The Ropes Course was a bit of a Leap in the Dark but I rocked ahead !!!

     There is no iota of doubt that there are numerous lessons to be learnt from the ropes course, foremost among which is self- confidence. I should be confident that whenever I face a problem or encounter a stumbling block in my way, I should work it out persuading my own self that I can do it and come what may. I must know of nothing called desperation, succumb or surrender; nothing is called impossible. I learnt that I must be more adventurous and push myself into doing things I used to evade. The ropes course envisages that Americans used to install self-confidence, pride, optimism and positive thinking in their offspring since their early infancy. As a result they grow up adopting do-it-alone policy. Each one embarks on shaping his lifestyle. In other words, they, out of belief that their own respective society has no room for laggards, inculcate independence-oriented traits in their children. For them, life is no more than an adventure and so is the ropes course. Their mottos are blossom wherever you are planted; be up to every occasion and do not give up. So no wonder that their culture always calls upon them to enjoy whatever life has to offer.

Culture...such a man-made phenomenon!

        Culture is the cumulative beliefs, customs and attitudes shared by the members of a certain society. It is a criterion and man-made complete way of life that has something to do with civilization, yet it is open to change and promotion. It this sense, culture in its broader meaning encompasses all such cultural things as food, clothing, language, religion, arts, holidays and festivals, societal matters, architecture and more. Though there is a common denominator shared by almost, if not all, cultures, each culture in itself is sui generis.

Looking on the bright side!

       When it comes to differences between the academic life in Egypt and in the USA, one can mention an endless list. We can say that differences are the rule whereas similarities are the exception. Actually, there are multiple contrasts, foremost among which are the differences in education. American students have the freedom to choose their majors, classes and even instructors. Universities here utilize a credit–hour system while providing the best facilities and professors, not to mention the use of the cutting-edge technology. Gone is the time when instructors depend only on blackboards and chalk. To be frank, Egypt is lagged behind when it comes to using advanced technology in education. Ironically, we have computer labs, but they either open during class times only or closed with no reasonable justification. Surprisingly enough, we do not even have intervals between lectures, nor are we required to attend classes. As for co-education, the less said, the better. This is a big failure for the whole world to see. However, this is not the end of the world; we can start a new leave and embark on reforming our decrepit educational system before it becomes too late. All what we need is wise and futuristic plans and we can follow the example of the advanced countries in this regard.

Culture...focus on similarites and setting differences aside.

Each culture has its own distinctive features. Cultures, however, differ from each other due to many factors. Contasts are great in number compared to comonalities which are few and far between. Hence, it is not something strange to find numerous differences between the American culture and the Middile Eastern one; and that of Egypt in particular.