Alexandra Whittle
SEAS ’28
Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
PGS: Critical Writing Seminar In Global Studies: Cairo As Palimpsest
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As someone with Egyptian ancestry, I have always dreamed of traveling to Egypt and learning more about where my family came from. My grandfather came from Egypt to the U.S. in the 1950s and I have heard countless stories about his journey and determination for a better future for himself and his children. Unfortunately, he passed away before I was born, so I never got to hear about his experiences firsthand. Since the rest of my Egyptian relatives live in Egypt, this part of my identity has been hard to connect with in a meaningful way.
There is so much to learn about my family’s background, but studying Egyptian civilization and visiting Cairo has brought me more answers and clarity. This has allowed me to finally explore Egyptian culture beyond stories and pictures. In fact, I even had the chance to meet some of my Egyptian cousins and celebrate Ramadan together, which was such a special and surreal experience.
By traveling to Cairo and exploring its culture and history, I gained a better understanding of my roots and family heritage. My experience has deepened my understanding of Cairo’s urban and cultural evolution while connecting me with a city that has helped shape my identity, and I am eager to continue learning about different cultures around the world.
My Experience Abroad
As a Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering major interested in energy and sustainability, my education and future endeavors consist of technical labs, research, and long problem sets. Traveling to Egypt with my writing seminar class has brought me humanity and balance as I expand my knowledge of the Middle East, a popular hub for the oil and gas industry. This course was also one of the few opportunities for me to study within Penn’s College of Arts and Sciences, allowing me to approach my education from a humanistic perspective I rarely encounter in engineering.
By studying Cairo’s rapid urban development and learning directly from university students and family members in Egypt, I was able to better understand the broader societal contexts in which engineering solutions are applied. As I move forward in my career, it is especially important to engage with and understand the communities that my work may impact. I am forever grateful to this Penn Global Seminar for providing me with this unmatched opportunity to grow as a student and broaden my educational horizons beyond the classroom.
Other Highlights
One of the most memorable experiences from this PGS was visiting Ain Shams University. We attended a fascinating lecture on architecture and spoke directly to Egyptian students about their university experience. They shared not only their academic perspectives but also food and shopping recommendations that we eagerly followed, enhancing our time in Cairo and giving us an authentic glimpse into local student life.
Another notable highlight was the unexpected closeness I developed with my classmates. The sixteen of us really got to know each other on a personal level away from the chaos of crowded lecture halls. I will never forget the silly word games we played on bus rides and our late-night adventures on the streets of Zamalek. I am incredibly grateful for these lifelong friendships which will continue to enrich my college experience and stay with me long after graduation.
The most rewarding part of my trip was meeting my Egyptian cousins for the first time. They welcomed me into their home with beautiful Eid Mubarak decorations, showing me the vibrance of Ramadan celebrations. We then shared a wonderful iftar meal with incredible dishes like shawarma, falafel, and kafta. They even sent me home with kahk (a delicious dessert) for my family. Spending time with them deepened my understanding of Egyptian traditions and my personal connection to my heritage.
Through engaging conversations with students, thoughtful reflections with classmates, and invaluable memories with my cousins, I gained a unique global perspective and an unforgettable oversight of life in Egypt.
