Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Moroccan Roll Past Review

By (George Washington University) - abroad from 08/23/2013 to 12/15/2013 with

AMIDEAST Rabat - Area & Arabic Language Studies

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
While it may seem obvious that other places will have cultural differences, it can be difficult to realize the full extent of these differences until you are actually in that place. For anyone studying international affairs or the middle east I believe that it is essential to study abroad extensively.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The courses were significantly less rigorous than those of my home institution, with the exception of the language classes, which we're as intense as my Arabic classes in the US.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Most logistical issues were handled well. One of the highlights was on of the administrators, Doha who planed people's fall break excursions.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My host family was hospitable and generous. If I ever return to morocco I plan on visiting them.

* Food:

My host mother was an exceptional cook and the restaurants around amideast were affordable and delicious as well.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt like I had a good grasp of Moroccan culture and social life by the programs end, but I did not make enough Moroccan friends to feel truly integrated. If I did the program again I would make a stronger effort to integrate.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I never encountered any health or safety issues.

* Safety:

I never encountered any health or safety issues.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 70-80
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Most products are very cheap due to the exchange rate, the real problem is making sure you get a quality product and not something that breaks easily. It may be helpful to pack extra cellphone or laptop chargers to avoid multiple trips to the market.

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? Arabic 202
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? Don't be afraid to use Arabic with the locals, they will understand if you aren't perfect and might even correct something you didn't notice you were doing wrong.

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?
  • The host family
  • The excursions to fez, tangier, and the countryside
  • Wandering around the old city
* What could be improved?
  • The non-arabic classes
  • The language partners
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew how drastically divergent darija is from MSA.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!