Morocco: The Best Experience of My Life Past Review

By Lauren H (Finance, Accounting, International Business, University of Oklahoma) for

CIEE: Rabat - Language and Culture

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

I learned that there are many different types of people in this world, and Americans aren't the only ones or the most important ones. This study abroad helped me to be more sensitive to other cultures. It has definitely changed me and made me want to travel more. I am currently planning a trip to Israel, and I wouldn't be doing it if I hadn't studied abroad.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program?	0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.	The workload was about the same as my home university. The grading system was fair and similar to home. The teaching methods at Qalam Wa Lawh were very good. I had a wonderful teacher that encouraged us to speak in Arabic and always participate. He actively helped us learn the important vocabulary, and he was the best Arabic teacher that I have experienced. The class sizes were small, which was ideal for the content of the class.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program	All of my expectations were met. Madiha, the director, was everything that I could've asked for and expected and more. The program size allowed for me to make close friendships with others, and everything was absolutely perfect.
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	My host family was very nice. They lived downtown in a secure compound, so I always felt safe. I was assigned a host family based on my preferences, and Madiha made the perfect choice for me. I was close to the taxi and train service, in the heart of downtown Rabat. I couldn't have asked for a better experience, except that I wish my family would've practiced more Arabic with me.
* Food:	The food provided by my host family was always top quality and delicious.
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	Madiha made this experience amazing by planning trips. We went to the beach, took a week long trip to the mountains, saw waterfalls, stayed in a Berber village. These were all things that I wouldn't have known to do on my own.
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?
* Safety:	Rabat is fairly safe as long as you take precautions and don't do anything stupid. Don't talk to random guys that want your number. Stay away from protests.
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)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component?	Yes
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?
Language acquisition improvement?	I could practice with my teachers, classmates, friends in the country, etc. I used Arabic to get around in the country such as in taxis and when ordering food. Not all Moroccans could speak English, so that was a challenge at times.