Amid such societal transitions, the scientific contributions of the ancient Egyptians cannot be overlooked. Mathematics had its beginnings, perhaps fifty centuries ago, in the civilizations of the Middle East. Few of the ancients left a more impressive record than the Egyptians. Their massive pyramids were great cultural and engineering achievements as well as masterpieces of mathematical sophistication. Much of the course time is spent in Cairo, North Africa's largest city and the cultural and scientific hub of the Middle East.
Students visit many monuments, museums, and archaeological sites.
History is traced through tours of the Pyramids and Sphinx, the Cairo Museum, the Papyrus Institute, Coptic Orthodox Christian churches, and the Citadel and Islamic mosques. Students develop a good understanding of contemporary Egypt through visits to educational, medical, political, and religious institutions. Meetings at the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cairo University contribute to student appreciation of Egypt's rich history and current challenges. A closer look at the Egyptian lifestyle is achieved through home visits with Egyptian families and a trip to the Ibrahim family orange grove. Ibrahim's personal contacts are unmatched in enhancing the overall student experience.