AUC’s Yousef Jameel Fellows Tour to India
In January 2025, 22 fellows from the Yousef Jameel Public Leadership Program at AUC traveled to India for a weeklong study tour that combined policy discussions, cultural immersion, and personal discovery. The trip, designed to deepen their understanding of India’s foreign policy and geopolitical landscape, took them beyond the classroom and into real-world spaces where theory meets practice. It was an experience that blended intellectual exploration with the vibrant sights, sounds, and stories of a country full of contrasts.
The itinerary was packed with visits to some of India’s top think tanks and research institutions, including the Observer Research Foundation, the Vivekananda International Foundation, and the Kalinga Institute of Indo-Pacific Studies. Engaging with scholars and experts, the fellows explored India’s evolving role in global politics, its growing influence in the Global South, and the challenges it faces in navigating both domestic and international affairs. These interactions brought a new depth to their academic studies.
Salma Habib, a Master’s student in global affairs, reflected on how the experience shifted her perspective. “As a global affairs student, I have always been captivated by India’s rich history, dynamic geopolitical position, and its evolving foreign policy,” she said. “However, the insights shared by the Indian scholars and research experts during our lectures and discussions deepened my learning from what I had read about India prior to the trip.”
For Alaa Helal, also pursuing a Master’s in global affairs, the study tour bridged the gap between theory and application. “This trip took us beyond conventional lecture halls and topics that we studied in a way that made international relations feel tangible. Each of us studied one or two organizations or think tanks we were visiting beforehand and presented our findings to the group. This helped us dive deeper into our interactions with the experts we met, and our daily debriefings on the bus before each visit also helped us tie it all together, making the learning feel more purposeful.” Helal said.
"This trip not only deepened my understanding of India but also fostered lifelong friendships."
But the trip wasn’t just about policy. It was also a chance to experience India in all its richness — its history, traditions, and daily life. From the breathtaking grandeur of the Taj Mahal to the bustling energy of Delhi’s markets, every encounter deepened their appreciation of a nation that is both steeped in history and rapidly modernizing.
For Rowan Mahmoud, an MPA student, the visit was the realization of a long-held dream. A lifelong fan of Indian music and films, she had always wanted to experience the culture firsthand. Mahmoud said, “The highlight of my experience was the opportunity to sing my favorite Indian songs alongside a team of talented Indian singers. Sharing music transcends language barriers and creates an unforgettable bond between us.”
Nour Abdelkader, a journalism and mass communication graduate student, described the journey as a full-circle moment in her life. As a child, she had been captivated by an Indian Nobel laureate she researched for a school project—an experience that once inspired her to pursue political science. While her academic and professional path later took a different direction, the study tour reignited something deep within her. “As a little girl, I was inspired by a Nobel prize winner to pursue studies in political science. Almost two decades later, I found myself in a country half way across the world representing my own and learning about their foreign policy. This trip ignited something in me that had long been burnt out.”
"This trip took us beyond conventional lecture halls and topics that we studied in a way that made international relations feel tangible."
Beyond academic enrichment, the fellows found joy in the everyday moments of cultural exchange. Lobna Shaheen, an MPP student, spoke about the deep connections she formed along the way. “This journey was elevated by the incredible group of fellow Jameelians I had the privilege to travel with. We formed strong bonds that enriched our discussions and experiences, creating a continuous exchange of thoughts, ideas, and lessons that will last long after the trip. This trip not only deepened my understanding of India but also fostered lifelong friendships,” she said.
Rolane Eissa, an MPA student, discovered that cultural immersion comes with its own set of surprises. “Mastering India’s traditional attire is harder than it looks! Who knew that safety pins and a tiny dot (bindi) could bring so much joy while wearing a sari?” she joked, recalling the group’s enthusiastic attempts at embracing Indian fashion.
The most meaningful moments weren’t necessarily the ones planned on the itinerary. Long bus rides turned into spaces for reflection, deep conversations, and lighthearted fun. Some days, the group debated global affairs; other times, they simply played music — Egyptian, Indian, and everything in between. Even meals became an adventure, introducing them to new flavors and spices they’d never forget.
By the time they returned to Cairo, the fellows brought home more than souvenirs. They carried with them fresh perspectives, new friendships, and a renewed sense of purpose. The study tour was a reminder that real learning doesn’t happen in isolation; it happens when different cultures meet, when tough questions are asked, and when people step outside their comfort zones.
“This trip was the living proof that the members of my cohort are already changing the world."
Abdelkader captured the collective sentiment of the group best: “This trip was the living proof that the members of my cohort are already changing the world. It’s not too far to be the next big thing. Not too far to be resilient no matter the circumstances. Not too far to work harder. This trip reminded me that believing is halfway to making your dreams come true.”
For AUC’s Yousef Jameel fellows, India wasn’t just a place they visited. It was an experience that broadened their perspectives, deepened their appreciation for global connections, and left an imprint on them that will last far beyond this one extraordinary week.
