Living in Egypt as a Foreign Student and Study Arabic
Are you interested in learning Arabic and experiencing the rich culture and history of Egypt? If so, you are not alone. Many foreign students from all over the world choose to live and study Arabic in Egypt, as it is one of the best places to learn the language and immerse yourself in the diverse and vibrant Egyptian society. In this blog post, we will tell you everything you need to know about living in Egypt as a foreign student, from the advantages of living in Egypt, to the cost of living in Egypt, to the best cities and places to live in. By the end of this post, you will have a clear idea of what it is like to live and learn Arabic in Egypt, and why it is a great opportunity for anyone who wants to master Arabic, explore the Land of the Pharaohs and discover the wonders of this ancient and modern country. Let’s get started! Benefits of Living in Egypt and Learning Arabic Egypt is one of the most popular destinations for living and learning Arabic, and for good reason. Here are some of the benefits of living and studying Arabic in Egypt: What is the Cost of Living in Egypt? One of the main advantages of living in Egypt as a foreign student is the low cost of living compared to other countries. Egypt is one of the most affordable places to live and study in the world, with a high quality of life and a variety of options for accommodation, transportation, food, and entertainment. Rent is also quite affordable, especially if you’re willing to live outside central Cairo. According to Numbeo, a website that compares the cost of living in different countries, the average cost of living in Egypt for a single person is about $400 per month, excluding rent. This includes expenses such as food, transportation, utilities, health care, and personal care. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in a city center is about $200 per month, and about $100 per month in a suburban area. This means that you can live comfortably in Egypt with about $600 per month, including rent. Of course, the cost of living in Egypt may vary depending on your lifestyle, preferences, and location. Some cities and areas may be more expensive than others, and some items and services may be more costly than others. For example, living in Cairo, the capital and largest city of Egypt, may be more expensive than living in Aswan, a smaller and quieter city in the south of Egypt. Similarly, eating out at a fancy restaurant or shopping at a mall may be more expensive than cooking at home or buying from a local market. Based on the exchange rate of 1 USD = 30.90 EGP as of January 2024, you can consider the following aspects of living that you need to determine and make sure that they are covered: As you can see, living in Egypt as a foreign student is affordable and enjoyable, as you can have a comfortable and fulfilling lifestyle without breaking the bank. Of course, the cost of living in Egypt may vary depending on your personal choices and habits, but in general, you can expect to spend much less than in other countries, while having much more fun and learning. What is the Best Time to Visit Egypt? The best time to visit Egypt depends on what you want to see and do. here are some general guidelines: If You Consider Living in Egypt, You Should Also Know About: You can also check our article about Egyptian Culture and Traditions to know more about Egyptian culture and what you can expect when you visit Egypt. Discover Your New Home City: Best Cities in Egypt While both bustling Cairo and coastal Alexandria make convenient hubs for your language learning, other top cities also welcome international students. Dahab in Sinai makes a perfect choice as one of the best places to live in Egypt, for its charming nature, sea and mood. You’ll find a lot of experiences with this special city that has a lot of secrets to tell, and to take your soul to a magic place that you won’t find in any other place around the world. In addition, Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh draw many with their dazzling Red Sea reefs perfect for diving and watersports. However, the hidden gem of El Gouna on the Red Sea proves particularly popular for its scenic walking trails, art galleries and European flair. Furthermore, the island city of Luxor treats visitors to world-class antiquities against a picturesque Nile backdrop. You can also enjoy the charming nature and the full image of the Nile River in Aswan, which is one of the perfect places to visit in Egypt. No matter your taste, you’re sure to find an ideal Egyptian home base that matches your personality and work or play style. Many discover an instant fondness for their adopted city that keeps drawing them back to Egypt again and again after graduation. Adjusting to a New Culture Can Bring Joy and Growth While the transition takes adjustment, embracing daily discoveries about Egyptian culture brings continuous joy and growth. Students quickly learn to appreciate simpler pleasures amidst the bustle – sweet mint tea with friends, feasts of street food, smiling at strangers. Former challenges like navigating transport become second nature offering a sense of competence. Meanwhile embracing mishaps with patience and humor builds resilience. Local gestures of kindness remind you that humanity transcends borders. Overall, adapting successfully builds skills that deepen cultural sensitivity, empathy and independence for a lifetime. With an open and curious mindset, every day unveils gifts enriching self and relationships in ways unforeseen. Conclusion As an expat living in Egypt, you’ll be provided with rewarding lifestyle and personal growth opportunities that last far beyond your studies. You’ll gain confidence navigating new cultures independently while enriching your worldview. Making Egyptian friends and becoming part of local