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[eddean]

American University in Cairo is searching for a provost. Anyone have any experience with the University or living in Cairo?

[zafir]

I've spent  time in Cairo, can you be more specific about what you would like to know?

[abu_fletcher]

If you go to the AUC website you can download their information packet for new faculty.  This is incredibly detailed and paints a full picture of the charms and hassles of working and living in Cairo. 

[abu_fletcher]

Here's a link:

http://72.14.235.104/u/aucweb?q=cache:8-EpcMckeAUJ:www.aucegypt.edu/downloads/facultyhbook.pdf+faculty+handbook&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=1&ie=UTF-8

[wannabeprof]

I've lived in Cairo and had many friends who lived in Cairo.  It's not for the faint of heart, but can be great fun.  Many people agree that your academic productivity is something you'll need to work hard(er) for -- although the AUC libraries are fine/good, the environment in Cairo is not conducive to getting work done easily (sometimes it can seem like running simple errands is a huge challenge, and Egyptians often have a very laid back attitude towards time that can start to bother someone used to controlling one's time very tightly).  The students are wealthy Egyptians who largely speak English fluently or foreigners on study-abroad -- not that different from an average school in the states in terms of composition.

Pay attention to the fact that AUC is on the brink of unveiling a new campus.  Their campus used to be centrally located in the heart of downtown Cairo, but the new campus is quite a distance away.  This may be good for the job, but it's mixed in terms of the lifestyle impact.

Also, if you have a family or kids, that will have a huge impact on where you'll be able to live (there are great schools for expats).