Studying abroad, how exciting! All three countries are fab (do they have an english-taught university in the Dominican Rep?) but I would second Aya. Egypt will probably provide a more meatier and contrasting experience for you. Australia, although undoubtedly fab, is a a little too similar to the states.

Hope everything is well with you!

T-care,

Firefly

Thank you so much for the advise and I agree Egypt is truly a unique place. I’m still weighing my options…just so you know, I have no intention of going to DR; I thought I’d just joke about it I’m praying every piece falls into the right place so I don’t have to make a wrong decision in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

FOC,

Since my trip is for studying, it would not be a good idea for me to go to a “holiday” destination like Australia but then again, one of my requirement is that I have to study my courses in English (Cairo has American University) so I may end up going to Australia if my university doesn’t have an exchange program with schools in the Middle East.

However, I guess you should weigh your choices, do prefer to be in a culturally rich country or do you just want to have fun?

How very cool that you’ve watched The Yacoubian Building! I just watched it last week and found that it exposed the corrupt and heavy handed practices of the police and secret service. As someone who’s been to Egypt several times, I can confirm the noise pollution. I always have ringing in the ears for weeks when I come back.

Let me tell you this, though: there is nothing and nowhere like Egypt. You have to go at least once. The sights, sounds, people, places, history, culture. Forget Australia and Dominican republic. Go to Cairo and sit at the cafe that Alex Haley used to sit and mingle with a few of the delightful 18 million living in that city.