with easy access to classrooms, study groups, library, and campus activities.

Please note that housing is not included in the GW Study Abroad fee. Students pay Al Akhawayn University directly for the housing costs.

ACADEMIC CALENDAR Fall semester: September to December

Spring semester: January to May

Academic year: September to May

MIDDLE EAST/NORTH AFRICA | 9 studies and professional education, students About the American are given both breadth of knowledge and Sharjah, University of Sharjah specialization of their chosen field. The combination of traditional and innovative United (AUS) teaching methods provide an environment His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammad in which students can realize their individual Al Qassimi, Member of the Supreme Council potential and pursue their goals. Arab of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Sharjah, founded the American University of The American University of Sharjah is a leading, Sharjah (AUS) in 1997. He envisioned AUS as comprehensive, coeducational university in Emirates a leading educational institution in the Gulf the Gulf, serving students from the region and region. Although consciously based upon around the world with 25 majors and 48 minors American institutions of higher education, AUS at the undergraduate level. While Arabic is the is thoroughly grounded in Arab culture, and is official language of the United Arab Emirates, LIFE IN SHARJAH part of a larger process of the revitalization of the language of instruction at AUS is English. intellectual life in the Middle East. All classes and administrative functions are also Sharjah is acknowledged as an conducted in English. important cultural capital of the Arab The American University of Sharjah has world. Sharjah demonstrates a strong succeeded in building a multicultural education Below is a sample of departments in which commitment to education, and provides environment that brings together people students can enroll: an authentic Arab experience through from diverse nations and backgrounds. AUS •• Accounting •• International Affairs strives to instill in its students the importance its many museums and traditional souks. •• Arabic Language & •• Middle East Studies of appreciating and understanding diversity, Literature •• Political Science global issues, and their own role in society. • Business • •• Women’s Studies/ Administration Gender Studies LEARNING AT AUS •• Computer Science In keeping with its mission, the American •• Engineering University of Sharjah offers students an •• Environmental education that will enable them to comprehend Studies the complexity of the contemporary global process. Through the integration of liberal

10 | GW EXCHANGES LIFE AT AUS The living environment is very rich in multicultural experiences, and has Sharjah is situated in the United Arab a good mix of social and academic Emirates, about a 30-minute ride activities. The residential halls provide away from Dubai. Today, as in ancient opportunities for residents to improve times, Sharjah is a global trade hub their leadership, communication, and a major center of learning and and social skills, which enhance their the arts. Downtown Sharjah is filled academic development. with museums and rich culture. The city received the high distinction of Two dormitories are available to AUS the Cultural Capital of the Arab World students: one for men and one for by UNESCO in 1998. The American women, located in separate parts University of Sharjah is a short shuttle of campus. Though room options ride away from downtown Sharjah, differ from building to building, all and the university runs free shuttle dormitories include a courtyard, buses to the Dubai metro as well. washing machines and dryers, vending machines, a pool table, a Exchange students have access to all common area with a big-screen TV, a activities organized through the fitness center, a full-size kitchen, and a International Student Office and the computer lab. Office of Student Affairs. Please note that housing is included in ACCOMMODATIONS the GW Study Abroad fee. Campus housing is normally the most convenient place for students to ACADEMIC CALENDAR reside while studying at any university. Fall semester: September to January At AUS, this is no exception; over 2,000 students live on campus and Spring semester: February to June enjoy the proximity to the academic buildings, library, food court, and Academic year: September to June sports complex.

MIDDLE EAST/NORTH AFRICA | 11 ELIGIBILITY AND APPLICATION DEADLINES

ELIGIBILITY Once students have met with their regional study abroad advisor, they will be granted The requirements for students applying to study access to the online exchange application. on a GW undergraduate exchange program are Students should schedule their appointment as follows: well in advance of the application deadline stated on the Office for Study Abroad website. •• All students must have completed a total of 45 credit hours before participating in the program Participants are nominated by the GW Office for Study Abroad for exchanges on the basis of • Students must be in good judicial standing • application, academic transcripts, judicial status, and not have a significant record of judicial infractions at GW and preparation for study abroad through an exchange program. Final admission decisions • Students must have a minimum cumulative • rest with the individual partner institution. GW GPA of 3.0 The availability of any particular exchange may vary according to the status of the institutional APPLICATION DEADLINES agreement. Admission is selective and space Deadlines vary by program. is limited.

HOW TO APPLY In order to start an application for a GW exchange program, students must first meet with the appropriate regional study abroad advisor. Students can schedule a meeting with their regional study abroad advisor by visiting our staff page at http://studyabroad.gwu.edu/ index.cfm?FuseAction=StaffMain.Home.

12 | GW EXCHANGES OSA_1314_5 Check the Office for Study Abroad website: www.studyabroad.gwu.edu for the most up-to-date program information and application requirements.

MIDDLE EAST/NORTH AFRICA | 13 GW OFFICE FOR STUDY ABROAD 800 21st Street, NW • Suite 505 • Washington, DC 20052 202–994–1649 (tel) • 202–994–9133 (fax) • [email protected] www.studyabroad.gwu.edu facebook.com/GWOfficeforStudyAbroad