'Language Practice and Life in Egyptian Family': HSE University-St Petersburg Student on Her Studies at Alexandria University
Kristina Alied, a student of the Bachelor's programme 'Asian and African Studies', was one of the first participants in the pilot project of academic mobility within the framework of the partnership with Alexandria University (Egypt). At the International Partners' Week 2025, HSE University-St Petersburg signed a Letter of Intent, which provided for the start of exchanges of professors and students with one of the leading universities in the Arab region. Read on to find out about the studies at Alexandria University, the life in an Egyptian family and an international student environment.
— Why did you choose Alexandria University?
— At first, I wanted to find an internship in the Levant countries, but there were no suitable options, so I started looking for a university where I would be able to dive into the Arabic language and culture of the region to the maximum. HSE University-St Petersburg has just signed an agreement with Alexandria University, and I decided to apply for an internship there.
Our Department held a video call with colleagues from Egypt, where I met Dr Mahmoud El-Shehawy, who represented the Teaching Arabic as a Foreign Language Centre. I was truly inspired by his approach to teaching. Then, I realised that I wanted to study with a professional like him.
— How is the study process organised at Alexandria University?
— I joined the Arabic language programme for foreign students. The curriculum was designed for me individually, taking into account my goals and interests. The whole studies and even communication with other students were fully in Arabic.
At first, it wasn't easy. A course on political thought in Islam was my first experience of full lectures in Arabic and working with academic texts of such a level.
The most memorable ones were classes in Arab literature with Dr Mahmoud. During the double classes, we read works by modern authors and looked into the topics of religion, family and society, which are especially significant for understanding Arab culture.
Another course, which impressed me a lot, covered modern problems of the Arab world. We discussed political and social processes in the region, read publications in the media, listened to podcasts and poems, wrote essays and participated in debates. I liked working with the materials which required deep analysis and independent work, and also discussing and defending my position in a foreign language.
— How has your perception of the language changed after immersing in the environment?
— The Arabic language stopped being just a simple course and has turned into a tool for communication. I used it every day: at the university, at home, in the streets, in shops and on transport. Sometimes, when I got tired by the end, I automatically switched to Russian. My interlocutors didn't understand anything but smiled, nodded and repeated the Russian 'yes'.
Talking to students from other countries, we often mixed Arabic and English. At the events of the French Institute and even when reading some materials, I found French proficiency very useful.
— What was your daily life like?
— The Teaching Arabic as a Foreign Language Centre offers foreign students a choice to live in a host family or rent accommodation on their own. I opted for the first and never regretted it.
In the family, they treated me to home-made food and shared a lot about their traditions and Egyptian daily life. I got really close with my Egyptian mum, Madam Sakhar: we spent the Ramadhan together and even attended two weddings in Cairo and Alexandria. In the evenings, we watched films for hours and discussed them until late at night.
The house wasn't equipped with an elevator and intercom. The apartment was on the eighth floor, so I took deliveries through the window. I used the rope to lower a bucket with money down; a delivery guy put the food and change in it, and I lifted it back up. At some point, I felt like a real Rapunzel from the Alexandria Tower.
— How did the communication with international students go?
— Before the trip, I was worried that I would be alone. Though my study group included just two people, I managed to make friends with lots of students from Denmark, China, Norway, the USA and other countries.
During the internship, I even managed to celebrate a triple birthday—mine and two other university friends'. We gathered almost all international students and organised a celebration on a motor boat. One of the birthday celebrators even baked a cake!
— What impressed you the most in Alexandria?
— I travelled a lot. Together with my groupmates, we managed to visit the Saqqara pyramids, go through the Garbage City by tuk-tuk, visit the Church of Saint Simon the Tanner and climb the Cairo Tower. On vacation, I managed to relax on the Red Sea in Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh.
Life in Alexandria itself is very eventful. To everyone who is planning to go there, I recommend visiting:
El-Nabi Daniel Street—there are bookshops with rare editions, and next to them are cultural spaces and the French Institute, which regularly hosts exhibitions, lectures and concerts.
Mirissa EG is a cosy cafe in the Kafr Abdu district with good coffee and smoothie bowls. It's a great place to work or rest after classes. Nearby, there are a small park and a creative space 'Clayton Art House'.
Foad Street is one of the oldest streets in Alexandria. I liked roaming around it: looking at buildings, going to small cafes and finding new favourite places.
— What advice would you give to future participants in the academic mobility?
— Any new country will seem unusual at first: another culture, another language, another rhythm. The most important thing is not to be afraid and not to build big expectations. I recommend thinking through daily nuances in advance: for example, save some space in your suitcase for souvenirs.
Another important piece of advice is about classes. You must make up your curriculum before the trip, so that you can fully focus on the process after arrival and not get distracted by organisational issues.
