Tanisha Agrawal

Contact

taani@sas.upenn.edu

Ask Me About…

• Visiting a developing nation for the first time
• Learning the language and how to practice it
• Experiencing a major festival you don’t celebrate (such as Ramadan)
• Exploring outside the itinerary
• Traveling with a highly diverse group to a country where catcalling can be expected

My Experience Abroad

Our experience in Cairo deeply connected with our academic and professional goals as students of International Relations and History. Seeing concepts from our coursework come to life—such as the wealth gap described in Connected in Cairo—made abstract discussions more tangible. For example, the stark contrast in the types of cars people owned was a visible reflection of economic disparity, reinforcing themes from the book.

Meeting students from Ain Shams University was another highlight. Our conversations about education, architecture, and daily life provided an invaluable cross-cultural exchange. Comparing academic systems and social norms gave us a new perspective on global education, and we even exchanged social media to stay in touch.

Finally, our conversations in Cairo, particularly about Egypt’s role in Middle Eastern peace, refined our approach to writing. Discussing the refugee issue with locals revealed the complexities of balancing humanitarian concerns with national stability. This experience emphasized the importance of empathetic storytelling—ensuring that differing viewpoints are conveyed with nuance rather than judgment.

My future goal is to be a negotiator for wars, and Egypt has played a key role in diplomacy. It was inspiring to see that firsthand and to hear public opinion on the Camp David Accords, one of the most important peace agreements in history.

Other Highlights

• Religious Harmony in Cairo: On our first day, we visited the Hanging Church, a key site of the Coptic Orthodox Church. Walking toward the Ben Ezra Synagogue—rumored to be located where baby Moses was found—we experienced a powerful moment as the adaan (call to prayer) began. Standing at the intersection of three religions, we were deeply reminded of Cairo’s rich and enduring interfaith legacy.
• Exploring Al Muizz Street: We spent a lot of time wandering this bustling bazaar filled with endless shops and winding alleys. Initially intimidating, the vibrant market soon became a space for building confidence. Learning the art of negotiation and bargaining with local vendors turned the experience into an engaging and transformative adventure.
• Ramadan Iftar Celebrations: Experiencing Iftar during Ramadan in Egypt was truly special. We witnessed the community come together as locals generously shared free food to break their fasts. The collective spirit of giving and celebration added an emotional depth to our journey.
• Late-Night Suhoor Festivities: We also enjoyed Suhoor, the pre-dawn meal. These lively gatherings, complete with dancing, food, and music, offered us an authentic taste of local culture and community bonding during the holy month.