You Won't Regret It Past Review

By (Auburn University) - abroad from 05/17/2014 to 06/22/2014 with

ISA Study Abroad in Meknes, Morocco

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Studying in Morocco is so different than going to Europe. It totally revolutionized my views on so many things from Islam to the "developing world."

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.

Learning Arabic is hard but so rewarding. The professors were very committed!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

ISA staff is AMAZING and so helpful. They totally went out of their way to make sure my experience was as great as possible. Cannot say enough wonderful things about these people!!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived apartment style with five roommates so it was the usual fun and games.

* Food:

Couscous Friday will change how you view food.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

ISA did a great job connecting us with local students through soccer games, conversation clubs, etc.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Many people on my program had issues with dehydration or stomach bugs and the staff was great about getting us to the pharmacy or whatever else was needed to get us back to 100% ASAP!

* Safety:

I didn't feel anymore unsafe in Meknes than I would in any strange city. It should be noted, however, that the country has a culture of catcalling which can definitely be off-putting upon first arriving.

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)

The exchange rate is fantastic, and everything is super affordable!

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

ISA really promoted us learning Arabic (or French) and using it (but also totally understood our incompetence).

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
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? None!
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • Excursions to great places
  • The food (to die for)!
  • Shopping in the souk
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing!
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Just open your eyes and take it all in.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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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.