Dr. Raghda El Essawi is an associate professor of Applied Linguistics in the American University in Cairo, where she specializes in foreign language teaching and teacher training with a focus on teaching Arabic. With a Ph.D. from Al Azhar University (2001) and an MA from American University in Cairo, Dr. El Essawi brings over 25 years of teaching and research in the field of teaching Arabic to her role.

As a professor of Applied Linguistics at the American University in Cairo, Dr. El Essawi has taught courses on second language acquisition, methods of teaching a foreign language with focus on teaching Arabic, challenges facing Arabic teachers and material developers, as well as enhancing intercultural skills. Her research interests include best means of enhancing teacher skills, applying translanguaging teaching strategies in Arabic language teaching especially to heritage learners, developing and evaluating teaching textbooks and teaching material, and applying intercultural pedagogical frameworks in AFL classes.

Dr. El Essawi has published articles and book chapters on several topics related to foreign language teaching. She has also authored a book on teaching the skill of Arabic writing to foreign learners. She is also actively involved in activities related to teacher training and mentoring to-be-teachers as well as supporting graduate students research in field of AFL teaching.