An Unforgettable and Unique Experience! Past Review

By (International Studies, Seattle University) - abroad from 01/29/2015 to 12/18/2014 with

IES Abroad: Rabat - Study in Rabat

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned about a new culture, started learning two new languages and made many friends, local and American, that I will always remember.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

They were super helpful getting us immersed in the culture!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My host family was amazing and even treated me like their own daughter.

* Food:

Amazing...most of the time. There were some dishes I just couldn't handle such as tuna pizza.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Definitely up to each individual, but the center really helped.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

In a place like Morocco, safety is a completely different issue. It's mostly about being aware of your own surroundings and knowing what is and isn't smart. The center helps in any way they can with this issue.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I spent very little on food because of my host family but going out and doing extracuricular activities probably costed the most. However, this is an individual problem.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Do everything that you can do because this is your only opportunity to do them. With that said, do only the things you know you'll be committed to. Don't spend money on things that won't enhance your experience.

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

Not many Moroccans speak English so you get to use your foreign language skills frequently.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Advanced
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? For French, I studied abroad so my language skills are advanced. I got around mostly with that. With Arabic I had no experience with so I never used it.
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? I would recommend learning every day phrases and not only knowing how to ask questions but how to understand the answers. If you ask someone "how much?" in their language and they answer you but you don't understand, it's not going to be beneficial.

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?
  • The city itself.
  • My host family.
  • The students on the trip with me.
* What could be improved?
  • Communication in general.
  • The internet situation was not the best.
  • Knowing more places to explore in the beginning would have been a great addition.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? One of the major things is the weather. It rains so much in Morocco and I was not expecting it! But it was also very hot in the beginning. I felt like I never had the right clothes for the weather!

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!