Internships in Egypt

Egypt's cities and towns are situated near the Nile Valley because a large portion of its more than one million square-kilometer land area is covered in desert. Despite using only a small portion of its total land area for habitation, Egypt is one of the most populated countries in Africa and the Middle East with over 84 million people. Here are our top picks for the best places for internships in Egypt.

Cairo. South of the Mediterranean Sea and along the Nile River lies the capital and largest city of Egypt. You’ll discover a blend of ancient and modern to say the least. The cityscape of the Qasr El Nil Bridge, Nile City Towers, and Grand Hyatt Cairo will make urban lovers dance in delight. History buffs will also rejoice with glee from the endless supply of mosques, mausoleums, and museums.

Alexandria. This city founded by Alexander the Great is located on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea in the north central area of Egypt. When you have a free weekend, be sure to visit the city that attracts people from all over the world. You can cheer for sports at the stadiums, relax on one of its beaches, visit the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, rally at the Cross Egypt Challenge, and marvel at the museum structures.

Hurghada. If you’re a water enthusiast of any kind, this city in Red Sea Governorate of Egypt will be your jam. You could kitesurf, windsurf, and snorkel to your heart’s delight on its clear and calm waters. Not to mention this city is a hotspot for interested scuba divers, where you could dive the depths around Abu Ramada Island or the Rosalie shipwreck. If you’re into marine studies, then look into internships here.

Egypt internships isn’t just about learning, it’s also about learning more about the culture and history. While on an internship in Egypt, participants may want to learn Arabic from one of the many language schools in major urban centers as well. Here are some popular types of internships for international students in Egypt.

Social Work. Why not contribute to the Egyptian community? You could assist NGOs and nonprofits with helping and empowering the youth, women, and elderly. If you’re interested in teaching English, then this type of internship is speaking to you. Along the way, you’ll gain a wide range of skills by organizing and executing projects.

Marine Biology. Here’s your chance to get up close and personal with turtles and dolphins. From collecting data to surveying coral reefs, you’ll be involved with the conservation of their marine environment. You could even learn to scuba dive among experienced guides.

Business. From public relations and marketing to administration and technology, you could easily find an internships in the Egyptian business world. These types of internships in Egypt will equip you with entrepreneurial and business skills that will be invaluable for your future endeavors.

With most internships in Egypt, they are unpaid, but some offer small stipends or food and accommodation to help cover living costs. Luckily, the cost of living in Egypt is much lower than the US, ranging from $170 to $340, but urban areas will be a little more costly. Program fees and airfare will be your largest costs. You could get started with fundraising for your internship with FundMyTravel or start looking for scholarships.

Okay, so you won’t be living like a pharaoh (gosh darnit), but you’ll still be living fairly comfortably in a beautiful country, so you can look forward to that. The type of housing depends on the internship placement and program, but you can expect to live in group housing, apartments, or with a host family.

The visa requirements change often in Egypt and depend on your citizenship, whether or not your internship is paid, and the length of your internship. You’ll need a passport that is valid six months from the date of issue, and you’ll need a tourist visa, which lasts 30 days upon arrival. For a business visa, you’ll need to submit the application with a letter ahead of time. Program coordinators and GoAbroad’s Embassy Directory can help you get the process started.

The work culture is a little different. You’ll also find that networking is valued among Egyptians, so you’ll need to learn how to develop relationships with others on a personal level before discussing business matters.

While you’ll need to learn the customs along the way, the benefits of an internship abroad in Egypt will be major pluses. You’ll become more adept to the Arabic language and develop your professional persona more overall.

From the vast deserts and stunning Red Sea to the Nile River, you’ll feel an energy that will make your internship in Egypt unforgettable.