You cannot sum up a four month experience in one sentence. Past Review
By Kiley L (Global Studies, Providence College) - abroad from 09/01/2012 to 12/15/2012 with
SIT Study Abroad: Morocco - Migration and Transnational Identity
I learned a lot about myself and learning how to be patient. Also, just in general a greater understanding of Morocco and cultural differences. It made me push myself outside my comfort zone and helped me open my eyes to so many things. It was absolutely worth it.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The lecturers were informative, but overall I did not find the courses as rigorous as the ones at Providence College. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Everyone was helpful and was available when needed. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Not speaking French or Arabic, and my host family didn't speak much English, made the living situation difficult with the home stay. However, my family was still very welcoming and very nice, we just did not get to know each other very well. |
| * Food: |
I really enjoyed Moroccan food :) |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I came to accept that I could never 100% integrate into the culture because as a white, "Western" female I stand out. I did however, as the program continued, feel as though I was very much part of the community and welcome! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I got sick once, and they helped me get to an English speaking doctor the next day. |
| * Safety: |
There is a lot of verbal street harassment in Morocco, but you very quickly learned that the majority is harmless and they just yell "Hello" after you. I never felt totally unsafe during my time there. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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) |
I would say anywhere between a three and four spending wise. It really depended on the week. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | I didn't allow enough money for gift shopping...make sure you allow for that. |
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 |
My Arabic class was almost entirely in Arabic. |
| 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? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | I had never taken Arabic before. |
| 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? | Take advantage of that fact that you live with a host family. Talk to them! |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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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 more prepared for the gender differences and the roles. |
