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| IFMSA - Egypt | |||
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| Location |  | ||
| Participating cities (LC's) |
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| Languages | Arabic | ||
| Currency (how much is a Bigmac?) | Egyptian Pound "L.E" - Bigmac Price = 25 L.E | ||
| Time zone | GMT +2 | ||
| Number of Doctors and beds per 1000 people | Doctors 1 per 1000 | ||
| Member of IFMSA since... | 1969 | ||
| Number of incoming students per year | 200 - 250 | ||
| Who are our NEO's | Mostafa Abd El-Nasser (NEO-Outgoing)
Amir Hamdi (NEO-Incoming) | ||
| Our official website / Forum / Facebook group | IFMSA-Egypt Offical Website | ||
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Welcome Note
Dear Friends and Colleagues,
Egypt has been a destination for travelers for more than 7000 years. Since then it has always been well known that what marks us most is not just our monuments (and they are many ;), not our weather, not our heritage that was nurtured by various cultures but our hospitality and our love to people from all around the globe fueled by our willingness to offer help for every friend and guest & consider it as a plain labor of love. As medical Students from Egypt we are keen on doing our best to show our colleagues from all around IFMSA that aspect of the Egyptian personality.
During your clerkship with IFMSA-Egypt you’ll experience medicine through a different scope that involves African tropical diseases, Egyptian characteristic Hepatitis C and Belharziazis as well as other well known cases around the world. We have almost all departments of medicine available all the yearlong where professors and tutors are very well qualified, experienced and you’d really enjoy the chance of getting to join major operations and practice some procedures on real patients with obvious signs and symptoms.
Besides our scientific program we offer a very interesting social program that takes you in a tour all around Egypt where you can experience a glimpse of the desert, springs and Safari in Siwa Oasis, Get to learn more about the history of the ancient Egyptian kings; Ramsis Second and Tout Ankh Amoun in the marvelous Karnak and Hatshbsout temples in Luxor as well as enjoying a colorful view of sea nature surrounded by fish and coral reaves in Sinai where all waves, fish and colors of the red sea gather in one spot. All besides getting to ride camels near the pyramids and the sphinx, enjoying the Islamic culture in Cairo and the Greco Roman culture in Alexandria.
We’ve been doing exchanges for more than 40 years now, we do have the experience, the motivation and more over the friendly atmosphere that you might feel like not going back home after a month of Egyptian lifestyle :).
About IFMSA-Egypt
The International Federation of Medical Students' Associations –Egypt (IFMSA-Egypt) is an independent, non-governmental and non-political federation of medical students' associations in Egypt. IFMSA-Egypt is a full member of the International Federation of Medical Students' Associations (IFMSA) which represents 105 National Member Organizations in 97 Countries with more than 1 million medical students worldwide.
IFMSA – Egypt’s history dates back to 1968 and was known as the Egyptian Medical Students’ Associations (EMSA – Egypt) till 2007. IFMSA – Egypt is run for and by medical students on a non-profit and voluntary basis. We represent all Egyptian Medical students, through 14 Local Committees (LCs) all over Egypt. IFMSA-Egypt’s unique structure, composed of 6 Standing Committees and the Training Support Division, allows all medical students to simply contribute, innovate and have an influence on Global Health.
In IFMSA-Egypt, medical students gather to design and implement various health-related activities and projects. This is made possible through open channels of communication, online forums and partnerships with different governmental bodies, UN agencies, NGOs and other youth groups, both in Egypt and internationally. Our activities aim to address global health concerns and to improve public health in Egypt
Our mission is to offer future Egyptian physicians a comprehensive introduction to public health issues by taking part in the international medical student community to broaden their spectrums and reach their full potential.
If you're interested to learn more about our history, Ups and downs and our Alumni contributions check out the Chronicles of IFMSA-Egypt
Our medical education
There are 16 Medical Faculties in Egypt,, 12 of which are active SCOPE members,,, Medical Studies in Egypt include 7: 3 years of Pre-Clinical Studies,, 3 years of Clinical Studies,, plus one year of internship before graduating with a degree in Medicine There has been a lot of improvements in the Medical education systme in Egypt during the past years and the improvements are yet to be done,,,
Cultural differences
Egyptian culture has six thousand years of recorded history. Ancient Egypt was among the earliest civilizations and for millennia, Egypt maintained a strikingly complex and stable culture that influenced later cultures of Europe, the Middle East and other African countries. After the Pharaonic era, Egypt itself came under the influence of Hellenism, Christianity, and Islamic culture. Today, many aspects of Egypt's ancient culture exist in interaction with newer elements, including the influence of modern Western culture, itself with roots in ancient Egypt.
Egypt's capital city, Cairo, is Africa's largest city and has been renowned for centuries as a center of learning, culture and commerce. Egypt has the highest number of Nobel Laureates in Africa and the Arab World. Some Egyptian born politicians were or are currently at the helm of major international organizations like Boutros Boutros-Ghali of the United Nations, Mohamed ElBaradei of the IAEA and Mahmoud Mohieldin in the World Bank Group.
Egypt is an Arab country. The Egyptian society as most of oriental societies is conservative and has its own life style, discipline, and restrictions that one should respect. Being a conservative society does not mean that you’ll not have fun. On the contrary, you will enjoy but in a different and unique way.
Egypt having been occupied by British and French people in the past, gave it an open window through which it always watched and interacted with the outer world. Besides that, it has a special Islamic charming atmosphere that makes a great combination of Eastern and Western styles. You can get in close contact with the Egyptian culture by talking with a simple man in the street. In addition, many modern museums & cultural centers offer seminars, concerts & discussion gatherings expressing the Egyptian society interaction to different life events.
Egyptians are generally very welcoming to their guests, Smiling almost all the time. You may never get enough of people telling you the word "Welcome to Egypt!!) in almost all the languages you may know :). Extremism and terrorism is nothing of the Egyptian Culture in general. However, Few sad sporadic cases used to happen from time to time which is a risk almost the whole world is living in. You may be advised not to go to Egypt after hearing about some recent attacks. However, We'd like to tell you that our incomings are always secured by the National Security department of the Ministry of Interior. They back us up in case of any emergency. Yet they never disturb us or ruin the fun we're having.
Well, some of you may be warned by your friends before you come, that you will be wearing scarves on your head all the time…well this is not true, Egypt in general maintains a large number of foreigners from all around the globe, the Egyptian families are more conservative than you might see in Europe, never the less the society accepts all the beliefs and traditions.
You will be accompanied by contact persons all the time, so feel free to wear whatever you want, that’s for the clothes, but on the other hand there are some actions may not be allowed to be done in public like drinking in the streets or showing intimate actions with your boy/girl friend…the contact person will be more than welcome to explain everything for you
Religions: Muslims (Sunni) 94% and Coptic Christians (Orthodox) 5.9%
Football Mania in Egypt
In Egypt, there is nothing more interesting to the vast majority of the population than Football & following the national league & the games of the national football team. It is an activity that unites all Egyptians of different backgrounds & ages.
The National Egyptian football national team is the only team in the world to win a confederation cup for three successive times, and making a record of winning seven confederation cups, breaking into the top ten by FIFA rankings early this year. Also it is the only African team to win against Italy and the only team to score three goals in Brazil team in one match.
If you are lucky enough to come to Egypt during the time of an important tournament or cup; you will be overwhelmed by the incredible celebrations that take place. People go celebrating, dancing on the streets after every important match.
Shopping
Shopping in Egypt is one of the most interesting activities for foreigners (needless to say; specially girls :) ).
Generally, shops open from 11 am – 12 midnight .. The best place to shop is Downtown. You’ll find a lot of shops & malls allover Cairo. You can have a leather purse or shoe for 150-200 EGP. Clothes are very modern and cheap also. You can take a lot of souvenirs back home. Simple nice ones may cost you about 15 pounds (2 Euros) for a piece.
Currency & Prices
The Egyptian pound EGP is divided into 100 piasters with denominations identified both in English and Arabic. Currency can be exchanged at the airport, exchange offices & banks. Major credit cards are accepted in most hotels but infrequently in shops. Traveler’s checks are a good idea.
Bank notes are issued in the following denominations:
- Pounds: 200, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1
- Piastres: 50, 25, 10 and 5
The exchange rate to U.S. Dollar is averaged 5.5 EGP and to European euro about 7.25 EGP. Local banks deal with foreign currency and travelers
checks.
Accommodation & Boarding
Regarding accomodation during your clerkship here, we have hostels or flats for accomodation ,
full bording is provided here (2-3 meals per day) free of charge (or pocket money )
Social program
When we think about Egypt, camels, pyramids, and mummies often come to mind! That's not surprising since much of what we know about ancient Egypt comes from the tombs of Egyptians and the objects found buried with them.
most people who think of Egypt think of antiquities, but Egypt offers much more. Certainly it is a prime location to see our great heritage from the ancient world,including Pyramids and wonderful temples, but it is also part of the Holy Land, and tours to Christian and other religious monuments are popular. Yet Egypt also offers nature and desert treks, great scuba diving and even golf, fishing and birding expeditions. One may choose to relax on the wondrous Egypt Red Sea or Sinai coasts, take in the high culture of Cairo, or even leisurely float down the Egyptian Nile on a luxurious river boat.
Our National Weekend
The pleasure of having medical students from all over the world meet in one place has been the peak of 2009 summer’s joy! All the IFMSA exchange students in Egypt had the chance to meet beneath the burning sun of Siwa oasis in the western desert. All of us in the exchange team had an experience of a lifetime organizing and enjoying this unprecedented event.
Over four days, over 150 students visited an overwhelming Pharaonic region with magnificent tombs, hills, caves, and spent a night in the desert, right under full moonlight & thousands of shooting stars that directed our heads smoothly, leaving behind all the agony. Food and sleep were things we almost forgot about. The fitting bed of sand left the wilderness preciously cozy. Amongst the breath-taking scene of the rising sun, rays of light came out of the angles between the palm trees. Hot and cold springs have been the refreshment of the desert heat.
In 2010 it was time to repeat the major success in another wonderful spot of Egypt "Sinai" where the same number of students gathered on the Red Sea enjoying diving, snorkeling among one of biggest collection of fish species all over the world. The joy of having the safari and the overnight dancing and singing around bedwins is a must try experience.
In July 2011 it was done successfully again Siwa the where it all had begun.
Local & National transportation
The Egyptian railway system is by far the oldest railway network in Africa and the Middle East. The first line between Alexandria and Kafer Eassa was opened in 1854. Today, the system is about 5,063 km long and is operated by the Egyptian National Railways. ENR carries about 500 million passengers and 12 million tonnes of freight annually.
Egypt has numerous International and domestic Airports, The main Airport is Cairo International Airport,, It is one of the largest Airports in Africa and the Middle East and serves flights for most Airlines including Egypt's Egypt Air,, Other main Airports are: Alexandira, Assuit, Aswan, Hurghada, Luxor and Sharm El-Shikh.
The road network has expanded rapidly to over 21,000 miles, covering the Nile Valley and Nile Delta, Mediterranean and Red Sea coasts, the Sinai, and the Western oases.
Weather
Being located on the Nile river,red sea & mediterranean has reallly a charming weather;It is a kind of moderate either in Summer or Winter. As the temperature may ranges from 9.3 to 32.9(celsius)/46.94 to 91.22(fahrenheit).. And about rainfall,it varies from 0.0 to 33.0(mm/month)
Social life
Egyptian are social people by nature,, You will feel this whenever you walk in any street in Egypt and people will start offering help and getting to know you,, Egypt is an Eastern, Arabic, Muslim country and though you may find some difference between your and Egyptian Culture but still we appreciate and embrace everybody
Exchange conditions
If there is any point that is unclear please dont hesitate to contact us neo@ifmsa-eg.org
Feedback
For Feedback concerning this Wikipage or the Exchange Program please contact:
Amir Hamdi National Exchange Officer-Outgoing (NEO-Out)
Cell : 002 0111 1344707
Email: neo-Out@ifmsa-eg.org
Karim Salah El-Din National Exchange Officer-Incoming (NEO-In)
Cell :002 010 64081807
Email: neo-in@ifmsa-eg.org
