CHEVY CHASE, Maryland (AP) - The family of an American college student killed in Egypt during violent protests says their son was passionate about the Middle East and was in the country teaching English.

Andrew Pochter, of Chevy Chase, Manryland, died on Friday in Alexandria during clashes between government supporters and opponents. His family said in a statement on Saturday that he was stabbed by a protester while observing the demonstrations.

Pochter's family says the 21-year-old spent his spring semester studying in Jordan. He was teaching English to children before a planned return this fall to Kenyon College in Ohio, where he majored in religious studies and co-managed the Hillel House Jewish organisation.

His family says he cared deeply about Middle East culture and "planned to live and work there in the pursuit of peace and understanding."