Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Professional training in being a foreign correspondent Past Review

By (Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs, University of Hartford) - abroad from 08/31/2015 to 12/12/2015 with

SIT Study Abroad: Morocco - Field Studies in Journalism and New Media

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about practicing journalism in another country and the media industry

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Very rigorous coursework, but career specific and useful

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I loved living with a host family

* Food:

Hard to find nutritionally balanced food outside of school

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Living with a host family was very beneficial in this

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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

The program was incredibly gratifying and useful in learning journalism skills and learn

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)

Cost of living was very cheap

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 20 dollars
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? It is VERY easy to get by in Morocco with very little money, just don't spend a lot of time at places meant for tourists

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 learned Classical Arabic which is not spoken in Morocco much, but that is typically the way you learn Arabic before learning a colloquial versiom

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? AP Spanish
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? Learn a little French to be able to order at restaurants and similar things

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?
  • I liked the specificity of the coursework
  • The instructors are professional journalists and great mentors
  • It was very handsoff and a lot was expected of us
* What could be improved?
  • More language instruction in Moroccan Arabic
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew a little more about the multi-lingualism. I didn't realize how many different languages were spoke

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!