Participation and priority are given to students enrolled in graduate programs/studies/professional schools. There are 20 spots available for this trip.

Trip Dates: December 23, 2026 - January 2, 2027. Plan to leave the U.S. on Tuesday, December 22. Arrive in Cairo on Wednesday, December 23, to start our itinerary on December 24, and depart on January 1 at night or on the eve of January 2.

Trip Cost: $550.00

Important Dates:

• August 23, 2026 - Registration opens at 4:00 p.m. EST. The full amount is required at the time of registration. See instructions below. (Starting at 4:30 p.m. EST, undergrad students may register if there are remaining spots.)

Included in the cost: Accommodations throughout our trip, travel within Egypt, meals at host sites, transportation, and expenses/donations for the various services. Our accommodations will be at monasteries and retreat centers owned by the Coptic Orthodox Church. 

Not included in the cost: Airfare, on-arrival Tourist Visa for non-Egyptian nationals, and spending money for snacks and miscellaneous meals

Required Documents Submission

The documents below are required. All must be submitted as instructed. 

• Upload a scanned copy of your passport (must be valid for at least 6 months after the trip return date). Instructions will be sent to you via email. 

• Recommendation email from the Father Confessor stating that the participant is in good standing, spiritually prepared, and maturely prepared to participate in the mission. The email can be sent directly from the Father Confessor to Fr. Jerome at frjerome@suscopts.org. 

Travel Information

Most airlines (except for British Airways and Lufthansa) allow two (2) pieces of checked luggage and one (1) carry-on bag. (NOTE: Basic Economy fares do not include checked luggage allowance.) You will use one piece of the checked luggage allowance for your travel belongings, and the second piece will be dedicated to donations. Pack wisely! Pack an extra set of clothes in your carry-on in case of luggage delays.

If you are not a U.S. Passport holder or an Egyptian Passport holder, you must check the visa requirements for Egypt. (Each traveler is responsible for obtaining his/her visa.) If you desire, you can buy your own travel insurance.

Accommodations 

All participants will be staying at retreat centers and monasteries associated with the Coptic Orthodox Church.

Vaccinations and Health Requirements

Participants should be in good health and comfortable walking for long distances in tropical weather. No vaccinations are required for this trip. Refer to the CDC and U.S. Department of State for the most up-to-date information. 

Dress Code 

Everything we do reflects who we are. Therefore, we are responsible for showing Christ in us to those around us wherever we are. T-shirts with suggestive, crude, or derogatory language or tight blouses will draw negative attention; please do not bring them. Dresses must be modest. No leggings, tight-fitting jeans, tight skirts, tights, yoga pants, or anything similar unless covered by a long, non-sticking shirt. Ladies must wear modest skirts and respectable shirts that cover their shoulders, while men must wear long pants and respectable long-sleeve shirts; no shorts in churches. They will need to be worn when going to visitations, liturgy, or any other service.

Donations: CYM sponsors many events and services during our annual trip. Donations directly and explicitly fund the following services: mobile clinic, educational and spiritual days for children and teens, including meals and gifts; Brethren of Christ home visits (care packages of meat/poultry and non-perishable foods); individual gifts for children at orphanages; fun days for special needs angels (speech/hearing/visual impairment), including meals and gifts.

If you wish to receive the blessing of donating to these services, please donate through HOPE using the link below and select 'College Youth Mission (CYM)' from the drop-down menu. https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/92b3ac29-6eb9-4b0c-8d20-d30fa76e96cd