Personal Growth + Beautiful Sights Past Review
By Rose Sisco (University of Richmond) - abroad from 01/15/2017 to 05/13/2017 with
AMIDEAST Rabat - Area & Arabic Language Studies
This experience was very much worthwhile for me. Studying in Morocco had its challenges, but by the end of the semester, I felt like I had found a new home for myself. I met some amazing people, who I know I will keep in touch with for the rest of my life because they became a part of my family. I learned to be more independent, confident, and flexible. I learned a great deal about how I understand my faith. I learned how to bargain and navigate narrow and busy medina streets. My Arabic language skills improved a great deal as I am now comfortable speaking and using what I have learned in class. I am looking forward to my next opportunity to spend time in Morocco with my new family!
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I had some issues with my first host family, but my second host family was absolutely amazing. They made me feel like I was truly part of the family and they exposed me to lots of interesting and unique aspects of Moroccan culture. |
| * Food: |
My host family were great cooks! Moroccan food is super tasty and I miss it. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I did not face any major health care issues. I had a bad cold, but it was very easy to receive effective medication at the pharmacy. The program staff was very helpful in directing students to doctors, medicine, and facilitating the refund process. No vaccines specifically needed for this program. |
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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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 60 |
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? | 301 |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? |
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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| 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? |
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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? | You don't have to dress as conservatively as you might expect. |
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! |
