C - Student Life in Egypt
Q1:
What language do Egyptians speak?
A1:
Egyptians speak a colloquial dialect ('Amiyyah) derived from Modern
Standard Arabic (Fus'ha). Nevertheless Fus'ha is used constantly in
print, broadcast, on television, in the mosques, and in all formal
writing.
Q2: If Egyptians speak 'Amiyyah in their
everyday interactions, what will be the benefit in learning Fus'ha in
Egypt?
A2:
Among the
benefits of studying Arabic in Egypt is that you will be afforded the
opportunity to attend classes daily for more than 5 hours in the
Center, thereby speaking and listening to Fus'ha for an extended period
of time daily. Moreover, the Center provides a modern library of tapes
and cds to use at your convenience. You will also undoubtedly befriend
students who do not know your mother tongue and whose only linguistic
medium is Fus'ha.
Q3: How will I live among Egyptians without
knowing ('Amiyyah)? Should I learn it too?
A3:
Not necessarily. Everyone in the street understands Fus'ha but does not
speak it. Shops and service places in the Al-Diwan area are used to AL
Diwan international students; besides, students at AL Diwan help each
other in getting what they need.
Q4: What are the rental prices for furnished
apartments near Al Diwan?
A4:
Rent varies with respect to the number of bedrooms, the value of the
furniture, and the price that the owner feels they can get for the
apartment. Usually, rent near the center ranges from 2000 LE to 3000
EGP for 2 bedrooms, 2000 EGP to 3500 EGP for 3 bedrooms, and 3000 EGP
to 5000 EGP or more for 4 bedrooms. real-state agents charge
the
equivalent of ½ month’s rent. You must pay a first month’s rent in
advance and a security deposit (usually equivalent to one-month of
rent). The security deposit is refunded when you move out minus any
property damages, if any. If you leave the apartment before the end of
the contract, you will most likely lose the security deposit. However,
keep in mind that each landlord and contract is different, so make sure
to read the contract carefully and ask all questions before signing the
lease (contract).
NOTE: In the winter, the rent is cheaper than in the summer.
Q5:
Is it possible to room with someone so that we can share the rental
expense?
A5:
Yes, our students frequently decide to room together. We help our
students get acquainted with each other, so so their time here can be
the most optimal.
Q6:
Can you make an apartment (i.e.: flat) reservation for me ahead of
time, so I can immediately move in upon my arrival in Egypt?
A6:
This is not possible unless you have studied at Al Diwan Center before.
Our normal procedure is to receive students at the airport, accompany
them to a hotel, at which point, they accompany a rental agent and
choose an apartment at their own discretion.
Q7: How long does it take to retain a flat
(apartment) through your assistance?
A7:
It takes around 48 hours during the week, except for Fridays and
National Holidays/Celebrations. It may take even less time if the
student comes to the center before noon.
Q8: What are the prices for meals in Egypt?
A8:
Prices vary based on whether you prepare your own meals or if you eat
out. If you will be cooking your own meals, food expenses run less than
50 EGP a day. If you will be purchasing cooked food, the price varies
depending on the restaurant you go to and can be anywhere from 10 EGP
to 100 EGP a meal. There is a wide variety of restaurants around
Al-Diwan that students can go to.
Q9: What is the standard of health care in
Egypt, and what are the prices of medicine?
A9:
Hospital care differs in Egypt. There are American branches of major
hospitals here, as well as excellent public emergency clinics. Private
clinics are spread throughout Egypt's metropolis, and medicine is
extremely affordable.
Q10: Is there any hospitals near Al-Diwan?
A10:
Of course yes! Nasr City, where Al-Diwan is located, is one of the
Cairo's most active areas. Nasr City has everything you need at anytime
of the day or night, including hospitals, and health services.
Q11:
Are Internet services available in Egypt?
A11:
Yes, there are over 50 Internet companies in Cairo that offer free
Dial-up Internet services (if you have a computer and phone line). With
your ground line, you can get a ADSL for as low as 95 EGP a
month.
There are also Internet Cafes throughout Cairo whose prices are about
2-4 EGP per hour.
Q12:
How much does it cost to buy a mobile (Cellular) phone? How much does
it cost to make a call to a mobile phone number from any store or a
public place?
A12: Regarding mobile lines, they widely
differ in costs. However, you can find a line for less than $10. Mobile
calls range from 7 cents to 18 cents per minute, the rate being
determined by the operators or owners of the store.
[Note: In Egypt, it is only known as "Mobile" PRONOUNCED: /MO-BA-YEL/]
[Note: 1$ USD = 5.85 EGP, subject to Central Bank official rate
changes]
