Morocco was different, as expected Past Review
By A student (Biology, General., Berea College) - abroad from 01/20/2013 to 05/04/2013 with
International Studies Abroad (ISA) - Reviews from Former Locations
I really enjoyed trying to speak a new language and the experience of living in a foreign city. However, I found it difficult to integrate into the local culture because of the way they treat women. I was very uncomfortable much of the time.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The classes were not very difficult, but were generally interesting. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The on sight staff was fantastic. They were available for every type of problem. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived with a family, which was really culturally relevant. |
| * Food: |
My family was good about providing food. I didn't have any health issues. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Moroccan culture was kind of difficult for me because I was not used to the level of street harassment. Most people were extremely friendly, but being a foreign woman meant that I god a lot of unwanted attention. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I didn't need any health care services while abroad. |
| * Safety: |
I felt very safe in the city. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
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Finances
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* 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) |
Morocco is quite inexpensive, and I had my meals provided by my host family. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Between $50 and $100 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Make a budget and stick to it. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
I spoke French at home and sometimes out in the city. I was taking an Arabic class, but I was extremely new to it, so I didn't speak much. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Intermediate |
| 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? | In French, 103. In Arabic, none. |
| 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? | Don't be afraid to speak to people. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? | 0 |
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I wish I had been mentally prepared for the way women and foreigners were treated. I had a hard time dealing with stares, comments and groping throughout my experience. |
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 Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
