If you have questions about this program, email the
program leader listed below.
Global Egypt: Cultures, Communities, and Globalization
Program Details
The arrangements for the travel, housing, meals, excursions and course content of
this program have been made by the leader. Questions about this program can only be
answered by the program leader listed below.
|
| Program Type |
Departmental |
| Program Location |
Cairo, Alexandria, Port Said, Luxor, Aswan, Ain Sokhna, Egypt
|
| Course # |
SA 11003
|
| Duration |
Summer
|
| Upcoming Program Dates |
| Summer 2026 |
05/10/26 to 05/31/26
|
Please Note: Programs may be altered or adapted with little notice
Program Description
Known in Arabic as Umm ad-Dunya, or Mother of the World, Egypt’s cultural and political influence has long expanded well beyond its borders. In this Maymester program, we will explore Egypt as a modern society with pronounced ancient roots, as a diverse crossroads of three continents, and as a cultural force in a globalized region. We will consider how history is mobilized to define the nation today and look at the ways that institutions position Egypt over time within broader geographies of people and places. We will also study Egyptian culture, with a focus on the diversity of communities that make up Egyptian society, and analyze ways that globalization has shaped Egypt’s economy and built environments. Finally, we will think about the worldwide dispersal of Egyptian heritage and debates over its future.
Through our unique program sites, we will observe thousands of years of engineering, trace ongoing legacies of imperialism, and experience globalization from the perspective of the Global South. Program activities include walking tours, museum visits, historical attractions, cultural institutions, meetings with local scholars, visits to traditional markets, a boat ride on the Nile River, and more. While based primarily in Cairo, a bustling city with a metropolitan area of 20 million residents and dozens of distinct districts and suburbs, we will also visit Alexandria, Port Said, Luxor, Aswan, and the Red Sea.
Academic Credit
Students will earn 6 HONR credits for this study away experience. The courses completed through this program fulfill the university core requirements for Human Cultures: Behavioral and Social Sciences (BSS) and Human Cultures: Humanities (HUM).
Questions?
Please contact the faculty program leader, Dr. Nathan Swanson: swanso64@purdue.edu.
Eligibility
A GPA of 3.0 or higher is required to enroll in all HONR courses, including study abroad courses. This program is open to all Purdue students, but members of the John Martinson Honors College may be given priority.
Program Cost
Students pursuing program participation accept financial responsibility. Purdue will take measures to mitigate financial risks, although will not be liable for loss.
Estimated program cost: $5,100
- Includes: accommodations; daily breakfasts; guided tours, entrance fees, guest speakers, cultural programs, and other course activities; ground transportation; airport transfers; program fee; international insurance; and study abroad fee
- Does not include: airfare, visa ($25), and some meals (lunch/dinner)
Giant Leaps Scholarship
Participants who are US citizens or permanent residents are strongly encouraged to apply for the Giant Leaps Scholarship through the MyStudyAbroad system. Giant Leaps awards are based on total family income and require having a FAFSA on file. For this Maymester program, participants are eligible for the following amounts of scholarship funding, which can be applied to the program fee billed by Purdue but also expenses like airfare.
- Total family income of $75,000 or less: $1500 applied to the program cost
- Total family income of $75,001 to $100,000: $1000 applied to the program cost
- Total family income of $100,001 to $125,000: $800 applied to the program cost
- Total family income of $125,001 to $150,000: $400 applied to the program cost
- Total family income of $150,001 or greater: Ineligible
For complete details on eligibility, application procedures, and deadlines, please visit https://www.purdue.edu/gpp/sa/financialresources/sa-office-based/giant_leaps_summer.html.
Experiential Education Scholarhip
Eligible students are also encouraged to apply for the Experiential Education Scholarship: https://exed.purdue.edu/funding/student.php. The annual deadline for summer funds is February 22nd.
JMHC Global Enrichment Grants
Members of the John Martinson Honors College are encouraged to apply for a Study Away Global Enrichment Grant to support their participation in this program. Information about these grants, including eligibility, deadlines, and the application link, can be found at https://honors.purdue.edu/current-students/global/Scholarships%20and%20Grants.php. Students participating in this Maymester program can apply in either the October 15th or February 1st application cycle.
Please do NOT make any financial commitments toward the program (such as purchasing airfare) until instructed by the program leader.
Application Deadline
Applications are processed on a rolling basis. Once an application has been moved into "accepted" status, payment of the deposit ($500) formally reserves a place in the program.
Financial Aid
Purdue University financial aid may be applied to the costs of studying abroad. Students interested in receiving financial aid should
NOTE: Recipients of certain tuition remission and scholarship programs should pay careful attention to the regulations for using those benefits for study abroad. Ask your financial aid advisor about any limitations.
Click here for a list of scholarships and grants available to assist with the costs of studying overseas.
