Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Morocco Is Magical! Past Review

By (Peace Studies and Communication, Chapman University) - abroad from 05/26/2013 to 07/21/2013 with

Boston University: Rabat - Arabic Language & Regional Studies Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned that people in the middle east and North Africa are just as kind and warm as we are. Their idea of a birthday party is to spend all day and all night truly celebrating life. In my internship at the clinic where we tested for HIV/AIDs I learned a wealth of information about Moroccan medicine and the clinicians who practice there. This study abroad program has been the most worthwhile experience in my 19 years.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Intensive language classes in Darija and Modern Standard Arabic. The final was very challenging and one must be motivated to work hard to do well in this program. Enjoyed it all.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

CCCL administrators, staff and faculty were responsive to requests. Great orientation to the country and culture of Morocco ahead of time.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Loved my host family. They welcomed me into their home and taught me even more Arabic than I learned in classes. We cooked together, went to the beach, attended birthday parties and formed life long friendships.

* Food:

Great food in Rabat and the surrounding area. I gained weight from all the goodies and patries.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

As my Arabic skills improved, I became more comfortable but it took some time for this to happen.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

We all had a few stomach issues that got addressed right away. Nothing major and no vaccines needed. A few people got rabies shots ahead of time but most of us did not.

* Safety:

I felt safe in Morocco. The pre- orientation advice by BU and the CCCL addressed safety well. I did not go out alone at night but other than that I did not change anything.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Finances

* 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 found this country easily affordable on a meager students budget.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $30 per week for entertainment. Food was included in our initial payment.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

We were encouraged to socialize with Moroccans in order to enhance our Arabic skills. We used Darija at home most of the time.

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? One year of college Arabic.
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? Watch Arabic movies with English subtitles.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • My gain in Arabic skills was the best part of the program.
  • The host family with whom I was placed and the tour of the Dar Taliba dormitory were the next best component of the program.
  • Assistance by BU and the CCCL staff was outstanding.
* What could be improved?
  • I received a letter just prior to departure that answered all my questions about the program. I wish I had received this letter sooner.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I was stressed about the Service Learning Opportunity and each of us had such positive placements I wish I had known that almost all internships are worthwhile and engaging. The competence of the CCCL staff did not come through strongly ahead of time. Once on site, I found out how capable CCCL staff and faculty really are.

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 Linguist
You 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!