Arabic & Exploring in Rabat Past Review
By Natalie d (Geography, University of Utah) - abroad from 06/13/2015 to 08/13/2015 with
AMIDEAST: Rabat - Summer Intensive Arabic
My experience abroad was extremely worthwhile. It opened my eyes to so much culture, history, and I was able to see many beautiful places while having meaningful interactions with locals.
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. |
Great, challenging courses. They are intensive and you move through a lot of material quickly, but you learn a lot from very knowledgeable instructors. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Doha, the woman who works with study abroad students, is amazing. She knows everything there is to know about the program as well as the country and is always available to talk. She responds to every concern and even plans trips with us. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I felt safe and secure in my home, it was conveniently located near a tram as well. My only concern is my host family left to their other house right after Ramadan without letting us know. |
| * Food: |
Moroccan food was great, but my host family did not do a great job when it came to food part way through the program as they were always at their other house. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I thought Moroccan culture was great. Most locals are very friendly and talkative, especially when you are a foreigner trying to learn their language. My language partner was a great help as well. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I had no need to visit a doctor while in the host country. |
| * Safety: |
I felt safe in Morocco. Occasionally men will cat call at women, but it is usually okay if you do not acknowledge them and keep walking |
| 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) |
Food was included in the program, so I mostly spent my money on traveling/shopping/transportation. It all depends how you choose to spend your time. Morocco is fairly inexpensive, but if you choose to travel every weekend and shop, it does add up. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | about 30-40 dollars per week on food, and about 100 dollars per weekend trip |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Get a tram pass if you live near a tram, it goes all over Rabat and taxis add up fast. |
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 |
Host family did not speak English, my class encouraged Arabic speaking, and many locals do not speak English |
| 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 1020 |
| 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? | Make flashcards, practice as much out of class as you can, watch the TV, use your language partner |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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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? | All the restaurants are closed during the day for Ramadan |
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.' |
