AUC Caravan

The American University in Cairo has provided a safe home to some Palestinian refugees looking for a strong education.

Mohamed Elkotb is originally from occupied Palestine, but when his parents moved to Jordan, he decided to study in Egypt since he felt it had strong universities there.

“Well I had two choices, either The American University in Beirut or The American University in Cairo,” explained Elkotb, a sophomore studying mechanical engineering.

“And because of the war that took place between Israel and Lebanon, AUB was not a choice for me anymore.”

Palestinian student Yasmine Elkhoury, a senior studying Political Science at AUC, said since moving to Egypt, she did not find it difficult or faced any challenges.

She is living with her sisters and friends and she is used to the environment and AUC has made it easier for her.

Zaed Mazen Hamed, who is studying electronic engineering, said he could concentrate on his studies at AUC.

“I am not facing any challenges, I am accepting the fact that I can live alone and take care of myself and my own actions and responsibilities,” he said.

He was happy to be at AUC, since it was a goal for him to be here. ““I was nominated for a scholarship to study in Egypt at AUC and at the same time I was planning to study at the AUC,” he said.

Separated from their families, these students admit they miss the comforts of home.

“I do face some challenges as living without my parents and living on campus which is isolated and sometimes dealing with some people on campus,” ElKotb said.

Hanin Omari, a Palestinian sophomore studying english and comparative literature, said she misses, “My parents, friends, country, miss my school, oboe, which is a musical instrument which I used to play in the Palestinian Orchestra.”

Being Palestinian, the students said they have faced discrimination in Egypt, but have not experienced that on campus.

Elkhoury’s only complaint was that since she is considered an international student, she is paying for her education in U.S. dollars, which is more expensive than her Egyptian colleagues.

- By Merna Ahmed