interns' reception booklet | startup unicorns project
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AIESEC AUC AIESEC
AIESEC AUC has been setting global examples for its
commitment to providing life-changing experiences to
its interns. Over the past two years, we have
delivered more than 650 experiences to participants
from all around the world.
AIESEC AUC is a campus-based local chapter,
situated at Egypt’s top university, The American
University in Cairo (AUC). You can read more about
the university at aucegypt.edu.
Located at the heart of Egypt’s capital, Cairo,
AIESEC AUC has won multiple excellence awards for
the quality and quantity of experiences we provided.
since 1984
Cairo is the capital of Egypt and Alexandria is the second largest city. Other
cities include: Luxor, Aswan, Giza (where the Pyramids are found), Suez
(where the south end of the Suez Canal is located), Hurghada & Sharm El
Sheikh. Also Oasis such as Bahariya, el Dakhla, el Farafra, El Kharga and
Siwa. Protectorates include Ras Mohamed National Park, Zaranik Protectorate
and Siwa. All of which are of stunning beauty and considered as main touristic
attractions.
Alexandria
The second largest city.
LuxorCity in Upper Egypt
Main Cities Climate History HotspotsEGYPT
Winter
14°
Summer
30°
Egypt is located between two seas, the
Mediterranean sea & the Red sea , and two deserts ,
the Eastern desert & the western desert . The
abovementioned results in various climate changes
throughout the year.
The northern and eastern coasts are known for
their perfect weather in the summer, making
them the best places for relaxation and
recreation.
Temperatures range between an average of 14
degrees Celsius in the winter (October-March)
and 30 degrees Celsius in the summer (April-
September) .
Main Cities Climate History HotspotsEGYPT
Historically, Egypt has one of the longest histories of any modern country,
arising in the tenth millennium BC as one of the world's first nation states.
Considered a cradle of civilization, Ancient Egypt experienced some of the
earliest developments of writing, agriculture, urbanization, organized religion
and central government. Iconic monuments such as the Giza Necropolis and
its Great Sphinx, as well the ruins of Memphis, Thebes, Karnak, and
the Valley of the Kings, reflect this legacy and remain a significant focus of
archaeological study and popular interest worldwide.
Egypt's rich cultural heritage is an integral part of its national identity, having
endured, and at times assimilated, various foreign influences, including
Greek, Persian, Roman, Arab, Ottoman, and European.
Although Christianized in the first century of the Common Era, it was
subsequently Islamised due to the Islamic conquests of the seventh century.
Modern Egypt is considered to be a regional and middle power, with
significant cultural, political, and military influence in North Africa, the Middle
East and the Muslim world. Its economy is one of the largest and most
diversified in the Middle East, with sectors such as tourism, agriculture, industry and services at almost equal production levels.
Main Cities Climate History HotspotsEGYPT
Hurghada
Hurghada was once a fairly small and unimposing fishing village, located next to the Red Sea and boasting a
number of sandy beaches. Today, the resort town of Hurghada is almost unrecognizable from its past life and
has grown to become one of the most visited touristic destinations in Egypt, with more than 100 different
hotels, many of which line the shoreline. Hurghada is especially popular for its diving spots.
Alexandria
Located on the coast of the Mediterranean sea, Alexandria is Egypt's leading port and transportation hub.
Founded in 331 BC by Alexander the Great, the city was once considered the crossroads of the world.
Many of Alexandria's most famous historic sites, including a library that housed more than 500,000 books,
were destroyed by a devastating earthquakes in the 14th century. Today the city is a faded shade of its
former glorious cosmopolitan self, but still worth a visit for its many cultural attractions and glimpses of its
past.
Dahab
Dahab is located 85 km (53 miles) north of Sharm el -Sheikh on the Gulf of Aqaba, near
the southern tip of Sinai .Once an isolated coastal village, Dahab turned into a
hippie hangout in the 1980's and became an "alternative resort",
mixing cheap accommodation with a laid back lifestyle. The combination of Red
Sea and Sinai desert makes Dahab perfect for world class windsurfing, scuba
diving, rock climbing and desert trekking with the Bedouin.
Main Cities Climate History HotspotsEGYPT
Alexandria
Dahab
Hurghada
Grilled Pigeonsor rice stuffed pigeons are one of Egypt's favorite meals. You canhave it at "Farahat",which is considered as one of the most famousrestaurants in Cairo, and you will only pay about 35EGP($4).
FoulThe king of Egyptian food , as it is cheap, healthy and delicious.You can try it at any place all over Egypt. It only costs about 2-3EGP ($0.34).
Egyptian Dumplings or ZalabyaCome in different varieties: dipped in honey, powdered sugar, milkor white chocolate at "Batates and Zalabya" for 10 EGP ($ 1.13).
KosharyOne of the most popular dishes in Egypt that contains rice,macaroni, lentils, chickpea, fried onions, sauce and a dressing. Youcan enjoy this wonderful meal at "Koshary Eltahreer“, and it willnot cost you more than 7 EGP ($0.79).
Cuisine Sports Main Events TransportationEXPLORE EGYPT
Soccer is the popular sport in Egypt
It is constantly the hot topic all around. The major clubs in Egypt areAl Ahly and El Zamalek club. Al Ahly is the most successful club of the20th century in the African continent according to CAF.
The Egyptian national football team is one of the most famous andtalented teams all over Africa. It is the winner of the African cup ofnations seven times, including three time in a row: 2006, 2008, 2010.Besides the African cup of nations, Egypt got qualified to the FIFAworld cup two times.
Beside football achievements, there is an strong fingerprint for theEgyptian teams in the international championship since 1930. Threeof the most famous sports players in Egypt are Amr Shabana, RamyAshour, Karam Gaber and Alaa Abdoul Kassem .
Cuisine Sports Main Events TransportationEXPLORE EGYPT
Ramy AshourProfessional Squash Player
Al Ahly ClubEgyptian Sporting Club
Ramadan The ninth month of the Islamic calendar
Bairam Feast3 days celebration after Ramadan
Prophet Muhammed's Birthday PBUH
EasterNational holiday marking the beginning of spring
Cuisine Sports Main Events TransportationEXPLORE EGYPT
ChristmasAnnual festival commemorating the birth of Jesus
Sinai Liberation DayCelebrates the final withdrawal of all Israel military farces
from the Sinai Peninsula
Revolution DayPublic holiday celebrated in Egypt to commemorate the
military coup of July 23, 1952
Cairo Book FairThe largest and oldest book fair in the Arab world
MetroThe fastest and cheapest method to get around.
It will cost you only one pound ($0.11).
TaxiTaxi fare starts at 3 EGP ($ 0.34) and increases by
1.40($ 0.16) EGP for each km traveled.You can use
Taxi Applications as well like Uber and Careem.
TrainIf you want to truly discover Egypt, just take the
train and enjoy the ride. Ticket prices will vary
depending on your destination.
BusesYou can take the bus to any place in Giza and Cairo,
and the ticket ranges from 1 ($0.11) to 3 EGP ($
0.34) .
Cuisine Sports Main Events TransportationEXPLORE EGYPT
Midan El TahrirAlso known as "Martyr Square", is a major public town square in Downtown Cairo, Egypt.
The square has been the location and focus for political demonstrations in Cairo, most
notably those that led to the 2011 Egyptian revolution and the resignation
of President Hosni Mubarak.
Midan RamsesIs the name of the large square in front of the Ramses station , the main station in Cairo
for long-distance trains. It's located north of the very center of the modern city at Midan
Tahrir.
Garden CityIs a wealthy, residential district in Central Cairo that spans the East side of the Nile and
just south of downtown, the location of the famous Midan Tahrir.
Islamic CairoIs the area of the city which holds the most, the greatest and the most famous Islamic
monuments. Many of these raised by the Fatimid caliphs who founded the city Cairo
(preceded by Fustat or Old Cairo). A huge, bustling center of worship, trade, shopping
and commuting - it's a must-see for any visitors and deserves at least a couple of days
exploring.
Dokki and MohandeseenIs located on the west bank of the Nile, with upmarket restaurants, shopping malls and
residential areas.
Gezira and ZamalekIs an affluent district of western Cairo encompassing the northern portion of Gezira
Island in the Nile River. The island is connected with the river banks through three
bridges each on the east and west sides of the island, including the Qasr al-Nil
Bridge and 6th October Bridge.
GizaIs the third-largest city in Egypt. It is located on the west bank of the Nile, some 20 km
southwest of central Cairo. Giza is most famous as the location of the Giza Plateau: the
site of some of the most impressive ancient monuments in the world, including a
complex of ancient Egyptian royal mortuary and sacred structures, including the Great
Sphinx, the Great Pyramid of Giza, and a number of other large pyramids and temples.
Giza has always been a focal point in Egypt's history due to its location close
to Memphis, the ancient capital.
Heliopolis and Nasr CityThe two of them are actually completely distinct areas. Heliopolis is an older district
where well off Egyptians live. Built by a Belgian architect, Nasr City is newer and
contains City Stars, Cairo's biggest and most modern shopping mall, retail social
complex. The airport is located a bit further east of this area out in the desert near
Masaken Sheraton.
MaadiIs an affluent, leafy suburban district south of Cairo, Egypt on the east bank of the Nile
about 12 km upriver from downtown Cairo.
Districts Hotspots Must Do’sCAIRO
Maadi
Giza Pyramids and the SphinxThe quintessential Egyptian landmark. Arguably the most famous site in
world and a must do on everybody’s Egyptian adventure. At over 4,600 years
old, they are one of the only remaining 7 wonders of the ancient world. An
incredible sight especially at sunset.
Khan el Khalili Market and Islamic CairoKhan El-Khalili dates back to 1382 and is located in Cairo’s old Islamic
district. Getting lost in the labyrinth of narrow alleys, stumbling upon hidden
treasures and historic monuments, and chatting to the local shop-owners as
the smell of spices and local food lingers in the air results in an unforgettable
experience. The locals’ warm hospitality is central to this experience: they will
offer you tea, a tour around the alleys, tell you stories about their shops, or
simply smile for the camera.
The Citadellocated on a spur of limestone that had been detached from its parent Moqattam Hills by
quarrying. The Citadel is one of the world's greatest monuments to medieval warfare, as
well as a highly visible landmark on Cairo's eastern skyline. Particularly when viewed from
the back side (from the north), the Citadel reveals a very medieval character.
Egyptian MuseumIt has the largest number of antiquities on display in the world. The museum is packed with
over 100,000 ancient artifacts dating back to 3500 BC.
Al Azhar ParkAl-Azhar Park is a public park located in Cairo, Egypt. Among several honors, this park is
listed as one of the world's sixty great public spaces by the Project for Public Spaces.
Cairo TowerThe Cairo Tower is a free-standing concrete tower located in Cairo, Egypt. At 187 m, it has
been the tallest structure in Egypt and North Africa about 50 years.
Districts Hotspots Must Do’sCAIRO
Eat koshary, foul and falafel. Cruise down the Nile,
either do this on a traditional Felucca boat or a cruise
ship. Ride horses and camels. Attend Tannoura
show. Safari in the desert and enjoy a Beduin party.
Diving in the red sea. Take a Balloon in Luxor and
explore the city from the sky. Climb the mountain of
Saint Catherine and watch the amazing sunrise.
Walk around the old city of Cairo. Relax. Enjoy tea,
smoke a uniquely flavored shisha and meet new
people in local coffee shops. Sand surfing in the
white desert. Walk at night by the Nile side and drink
Humus el Sham. Get gifts from Khan El-Khalili.
Districts Hotspots Must Do’sCAIRO
How the Egyptian Currency looks like:
Food:
Restaurants:
Cost of Going out , Leisure and
Entertainment:
Personal Care:
Currency Average CostMONEY
1/2 kg (1 lb.) of boneless chicken breast 22 EGP
1 litre (1 qt.) of whole fat milk 8 EGP
1 kg (2 lb.) of tomatoes 3.50 EGP
500 gr (16 oz.) of local cheese 23 EGP
1 kg (2 lb.) of apples 16 EGP
2 kg (4.5 lb.) of potatoes 3.50 EGP
2 litres of Coca-Cola 8 EGP
Bread for 2 people for 1 day 2.50 EGP
Pack of Cigarettes ( Marlboro) 20 EGP
Meal, inexpensive restaurant 30 EGP
Meal for 2, mid-range restaurant, three course 175 EGP
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) 35 EGP
Cappuccino (regular) 16 EGP
Water (0.33 litre bottle) 2.50 EGP
Fitness club, monthly Fee for 1 Adult 300 EGP
Cinema, International release, 1 Seat 35 EGP
Medicine against cold for 6 days 25 EGP
Deodorant roll-on (50 ml – 1.5 oz.) 20 EGP
Hair shampoo 2-in-1 (400 ml. – 12 oz.) 22 EGP
4 rolls of toile paper 8 EGP
Tube of toothpaste 9 EGP
1 EGP = 0.11 USD** Please check the current conversion rate online
Uber / CareemWill allow you to book a taxi and track it.
ElMenusWill show you the menu of any restaurant you're interested in, including the
meals and prices, as well as the opening hour of the restaurant.
Bey2ollak Will inform you how the traffic is between the locations you are commuting
from and to.
Egypt Yellow PagesA guide to the contact information of numerous places and organizations.
Google Maps Will help you in commuting by giving you directions.
WallyWill help you to mange your finances during your stay in Egypt.
Arabic DictionaryWill help you translate any Arabic phrase or words to English and vice versa
as well as familiarizing you with the basic Arabic phrases.
Trip AdvisorWill give you ratings and reviews of places around the city.
Mobile Apps What to Bring Do’s & Don’ts EmergencyCOMFORT
Map: The first thing that you should carry with you whenever you go (after your passport,
of course!) should be a map of Egypt and to be specific a map for the city that you are
staying in so that you do not get lost and always to feel safe.
GPS: If you are a phone addict, then the GPS will be a perfect substitute for the map as it
will help you to know the location of your destination and how long It will take you to reach
it.
Google Translate Application: The first language spoken all over Egypt is the
Arabic language, and yes we know that it is the most difficult language in the world. All
what you need is Google translate app on your smart phone, and you are all set to
discover Egypt.
Electrical Plug/Outlet : Click HERE for more information.
Sun Protecting Products: To avoid any sun burns during summer time in Egypt.
Mobile Apps What to Bring Do’s & Don’ts EmergencyCOMFORT
Hang around in groups
Look both ways before crossing the street
Carry a water bottle with you at all times on any trip. Mineral water is available
everywhere
Exchange your money in banks or exchange offices.
Lock you personal belongings and all your luggage always while you are in
the accommodation and also when you go outside. AIESEC is not responsible
for any lost/ stolen belongings.
Inform Taxi drivers of the location you are going to before hopping in
Wear sun-screen lotion
Enjoy the country as much as you can. Egypt is not just any country - Egypt is
“Om el Donia” (the Mother of the World!)
Learn some Arabic words
Tip if you enjoyed the service at a restaurant
Remove your shoes upon entering an Egyptian person's home
Ask an Egyptian if you can take their picture they usually won't mind
Dress appropriately if visiting a mosque. Women need to cover their hair and
no skin should be exposed besides the hands, face. and feet. Also, remember
to take your shoes off
Spend time talking to the people. Egyptians are interesting people and have a
great sense of humor. You will learn from them as much as they will learn
from you· -it is always a rich exchange. Don't miss out on that!
Try and be around for Eid at the end of the fasting month of Ramadan.
Spending Eid in an Islamic country is fascinating.
Ask directions from at least three different people (to be sure you have the
right information) because sometimes people try to help even if they don't
know the place.
Go out without your passport
Wear sleeveless tops, shorts or short skirts in the street.
Drink tap water.
Respond to strangers calling you on the street. Please ignore them.
Swim where there's a black flag up. It means the water is too rough.
Drink alcohol in the street. Its not socially acceptable, and in some
areas it's forbidden by law.
Drink hard liquor that has no brand name.
Kiss your partner in the street.
Pet street dogs and cats.
Take pictures of military buildings.
Take photographs where you're not supposed to (e.g. some museums and
touristic sites)
Mobile Apps What to Bring Do’s & Don’ts EmergencyCOMFORT
Emergency Contacts
1) Ambulance 123
2) Police 122
3) Firemen 180
4) Electricity office 121
5) Natural Gas office 129
6) Tourism Police Rescue 126
7) International Trunk service 120
8) Trunk Service provinces 10
9) Telephone Directory 140 or 141
Mobile Apps What to Bring Do’s & Don’ts EmergencyCOMFORT
S&E Safety Expectations PickupMORE
Standards & Escalation Process
In AIESEC AUC, we pride ourselves on being a customer centric entity.
We provide exchange experiences that are tailored in order for our
Interns' to receive the best experience ever. That’s why, we have taken
certain precautions In order to ensure our Interns' satisfaction.
We have created a feedback collection tool that will be available to our
Interns as soon as they start the matching process with us.
How is this tool used? In case any Intern has an Issue or complaint,
s/he can fill our form that can be accessed from HERE. Upon filling this
form, we solve the issue in less than 72 hours.
Safety
So let's cut a very long discussion short by simply saying this:
“Egypt is safe!”
No matter what you have heard or read through media, Egypt is safe.
There have been talks of how unsafe Egypt is ever since the 25th of
January revolution that erupted in 2011 in Tahrir Square in Cairo, Egypt.
Since then media has been scaring people off Egypt. However, the fact
is that Egypt now is a safe country and we as AIESECers care and look
after our interns' safety as our number 1 priority.
We always take care when renting our apartments to make sure that
they are in no way, shape or form close to any "hot zone’’. We also have
a Reception & Servicing team that is responsible for the interns‘ safety
and needs’ fulfilment from the first day of their arrival till they leave the
country.
If anything should occur in any place across Egypt, the interns will be
notified ahead of time and asked to take necessary precautions.
AIESEC in Egypt in the summer of 2016 hosted 2658 interns from all
over the world, and we faced no safety issues at any point during their
stay.
S&E Safety Expectations PickupMORE
Expectations
WE PROVIDE YOU WITHShared accommodation, $30 off flight tickets, LEAD and Explore
programs inside & outside Cairo, Full access to AUC campus (gym and
pool), need based feedback meetings, problem solving assistance,
exchange AIESEC buddy, free welcome packs, 2 program certificates,
integration conference outside Cairo and global village.
WE EXPECT FROM YOUProactivity, commitment, maturity, participation in our events: e.g.
integration conference and global village, and productivity.
In order for us to be able to provide our leadership experiences to more
people, it would help us If you were snappy with your camera. Snapping
this and that, bits and pieces of your experience captured in pictures
and sharing it with AIESEC AUC to show it to the world.
AIESEC AUC provides pickup to its interns from the airport to their location
of stay for $10 paid upon arrival to an AIESEC responsible not the driver
himself.
In order to ensure an efficient pick up process, some requirements are
needed:
1- Fill in the reception form that you can find here.
This should be done at least three weeks before arrival, in order for us to be
able to provide you with all the necessary logistics and support in advance
(make sure you attach your flight ticket in the form and ensure the accuracy
of the flight info you provided).
2- Send an arrival notification email to [email protected] and
[email protected] attaching your flight ticket prior to your
arrival with 72 hours.
3- Please save your project manager’s number, the program Vice
President’s number (Nihal Ali: +2 0102 07 290 90) and the head of the
reception team’s number ( Ahmed Salah: +2 0101 3693888) Before
departure on a piece of paper. Also, make sure you activate the roaming
service on your phone to be able to contact any AIESEC responsible upon
landing if you faced any obstacles in finding your driver.
4- VERY IMPORTANT: make sure once you land, you go OUTSIDE the
airport’s gate to be able to find your driver. AIESEC drivers CAN NOT enter
the airport. You shall be able to allocate your driver through a sign that he
will be holding that has your name and AIESEC written on it.
What is the current situation in Egypt? Is the country safe now?Egypt is very safe nowadays, and we are currently living very normally, and without taking any precautions. However, you take the normal
precautions that anyone should take, such as avoiding long conversations with strangers and roaming the streets in the dark.
How will AIESEC AUC help me?AIESEC AUC will always be there to support you during your stay. From the moment you arrive, we pick you up from the airport, provide you
with accommodation, drop you off on your first day of work, organize trips and outings and much more.
What is the nature of the accommodation and its cost?AIESEC provides you with a subsidized shared accommodation at our hostels in Down town or our apartments in Nasr City (locations might
vary). For the hostel, an average of 4-5 interns stay in one room . For the apartments, an average of 4 interns stay in one room, and the total no.
of interns in the apartment is based on the total no. of rooms. Each apartments has one bathroom usually.
**Accommodation fees is based on your company’s benefit package. To know the exact cost, please check the opportunity you are
interested/ accepted in on our portal or check directly with your AIESEC project manager in Egypt.
**Your accommodation fees has to be paid in dollars upon your first day of arrival to Egypt along with the pick up fees of $10.
**AIESEC AUC does NOT cover transportation or food expenses (unless otherwise stated) .
What are the procedures to get a visa?Make sure that you ask trusted sources for exact information. We definitely recommend that you contact the
Egyptian embassy in your country. You can check out more information here.
Are there any rules we need to be aware of?You will be held responsible for our terms & conditions at bit.ly/AccommodationTermsAndConditionsAIESECAUC
Frequently Asked QuestionsFAQs
Is there a certain dress code in Egypt?No, there is generally no specific dress code. You’ll mostly be needing casual outfits, and possibly one smart
outfit. For girls, it is recommended to avoid wearing revealing clothing, due to the nature of the Egyptian
culture and tradition.
Are smoking and drinking allowed or not?Regarding smoking, you are free to smoke wherever you please, given that the place you are in allows it. Smoking in the
apartment is extremely prohibited.
As for drinking, this is prohibited in both the apartment and public places, as it is against the Egyptian culture. However,
you will find specific private places, such as pubs and clubs which allow drinking.
How much money should I bring?Everything in Egypt is pretty cheap. Dinner can be for 10 EGP which is approximately 1 USD.
We recommend that you bring with you for 8 weeks at least 400-500 USD for your daily expenses, and an optional 800 USD more for trips and
outings inside and outside Cairo. Please make sure you convert your local currency to USD or EUR before your arrival in Egypt, as you
wont be able to exchange your local currency to EGP directly in Egypt.
What to pack?Generally, you’re going to need all the essentials. Clothing of course, but make sure you bring formal attire as well for any occasions. Also, bring
with you bed sheets, an electric plug and your laptop. It would be great if you could get with you a flag from your home country, traditional attire,
and anything else that represents your country for our global village event.
Do you have any advice for me?Make sure you read the opportunity you are interested/ accepted in carefully online on our portal. You will be held accountable for all the
information there, and it will set all your expectations correctly and answer your questions. If not, please resort to your project manager in Egypt.
Frequently Asked QuestionsFAQs
bit.ly/SUPBookletAIESECAUC
bit.ly/SUPVacancies
bit.ly/AccommodationTermsAndConditionsAIESECAUC
bit.ly/SUPExpectationSettingAIESECAUC
bit.ly/AIESECAUCRnS16
bit.ly/AIESECAUCComplaintForm16
For more information, please contact:
Nihal AliLocal Vice President, Global
Entrepreneurship Program
AIESEC AUC, Egypt
+2 010 207 29090