The Magic of Morocco Past Review
By Kelly C (Global Security/ Religious Studies, University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee) - abroad from 01/15/2012 to 05/15/2012 with
AMIDEAST: Rabat - Regional Studies in French
I learned that people are people wherever you go, but US citizens could really learn a LOT from Moroccans. I've learned that contrary to popular belief, most people are indifferent about Americans. We aren't hated nor loved.
Review Photos
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. |
Well it was ok. I think that the instructors let the students get away with too much, so at times it was hard to learn when the rest of the class was being disruptive. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
They were pretty on top of things. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Probably the best experience ever. |
| * Food: |
What could anyone say bad about Moroccan food? |
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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? |
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| * Safety: |
Like anywhere, you need to just stay aware of where you go. There are certain areas you just need to avoid. It was really safe. My only thought is that women need to probably not walk alone or they may get harassed. Even more important at night. |
| 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) |
It was so inexpensive there, that unless you were eating fast food non stop, it's impossible not to get by. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Haha..on average in a week I probably dropped a hundred a week. And that's a lot but I am a foodie so...hehehe. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Just pace yourself really. Learn to haggle. Not only will it save you money but the locals like it. It's a sort of cultural game that really builds social interactions. |
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 |
You're in Morocco. MOST don't speak English, and then there are only a real few people who speak it well enough for you to get by without speaking Arabic. The people really love it when foreigners learn to speak Arabic and plus, it feels good to get it under your belt. |
| 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? | Modern Standard of 4. |
| 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? | Take advantage of having a host family, and take what you learn in class and put it to use in the street. It is very fulfilling. |
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? | I should have stepped up my level of Modern Standard Arabic. Also, that age does make a difference. |
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 Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
