Students Didn’t want to Leave Eygpt

Riots and protests weren’t what many students bargained for when they chose to study abroad in Egypt this year, but after having been evacuated from the country, many sentiments are anything but happy to be back home.

Staff and families back at the home university have noticed an unusual trend from the students who had to be evacuated from Egypt: they did not want to leave. After all, many traveled to this African country ready for adventure, ready for anything. If it were up to them, they would still be watching the riots from the rooftops of their schools, or even be right down in the action.

However, after the US State Department issued a warning that all Americans should evacuate Egypt, many students were forced to go home. Understandably, safety is the main priority, but many students feel that they are being left out of a major event that they were once a part of just days before.

Even more surprising to Study Abroad staff is that back at home, students interest in studying in the region has increased.

Referring to a trip that Northeastern planned to Egypt this May, one female student who has been to Egypt before said, “This is history! Even if Northeastern cancels the program I’m going because I have Egyptian friends who will house me.”

Students have always shown amazing resilience in the face of controversy abroad, and their curiosity will always make them want to be in the heart of the action.

Author