Great and Organized Educational Experience Past Review

By (International Studies, College of the Holy Cross) - abroad from 08/21/2015 to 12/18/2015 with

AMIDEAST Rabat - Area & Arabic Language Studies

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about the Moroccan culture as well as what makes Morocco unique in the Arab World. For anyone looking to live in a very diverse Arab country, this is an incredibly worthwhile experience.

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.

The Arabic classes were great and intensive. Cultural dialogues and excursions were organized and educational. Content classes were mostly very good with the exception of Amazigh History.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The Amideast administration is always available and open-minded.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Almost all students thoroughly enjoyed their home-stay experiences. Definitely one of the most educational components.

* 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)

Morocco is very cheap. It is very easy to eat a meal for less than $3 or $4.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 60
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Eat at Zumba (minute walk from Amideast)! Great food for less than $3.

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? Advanced Arabic
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Practice with your host family as much as you can.

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?
  • Arabic Classes
  • Cultural Dialogues
  • Excursions (especially Zawaya AHansal)
* What could be improved?
  • Amazigh History
  • Language Partner Proram
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Learn some basic French so you can read menus in Morocco- they are all in French!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Directed Studies in Arabic

Course Department: Arabic
Instructor: Mohammed Chekayri
Instruction Language: Arabic
Comments: Best Arabic course of my life!
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Islamism and Islamic Reform

Course Department: Religious Studies
Instructor: Mohsine Al Ahmadi
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Great readings and class discussions.
Credit Transfer Issues: