Between 26 February and 1 March, 14 students and three colleagues from the School of Humanities spent time in Egypt, exploring the sites and immersing themselves in Egyptian culture.
Funded by the Quintin Hogg Trust, the visit focused on Cairo and the cultural sites it boasts, including the Pyramids and the Sphinx, the Egyptian Museum, Mohamad Ali Castle, Al-Azhar Mosque, the Hanging Church and the New Administrative Capital of Cairo.
The students expressed admiration for the sites they visited and saw the trip as an opportunity to experience Egypt and immerse themselves in its culture.
Mariam Kutkut, Arabic and Global Communication BA Honours student who took part in the trip, said: “I like the historical explanations given by the guide throughout the trip. I felt that the group became friends quite quickly.”
Sajida Akhtar, Creative Writing BA Honours student, said: “Cairo was a remarkable city to visit and was full of unforgettable experiences from its rich, historic past to the hospitality of locals and their divine cuisine. The city's architecture overwhelmed me - the battle between modernisation and the preservation of the past was a privilege to observe from an outsider's perspective. Bonding with students during our daily excursions and engaging in important discussions about the current climate allowed me to develop my global worldview and understand both the international and local influences that were taking place. It's made me want to be more involved and informed with the world around me.”
Another student who took part in the trip, Spanish and International Business BA Honours student Anna Lohan, added: “I would like to say that Cairo was an incredible experience and the trip exceeded my expectations - fascinating history, delicious food and different culture. For me exploring Cairo was a journey through time and culture and the Pyramids and Sphinx were breathtaking.”
Trip organiser and Senior Lecturer in Arabic and Cultural Studies Dr Atef Alshaer added: “As an organiser of this trip, I felt very satisfied with the arrangements there in Egypt for the students and was moved by the camaraderie of the group. Cairo is a city of contradictions and unique attractions, and the students felt moved by the awesome nature of its dynamism and ever-living historicity.”
This trip directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4: Quality Education. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.
Find out more about the School of Humanities at the University of Westminster.
