Neeti Rajput

Neeti Rajput studied at the American University in Cairo this summer for nine weeks. During the course of her stay, she was able to advance her Arabic speaking skills in both the formal and the colloquial versions of the language. She found the teaching methods unique and extremely helpful, as they helped her progress much faster than she had expected. She also took a class about refugees and migrants and enjoyed the intensive discussions and diverse opinions in her class. She spent the rest of her time observing the culture, tasting Egyptian delicacies and interacting with the local population. She loved the Islamic architecture of the city and was fascinated by the various churches and synagogues; not to forget the marvelous pyramids and the mysterious Sphinx.  She felt at ease in Cairo as the city was extremely welcoming and people were equally curious to know about her. Since she has come back from Cairo, she has continued her efforts in learning Arabic by communicating with students from the Middle East on a weekly basis. At the same time, she is trying to assist them in adapting to American culture and helping them with their ESL classes. She now plans to go back to Cairo for a Masters program in Middle Eastern Studies and Arabic.