Egypt Summer Exchange Program

What should you do during the summer vacation? Why not taking the opportunity to sign up for the AFS Egypt Summer Exchange Program, travel to Egypt, one of the ancient civilizations, stay in a local family, learn Arabic language, visit the local eco-village, Saint Samaan the Tanner Monastery, the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization and discover the mystery of the Pyramids and the Sphinx… Gain a deep understanding of Egyptian history and culture, local food, customs, make Egyptian friends and AFS volunteers within 2 weeks summer trip.

Highlight

Live in host family and even participate in community services to experience real local life.
Participate in fruitful activities and trips to gain an in-depth understanding of the local culture and history of Egypt as an ancient civilization.
Taking Arabic classes to learn one of the most spoken languages in the world.
Practice Arabic speaking skills through exciting activities and in daily life.

Tour Date

17-27 August 2024

Fee

HK$20,000 – Include airport pick up, accommodation, meals, school fee, textbooks, medical insurance, orientations and local support, but not include flight ticket. Participant need to book the ticket by their own and arrive at the designated airport on the designated date.

Age requirement

14- 18 years old during departure

Application Deadline

7 July 2024

Activities

Welcome Orientation	The participants will get to know the AFS volunteers. They will also receive basic intercultural sessions with new concepts and skills to use when in a different culture. They will also be introduced to Egyptian culture and what to expect when staying in a host family. They will discuss the stereotypes of both cultures, and their fears and expectations. They will be introduced to the SDGs and the Belt and Road countries.
Art Activities	Thank You Card: The participants will be asked to make an appreciation card expressing gratitude for their host families. They will reuse and upcycle lots of materials.Leather workshop: The participants will make different artworks, e.g. bookmarks, key chains, etc. out of leftover pieces of leather and with pharaonic design.
Arabic Classes	Since Arabic is: the official language of Egypt and 21 more countries that form the Arab League, there are more than 300 million Arabic speakers across the world, and Arabic language is one of the six official languages of the United Nations (UN) it was essential to offer them some Arabic classes during their study tour.The participants will attend classes to help them learn some Arabic words and basic sentences to be able to have basic conversation with host families, when meeting a new friend, buying something…etc.
Visit to REEF	The participants will be introduced to an ecological society for a better future and a bright tomorrow. The farm area has olive trees, palm, citrus trees, and strawberries. There are six green houses for the production of different crops. You will also see live stocks: cows, sheep, rabbits, poultry, pigeons, ducks, chicks, and quails. There are several energy resources e.g., Wind mills, bio gas, green hydrogen, and solar panels. All buildings are built & designed according to the environmental system.
STEM Activity	Climate Change documentary – After watching this documentary, they will reflect on the global temperatures rising three degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. A scientific discussion about Climate change will be conducted. They also will criticize the documentary. Card STEM games like snakes & ladders will be offered to the younger participants.
Egyptian Folkloric Dance Workshop	Participants will enjoy Egyptian dancing classes. They will be introduced to different attire and music relating to the dances and communities existing in different parts of Egypt: Nubian, Bedouin, Nomadic, coastal and traditional folklore.
Visit to the Giza Pyramids & a related STEM Activity	The participants will visit the Sphinx, and the Great Pyramids of Giza, accompanied by a tour guide, to learn about their history, their architecture, and the mysteries that surround them. They will also visit the panorama area where all three pyramids can be viewed simultaneously. Later they will participate in a “Count Like an Egyptian” activity where they solve mathematical problems using the system used by the ancient Egyptians. The participants will learn that the ancient Egyptians had a good knowledge of applied mathematics, based upon developing good techniques for surveying and building, and that they used sophisticated mathematical techniques for devising a calendar and for accounting and administration.
Visit to a Recycling & Reusing Village	The participants will visit the Association for the Protection of the Environment (A.P.E.), which works with the informal garbage collectors of Cairo known as “Zabbaleen” (literally meaning garbage collectors in Arabic). Its focus is on developing environmentally solid waste management and recycling techniques, which help to build the human capacity of the Zabbaleen communities, to “recycle and reuse”. “Zabbaleen” do not simply collect and dispose of garbage, they are able to recycle nearly 85% of it. They will see the impact of solid waste plans on achieving SDGs, in various degrees at the level of 17 SDGs, and the greatest impact appeared in the goals related to improving the quality of life and health in cities, and improving production and consumption patterns, as well as addressing climate change, enhancing life on earth and supporting partnerships.After they visit the Saint Samaan The Tanner Monastery they will participate in some fun Activities in, e.g. Zip line, rock climbing…….
Visit to The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization	The participants will be given a guided tour at the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization. The museum is in the ancient city of Fustat, now part of Cairo, and has a collection of 50,000 artifacts, presenting Egyptian civilization from prehistoric times to the present. Some exhibits featured astronomy, mathematical theories, and discoveries that were etched in metal devices that deciphered the universal codes and managed to count the hours through grains of sands. One of the artifacts in the museum is the astrolabe, which is an astronomical device, consisting of a disc, plate, net, and observer, and gives a handheld model of the universe. They will also visit the Royal Mummies’ Hall, which houses the mummies of some of ancient Egypt’s greatest kings.
Cairo Citadel & Old Cairo	The participants will be given a guided visit to the Cairo Citadel and a walk along Al-Moez Street, one of the oldest streets in Islamic Cairo. These excursions will provide the participants with a valuable and educational experience, allowing them to enhance their knowledge of Egypt’s history, culture, and architecture. Moreover, these activities will contribute to their personal growth and facilitate cross-cultural exchange.
Meeting with AFSers	AFS volunteers and alumni from various Egyptian governorates and batches will introduce the participants to their cities, and vice versa. It will be a good chance for them to visit different Egyptian cities virtually, and learn more about our culture.
Ingredients for the Egyptian meal	The participants will join the volunteers in procuring the necessary ingredients for the Egyptian meal they will prepare for lunch.
Farewell Gathering	All the participants will showcase what they learned in their tour study and how they learned.They will dance, sing, and have fun with their host families, and AFS volunteers.

Explore the world any enjoy an extraordinary overseas exchange experience for yourself by participating in the AFS Summer Cultural Exchange Program. Let”s sign up for the AFS Summer Egypt Exchange Program. Seats are limited, first come first served!