Tiffany Tupper

Tiffany Tupper spent the summer of 2009 focusing on the Heinz programming area of arts and culture during her studies at the American University in Cairo in Cairo, Egypt.  As a student of the politics, history, and religion of the Middle East, Tiffany was able to gain more insight into the culture of the region through in-depth study of Arabic and a class on Arab societal structure.  By studying at a university populated by primarily Egyptian students, she found that she was able to gain practical experience in and out of the classroom that helped her better grasp the various facets of Arab culture.  With the assistance of her Egyptian friends, professors, and colleagues, she was able to practice her language skills with native speakers, be introduced to local customs, cuisines, and values, and to become intimately acquainted with daily life in the Arab world.  Upon returning to the United States, Tiffany has continued to study both Arabic and history and politics of the region.  She looks forward to future trips to the Middle East and beyond.