Katherine L.: Four Fantastic Months in Morocco Past Review

By (International Relations, Brown University) - abroad from 08/23/2014 to 12/20/2014 with

AMIDEAST Rabat - Area & Arabic Language Studies

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My experience abroad in Morocco was absolutely worthwhile. I learned so much about myself and my interests, as well as about the world I live in. Morocco was a fantastic place to be a student, and my language skills improved significantly.

Review Photos

AMIDEAST: Rabat - Area & Arabic Language Studies Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Well-organized administration. Fantastic support and availability for indivudal meetings.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I had a fantastic host family experience, and AMIDEAST was very clear with students about housing and host family expectations and contracts for both students and the host families.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 4th semester of Arabic
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Talk with your host family! Get out and barter in the markets / talk to shopkeepers, taxi drivers, restaurant owners -- everyone is friendly and happy to hear you're learning Arabic

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Program Administration
  • Host Families
  • Program Excursions
* What could be improved?
  • Academic Structure
  • Classroom / Study Space
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had been informed about the host family I was living with before I had arrived in the country. I ended up loving the family I was placed with but I think it would have made me feel more prepared / mentally ready had the program told us beforehand.