Excellent Program for Arabic Language Study Past Review
By A student (University of Pennsylvania) - abroad from 08/21/2015 to 12/19/2015 with
AMIDEAST Rabat - Area & Arabic Language Studies
I learned a lot about Moroccan and Arab culture, and gained a greater awareness of global issues and my place in the world. I also improved both Arabic and French language skills.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The Modern Standard Arabic course was fantastic. I also really enjoyed my area studies course taught in French. The Darija (Moroccan Arabic) and English-language area studies courses were just not up to the standard of American universities, but I enjoyed learning from Moroccan professors. If I did it over again, I would fill my schedule entirely with language courses because I think they are the strongest part of the program. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Program support was great, especially compared to what I've heard about other similar programs in the region. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Living with a host family was an essential enriching part of the experience. |
| * Food: |
Traditional Moroccan food is great, but you won't get that every day and you have to be okay with the limited options in terms of variety. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The language partner program and engagement with Moroccans could be improved. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
Very cheap. Expenses depend on how much you want to spend on travel |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| 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? | Intermediate Arabic |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I would have taken Media Arabic and another French course instead of the English-language courses. |
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 LinguistYou 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! |
