Egypt: Walking-with Public Art – EDCP 407 / EDCP 585 (3 credits)

This course is the second in a series of “Walking-with Public Art” field studies. Students will explore arts-based inquiry in Egypt through photography, life writing, and collaborative practice.

Learning in Egypt offers a unique opportunity to work with light at this latitude, exploring photography as an art form, a method of research, and a tool for understanding cultural and personal identity. Students will connect these artistic practices with questions about academic tourism and the role of art in education.

The course engages with transformative encounters at ancient sites, guided by Tim Ingold’s theory of lines (knotting, weathering, humaning). Students will form collaborative teams to lead think-tank discussions, experiment with arts-based methods, and document their experiences in journals. The program concludes with a team research paper and an optional photographic exhibition curated on campus.

General Global Seminar requirements

• Be in good-standing in their faculty (as defined by home faculty)
• In the year leading up to the Global Seminar, have full-time student status (as defined by home faculty)
• Have completed 2nd year requirements before the start of the program (i.e., 3rd or 4th year standing)
• Have at least a 70% academic average in your last full-time academic session before applying
• Maintain a 70% academic average leading up to the program
• Meet any program specific requirements listed below including pre-requisites before participating

Program-specific requirements

• Open to undergraduate and graduate students, especially in Education and related fields.
• Students should have an interest in arts-based research, art education, or interdisciplinary approaches to art and culture.
• Selection may include an interview with the faculty lead.

Final selection will be made by the faculty program director. Space in the program may be limited.

Pre-departure

Students will attend a pre-departure orientation led by the faculty director and research assistant. This session will review travel logistics, safety, and expectations for professional conduct. Pre-readings on arts-based educational research and public art will also be provided.

In-country dates

The in-country portion of the program will run from May 6 to May 19, 2026.

Post-travel

Students will complete a final team research paper after returning to Vancouver. An optional photographic exhibition will be curated on campus to share student work publicly.

Field activities

Activities include photography workshops, team-led think tanks, and guided tours of major cultural sites in Cairo and along the Nile River. Students will also visit Abu Simbel, Luxor, and Aswan.

Learning environment

Daily sessions will combine lectures, group discussions, and fieldwork. A professional guide with expertise in storytelling and history will accompany the group.

Exhibition

Students may participate in an optional art exhibition on campus after returning, where they will learn how to curate, install, and present their work publicly.

Climate

Students should be prepared for hot and dry weather conditions while working outdoors and visiting archaeological sites.

Physical activity

The itinerary includes extended walking at heritage sites, stairs, and uneven terrain, as well as embarking and disembarking boats.

Team environment

Students will be expected to participate fully in team-based discussions, activities, and a buddy system for safety.

Approximate program fees: $6750-7250*

The final fee depends on the number of students enrolled and program length. All Global Seminars only run if a minimum number of students participate.

Go Global Award

All eligible students in this Global Seminar will automatically receive a $1,000 Go Global Award. No separate application is required.

Global Pathfinder Award

The Global Pathfinder Award supports students who face barriers to participating in study abroad. It provides $2,000 for Summer Abroad, Global Seminar, or Research Abroad programs. Students successful in their Pathfinder application will receive this award instead of the $1000 Go Global Award. The awards do not stack. Learn more.

Go Global Sustainability Award

Students who demonstrate a plan for sustainable travel, an interest in climate action, and engagement with UBC’s sustainability initiatives may be eligible for a $1,000 Sustainability Award. This award is offered in addition to the Go Global Award. Learn more.

All travel and program activities involve risk of harm to participants. Go Global and Seminar program leads take reasonable precautions to reduce risks. However, not all harms can be anticipated or prevented. 

While travelling on UBC programs, students have a responsibility for their own safety and the safety of the group.

Some common issues for travellers include:

• Illness and injuries (e.g. respiratory illnesses, flu, food poisoning, sprained ankles, etc.)
• Fatigue and heat exhaustion
• Violence like robbery, or gender- and race-based harassment or attacks, especially in urban areas
• Traffic accidents
• Lost documents (passports, credit cards, etc.)

Before Applying:

• Get to know the places you will be travelling by using available resources like Global Affairs Canada travel reports.
• Consider your own mental and physical health alongside what you know about the conditions during the program (e.g. how physical is the program? What are the living conditions? What can I do to prepare myself?)

Before departure:  

• Participate in all pre-departure activities offered by Go Global and your program teaching team to learn about the program and ways to prevent and respond to incidents.
• Ensure you have adequate travel medical insurance that will cover you in the location and for the duration of your trip.
• Be aware of how to use your travel medical insurance, if you need it, and where to access medical care or other emergency assistance in the locations where you will be travelling. 

During the program: 

• If you don’t feel safe, say something! Let your program leads know how you feel, or about incidents that occur. Don’t hesitate to contact Go Global during your program.
• Know your own needs: be aware of your own mental and physical health and your limits. Communicate with your program lead and group about making adjustments, as needed. 

Public health: COVID-19 and other diseases

Students and faculty are required to comply with the entry requirements of the host country, regulations of transportation carriers, and any local public health orders. These rules might require vaccinations (e.g. for COVID-19, yellow fever, etc.) to enter the country or to participate in certain program activities. Some places may require masking, testing or isolation in various circumstances. It is your responsibility to research and comply with any requirements.

COVID-19 and other infections can spread easily in a group setting. Most programs involve shared accommodations. Unless required by local public health authorities, isolation for those infected during the program may not be possible. 
 
Review local requirements before applying and before departure. Check the Global Affairs Canada Advisory under Entry Requirements for your Global Seminar destination to learn more. Keep in mind that program conditions can vary and rules can change before or during your trip.