Challenging but rewarding. Past Review
By Christina T (Psychology, Counseling, CUNY - Macaulay Honors College) - abroad from 06/13/2015 to 07/11/2015 with
AMIDEAST: Rabat - Summer Intensive Arabic
The program was definitely worthwhile. In a general sense, I feel more exposed to the issues surrounding North Africa, Morocco, and the Muslim world. But on a personal level, the program pushed me academically and physically. The culture shock was a little intense at times, but it was surprising how quickly I adapted. I used a bucket to shower, which was not necessarily common for Moroccans, but was what my host family used. In the end, it was my professors, my host family, and even shop owners who bartered with me, who made the biggest impression on me. Almost everyone I met was friendly and curious, and its not uncommon to strike a conversation with a stranger.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The intensive program was just that: very intensive, requiring a few hours of homework on top of classwork each day. At times the work grew a little overwhelming, but I felt the homework was helpful when done thoroughly. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Everyone I met at the Amideast building in Rabat was nothing but helpful and supportive of the students studying there. The head administrator listened to every concern and issue, and frequently gave advice about Rabat and the rest of Morocco when we wanted to travel. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
It was difficult living with a host family who spoke very little English, but as time went on, it grew easier. My only issue with the host family situation was not being able to communicate with my host mom because of my beginner level in Arabic and Darija. Using body language only went so far. Regardless, they were very kind and accommodating and made me feel very welcome. |
| * Food: |
Moroccan food prepared by the host family was delicious. Pick restaurants carefully. I went to Morocco during Ramadan and chose not to fast, making food selection during the day very difficult. The only things nearby that were open during the day near the school building were McDonalds, Pizza Hut, and a restaurant serving Spanish food. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I needed to make an effort to speak Darija, the local Moroccan/Arabic dialect, but when i did I did feel very integrated with the local culture. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I had a bad case of food poisoning resulting in a high fever during my finals week. My professors were understanding about me missing class and did not rush my final, and the director called me a doctor. |
| * Safety: |
My wallet was stolen on the tram during rush hour my first day of school, but that was about the only incident I experienced during my entire stay. It's a big city so caution is needed just as its needed in any other big city. Otherwise, I felt safe. |
| 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) |
I spent approximately $30 a week on food and transportation, and about $150 on each weekend excursion I chose to go on. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Carpool with those who live nearby to save on cab fairs. |
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? | None |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Beginner |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | None. |
| 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? | Ask your host family for help! |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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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? | A significant amount of time will be spent with other Americans in class. |
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! |
