Security and Education in Egypt

We went through multiple security checks(about every 20-30 miles) throughout our time in Egypt. Each one had multiple armed security guards. Being on a tour bus with a native driver, guide and our own armed security made passing through these checkpoints effortless. Traffic usually gives buses right of way, but it was not uncommon to look out the window and see our bus within an inch or two of vehicles on either side.

Education in Egypt is free. Children go to elementary school for 6 years. Middle school is for 3 years, and boys and girls are divided into different schools at this time. They must take 1 foreign language – English, French or German in Middle School. If they receive a high mark on their provincial test at the end of middle school they go on to high school, where boys and girls are once again together. In high school they must take a second foreign language and Italian and Spanish are added to their options. In their 2nd year of high school, they must choose between a math and science or literature track. In their 3rd year they take an exam every day for one month. These exams are collected and scored. Those who do well can continue on to the university for free. Those with lower marks may be accepted in the university but can only become lawyers, which means they often become taxi drivers because lawyers are not needed in Egypt due to their tribal mentality.
Sixty percent university students are girls since the men are expected to work to support the family dynasty. Most doctors, pharmacists and ambassadors are women.

All men have to do army service. Those who only complete high school serve for 3 years; those who complete their university degree only serve 1 year. Doctors do not do army service, but must do 1-3 years of civil service after they are trained. This keeps the cost of medical services (which are provided for free) down. Egypt pays 100% of medical care, but sometimes need to wait 9-12 months for it. So some opt to pay for private care.