Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A semester in Morocco: the most exciting and the most challenging! Past Review

By (French Language and Literature., Carthage College) - abroad from 01/31/2014 to 05/24/2014 with

IES Abroad: Rabat - Study in Rabat

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about Islam and Moroccan families. Observing and experiencing the great differences in our cultures was really rewarding and worthwhile.

Review Photos

IES Abroad: Rabat - IES Abroad Center Rabat Photo IES Abroad: Rabat - IES Abroad Center Rabat Photo IES Abroad: Rabat - IES Abroad Center Rabat Photo

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.

Classes were easy and little homework was given, but the subjects were very interesting! I learned a lot.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

They were very helpful answering any questions I had, and helping me when I fell ill.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

A beautiful Moroccan home and family, although they were not very talkative.

* Food:

Very delicious!! ...Minus the 3 or 4 times I got sick from it.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

It was great living in the old medina with a Moroccan family, but other than that, the program didn't do a lot to let us interact with other Moroccan students

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The one time I was really ill, the directors helped me get a taxi and translated for me at the doctor's office. They also helped me find pharmacies and spoke with my host family. After vomiting all night, it was shocking to hear the doctor say that it could be the change in climate. I was given a shot to prevent further vomiting and a prescription for 7 different medicines. I recovered after a week.

* Safety:

Sometimes I was followed at night or had men make comments to me during the day, but overall I felt safe going from home to school or with groups of students in other areas.

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)

Studying abroad in Morocco is a great idea because everything is a lot cheaper there. I was able to travel more often because train and taxi costs were less than expected.

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't buy too many snacks at the little corner stores... It's tempting on the walks from school.

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 had to learn Arabic!

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
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • 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?
  • The organized excursions
  • The French-taught courses
  • The homestays
* What could be improved?
  • Arranging opportunities to meet more local students
  • A little more organization of daily things at school
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wasn't going to meet a lot of Moroccans my age unless I went out to find them on my own time. School lasts from 8:30 until 6 most days and after the walk home and dinner with family, there isn't much time to go out and explore on weekdays. Most families want you in by 9 or 10 at night, as the streets are not safe after dark. So, make the most of the weekends!

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!