Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Exploring Morocco: A Student's Perspective Past Review

By (Birmingham-Southern College) - abroad from 05/26/2017 to 05/16/2017 with

CIEE: Rabat - Language and Culture

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I improved my Arabic, especially my conversational skills and my Darija. I learned extensively about the culture of Morocco, including the history, politics, and religion of the country. As well as that, I learned about the culture and history of the Magreb and of the Middle East, particularly in regards to the Arab Spring. I learned about the philosophies, perspectives, and everyday thoughts of those living in this part of the world. Through this experience, I broadened my worldview through my everyday (but meaningful) conversations with my host family and local friends. It was absolutely worthwhile.

Review Photos

CIEE: Rabat - Language and Culture Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Overall, this was an incredible experience. The classes, the resources, and the level of interaction with Moroccans all contributed to a great semester.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The administration was always there to answer my questions or concerns!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in a palace in the center of town. I have no idea how that was arranged but it was my favorite part of the semester. My host family was incredible!

* Food:

I did get sick of Tagine by the end of the semester, though.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt like a native.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I ran out of birth control midway through the semester. One of the program administrators went to four different pharmacies with me to ask them if they had any similar medicine. It didn't work out, no one had the specific prescription I needed, but that was not anything we could control.

* Safety:

CIEE did an amazing safety-precaution workshop once we arrived. I never felt scared for my safety in Morocco, although you always need to be aware of your surroundings regardless of where you are traveling.

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

This program was implemented so well.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 50 dollars
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Save money for the end of the semester. That's when you need it the most!

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

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? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Elementary I 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? Constant communication with others in that language.

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? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The excursions: I visited 18 cities across Morocco while I was there.
  • The cultural activities: We had "culture peers" and had discussions with them, allowing us to ask them more intimate questions we had about Moroccan society. We also had a variety of cultural activities with them.
  • Our instructors and administrators. They truly cared about us and made sure our program and classes were flexible to the interests of our group.
* What could be improved?
  • n/a -- I really can't think of anything
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Morocco is cold in the winter! There is no internal heating! Bring clothes to prepare for that!!

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.