Columbia Students Go on Study Tour to AUC, Egypt

How did one Ivy League’s experiential learning tradition land students at AUC? 

In the first weeks of January, a group of graduate students from Columbia’s School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA) came to AUC for their Egypt Trek. Led by SIPA student Lucas Brooks who studied abroad at AUC last semester, the trip was conducted in partnership with AUC’s School of Global Affairs and Public Policy (GAPP). 

“Luckily, I was able to help organize and participate in this trek, an a la carte selection of some of the topics I had become most interested in over the preceding semester [while studying at AUC],” Brooks said. “I already had a high opinion of GAPP, but the academic program and its balance of breadth and depth were amazing."

"AUC possesses a unique linkage between rigorous academic foundations and deep real-world experience that forces students past problem admiration to problem solving."

The Columbia students engaged in meetings with diplomats, excursions to historic areas, campus visits, conversations with subject matter experts and more. “From walking through a historic neighborhood with a civil society expert to meeting high-level diplomats, every event was instructive and thought-provoking. AUC possesses a unique linkage between rigorous academic foundations and deep real-world experience that forces students past problem admiration to problem solving,” said Brooks.

SIPA student Maya Hartman also enjoyed the combination of lectures with real-world interactions in the city, which she praised as a “special way to experience policy” in Egypt. She said, “We were given the opportunity to have candid conversations with experts and experience firsthand how the theory we study is implemented in practice in Egypt.”

Once Brooks had shared the AUC experience with his Columbia peers, they felt the same about the University’s rigor, coming away with a sparkling impression of Egypt. SIPA student Yuner Jiang said, “AUC faculty consistently bring knowledge to the ground and analyze issues from a localized perspective, such as the urbanist analysis of the New Administrative Capital by Assistant Professor Momen El-Husseiny."

"AUC is more than just a place of learning; [it is] a place for lifelong personal development.” 

The students became inspired to learn more about the subjects covered by AUC faculty during their trek. “Topics such as urban planning and pollution, in particular, are thematic areas I had not previously considered exploring,” said SIPA student India Sophia Barsella, who described the experience as eye-opening. 

For SIPA student William Thompson, the subject of water usage specifically stuck. “I appreciated the opportunity to ask questions and have transparent discussions about the issues facing Egypt and the region with leading experts on the subject matter,” Thompson noted.

The learning component seemed like the most widely appreciated aspect of the trip. This was certainly the case for SIPA student Tudor Boanda. “Our visit to the Central Bank of Egypt [covered] the role of macroeconomic policymaking in community development,” said Boanda, noting that his newfound insights about inclusivity in the policymaking process will be applicable to his future career.

Additionally, Barsella said that her takeaways from the lectures, conversations and site visits went beyond what she ever could have learned in her New York City classroom. She is now considering a semester abroad at AUC.

“We were given the opportunity to have candid conversations with experts and experience firsthand how the theory we study is implemented in practice in Egypt.”

SIPA student Mitchell Denning is also looking forward to applying his insights from AUC and the trek to his studies at Columbia. “[AUC’s campus] was incredible, and everyone we talked to was very welcoming. I would highly recommend GAPP at AUC to those looking for an important and unique program,” Denning said.

Sarah O’Connell, also a SIPA student, said the AUC speakers “brought a deeply human element to our trip as we learned about the concerns and crises that have affected Egypt since its inception, as well as people’s hopes for the future.”

It seems that SIPA’s Egypt Trek was as enriching as it was exciting. As far as student-organized trips go, this one held much academic value. “I can see how AUC is more than just a place of learning; [It is] a place for lifelong personal development,” affirmed Jiang.