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Outgoing Exchange - Graduate ESIA - American University of Cairo (GW Partner) (Outgoing Program)

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  • Locations: Cairo, Egypt
  • Program Terms: Fall, January Term, Spring
  • Restrictions: GW applicants only
Dates / Deadlines:
Dates / Deadlines:
Term Year App Deadline Decision Date Start Date End Date
Fall 2025 03/15/2025 04/01/2025 09/01/2025 12/21/2025
Fact Sheet:
Fact Sheet:
Click here for a definition of this term Class Status: Graduate Click here for a definition of this term Program Category: Outgoing Exchange (Graduate)
Program Description:

American University of Cairo

The American University of Cairo ( AUC) was founded in 1919, AUC is a leading English language, U.S.-accredited institution of higher education and the center of the intellectual, social, and cultural life of the Arab world. Its community of students, parents, faculty, staff, trustees, alumni, and other generous sponsors represents more than 60 countries. The University offers 39 undergraduate, 52 master’s, and two PhD programs rooted in a liberal arts education that encourages students to think critically and find creative solutions to conflicts and challenges facing both the region and the world. It also offers a globally recognized, professional, community-based education in English to meet the needs of the dynamic Egyptian and broader regional economies.

Curriculum: 

AUC offers courses in a variety of fields that will complement the Elliott School graduate curriculum for students with an interest in the Middle East, Political Science, Comparative Politics, International Relations, Development Studies, and International Security. A full semester at AUC would typically include a maximum of 9 credits which is approximately 3 courses. Browse courses in the AUC catalog and more information on AUC’s Graduate degree programs can be found here.

 Enrollment and Transfer of Credits:

 All exchange students from the Elliott School are required to be enrolled at AUC as full-time students, i.e. 9 credits. Students must earn the equivalent of a B grade or higher in a given course to be eligible for transfer credit. Students may earn up to 10 transfer credits from the partner for Elliott School M.A. program.
» More information on Receiving Credit.

  • 3 credits at AUC = 3 credits at GW
  • Grade B at AUC = B at GW. The AUC grading system can be found here. 

Academic Calendar:

  • Fall semester: late August to mid-December
  • Winter session: January
  • Spring semester: late January to mid-May
  • Summer Session: early June to late July 

Language of instruction: Courses are conducted in English. 

Housing: AUC housing is not guaranteed and students must find their accommodations. 

The International Programs Office (IPO) coordinates visits, including:

  • Preparing budgets for the visit based on an agreed contract to cover the expenses of classroom and dormitory use, lectures, IDs and administrative fees
  • Organizing lectures by distinguished, specialized professors on different topics
  • Providing classroom space, including classroom technologies and media services, in AUC Tahrir Square and AUC New Cairo Campus.
  • Arranging accommodation at AUC New Cairo on campus housing or faculty housing
  • Resolving any issues that arise during the visit
  • Conducting campus tours for the visitors
  • Assisting with travel arrangements in Egypt

Tuition and fees: Elliott School graduate tuition and fees are payable directly to GW and are based upon 9 credit hours.

VISAS

All non-Egyptian nationals are required to obtain a tourist visa to enter Egypt. Depending on your passport, you may purchase this upon arrival, as an e-visa ahead of travel, or from the nearest Egyptian consulate. Please see the details here. After arrival in Egypt and during AUC’s orientation, students will pay the processing fees for their Egyptian student residency permit, which will act as their multi-entry student visa for the remainder of their stay. 

PROGRAM DATES

Click here for AUC’s detailed academic calendar and see important spring dates below:

Program Dates for Spring 2025:

  • Housing Check-In: January 26, 2025
  • Mandatory Orientation: January 27-29, 2025
  • Semester Exams: May 25-31, 2025
  • Housing Check-Out: June 2, 2025

ACCESSIBILITY

AUC is the first university in Africa and third in the Middle East to get the IACS accreditation for its Center for Student Well-Being (CSW). AUC’s Student Accessibility Services (SAS) within CSW provides a range of services, including, but not limited to: academic accommodations; assistive technology; disability-related counseling; and single room housing placement. Study abroad students should contact SAS as soon as possible in the application process to discuss accommodation needs and provide documentation from their home university to determine which requests AUC can meet (see more here).