Amazing Way to Spend a Semester! Past Review

By (Political Studies, Bard College) - abroad from 08/21/2015 to 12/19/2015 with

AMIDEAST Rabat - Area & Arabic Language Studies

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a ton about Moroccan culture as well as things like Islamic Feminism which was VERY interesting.

Review Photos

AMIDEAST Rabat - Area & Arabic Language Studies Photo AMIDEAST Rabat - Area & Arabic Language Studies Photo

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.

Classes were a bit easier than at my home institution in terms of grading, but I definitely learned things I would not have in the US.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I loved my home stay family! They were so kind and welcoming!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The program worked hard to introduce us to other Moroccans and various aspects of the culture.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I felt safe throughout the experience. Harassment by men certainly exists and can be frustrating but it did not take away from my overall experience.

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)

Food is very inexpensive in Morocco. You can easily get a good lunch for $4.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $40

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? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Arabic 102
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? Talk to your family only in the target language at home because that is the best way to get better!

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 other people on the program
  • My host family
  • Excursions with the program
* What could be improved?
  • Level of difficulty of classes
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew that many many people in Morocco speak French. If you can, review some French before you go.

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!