UC Davis Student Safely Returns Home As Egyptian Protests Escalate
DAVIS (CBS13) - The increased violence in Egypt comes just a day after 10 University of California students studying abroad in Cairo returned home.
One of the eight UC Davis students on that trip says he's upset the peaceful protests turned violent.
"I have zero regrets," said Johnny Goh.
Now back home in Davis, the senior says he's still wrapping his mind around the historical events he witnessed in Egypt.
"I'll get the feeling like 'wow, I was there' like years from now," said Goh.
He was in Egypt for a study abroad program. It was a once in a lifetime trip cut short after just two weeks, when Egypt's military overthrew its leader Mohammed Morsi.
Goh listened to Morsi's speech just before he was forced to step down.
"I don't know a lot of Arabic, but I picked up a few words and then someone told us that he was basically not resigning. He was staying firm," said Goh.
Soon after, Goh and nine other students got word the U.S. Department of State encouraged Americans to return home. However, Goh says he and his friends did not believe threats of violence would erupt. So they made pleas to UC staff to stay.
"The military was backing the protestors. The police were backing the protestors, and everyone was just running around with Egyptian flags," said Goh. "Everyone was happy."
But Goh was wrong. The day after he returned home, news broke about the increase in violence as Morsi supporters rallied in downtown Cairo.
"Really broke my heart, it was really disheartening," said Goh.
In the end, Goh says he's glad to be home and returned with a better understanding of the world.
"I wouldn't change the experience for the world," he said.
Goh says the university has offered students a full refund, or says they may continue the courses they were taking.
The students' professor is still in Egypt.
