I had the joy of attending Georgia Southern University’s Arabic Coffee Hour on Wednesday afternoon in IAB room 2029, hosted by the Arabic Club at Georgia Southern and the Department of World Languages and Cultures. 

Led by Egyptian speaker and teaching assistant here at Georgia Southern, Mai ElKafouri, we explored the vibrant culture and daily life of Cairo, Egypt, immersing ourselves through Mai’s well-designed presentation, music, and traditional food.

On Wednesday, Oct. 8— ElKafouri, who has lived in Cairo for the past two years after spending much of her early life in various parts of Egypt, details the cultural and historical richness of Cairo, Egypt’s capital. She encourages those attending to look beyond the pyramids and discover the city’s rhythm, hospitality, and its blend of historical and modern life.

“Most…people…know that there is the pyramids in Egypt, and that’s it.” She aims it strongly towards American students, “so they can have this kind of knowledge about the culture and the traditions, and to taste the traditional food.

Served at last week’s coffee hour was Egyptian goulash, a layered meat pastry dish often prepared during Ramadan, the holy period of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community celebrated by Muslims worldwide, and other special occasions such as weddings etc. “It’s my favorite,” ElKafouri remarks when asked about the dish during serving.

While its cultural showcasing purpose is alive and strong, the Coffee Hour also serves as a place for community. Jenna Afifi, an Egyptian American and president of Georgia Southern’s Arabic Club, said leading the organization has been a defining part of her college experience.

“It means a lot to me,” she said. “I would say it’s my main priority outside of academics. The people in the club have become some of my closest friends. It’s a community, so I love that aspect.”

Vice President Nijma Lara echoed that sentiment, explaining that growing up Arab in the South often meant feeling without a place.

“It feels like home. It feels like community…being in a club like this, and seeing people from all walks of life [from] different backgrounds and very diverse ethnic groups all interested in Arabic culture…the language…our music and food, it’s really heartwarming to see and it makes me want to learn more about the world in general.” — Nijma Lara, Vice President

For others, like Daniel, a student preparing to serve in the Middle East, the event had professional as well as personal significance. “I find that when you are able to learn a language, you’re able to understand things…with a deeper meaning. When you connect with people who are from that country, are from that culture, you’re able to see the world in a different light,” he said. 

In an interview, ElKafouri summarizes her thoughts by reflecting on what the Coffee Hour represents for her.

“Coffee hour is…for me, [a] connection and a bridge with other people,” she said. “I miss my home country, of course, and to present my country is something that…I am so proud of. It gives me pride to be a representative of Egypt here.”

I encourage anyone even slightly interested to attend. Arabic coffee hour is held every Wednesday in IAB room 2029 from 4-5pm on the Statesboro campus. Posters can be found on the walls near the Department of World Languages and Cultures and posted to the Arabic club socials:

Instagram:@gsuarabicclub

Facebook:@Arabic Club at Georgia Southern

Email: arabicclub@georgiasouthern.edu