Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Middlebury in Rabat Experience September 01, 2026

By (Environmental Studies and Religious Studies, Wellesley College) - abroad from 01/26/2026 to 05/14/2026 with

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury In Rabat

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained lifelong friendships, developed my Arabic speaking skills, and got to explore Morocco.

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.

I definitely learned a lot in my courses, but they were never overly stressful. I think all of the courses are only as challenging as you make them. Definitely study, make an effort to participate in class, ask for office hours, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I love Samir and Achraf! They are very, very kind people and really make an effort to make the program a positive experience. They are the type of program directors that you can comfortably go to for support!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I think I had a very special situation, but the actual host family was very nice!

* Food:

My host family cooked for me!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

We had language partners, which I think helped to an extent, but I definitely would've been there for the whole year if I could've.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't need to use local healthcare or get specific vaccines.

* Safety:

I would say Rabat is safe, but the catcalling can get quite pervasive at times. It is unfortunately just very normal there, and if you stick out (clearly a foreigner and femme-presenting), you will very likely be catcalled at some point.

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

Something I very seriously think about is how much I wish I had more time there. For language acquisition, community building, etc. I feel like there's so much I wanted to do and not enough time. If I could go back and do it the same all over again, I would.

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)

It's very unlikely that you will be spending more than $100 a week after orientation unless you are constantly shopping/eating out or traveling! I stayed under my budget when I studied abroad and still get to enjoy shopping here and there and leaving Rabat and Morocco as a whole.

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

There was a mandatory language pledge, and it is a language-intensive program!

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? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Conversational Arabic
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+

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
  • International Students
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 students
  • Hanging out with language partners
  • Group weekend events and trips
* What could be improved?
  • Host home conditions
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Pack only what you will wear! Be prepared to be uncomfortable every now and then. Be open to new experiences.

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!