The Morocco trip marked the beginning of me truly enjoying life. - Marygrove College: Morocco Travel Seminar Past Review
By Janice T (Special Education, Marygrove College) for
Study Abroad Programs in Morocco
To be honest I was treated with more respect as an African American Woman in Morocco than I have ever experienced here at home in America. There was Moroccan that referred to me as family or “Berber” their native people. I found Morocco to more culturally diverse than I originally image. I found out that 45% of Moroccan’s are Berber. I originally thought all Moroccans were Arabs. Morocco has a small Jewish population as well as some Catholic’s. Some Morocco villages were very traditional whereas some Cities were westernized. Moroccan’s drove small car or road motor bikes. They take two hour breaks in the middle of the day for lunch. As I have stated earlier, this was my first trip abroad, but it won’t be my last. This trip has made me aware that I need to travel more so I can bring new experiences back to my potential students. I have learned so much that I can take to the classroom and get creative with my lesson plans.
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. |
First, I thought our 9 day itinerary was extremely lengthy and it didn’t seem doable. However, we managed to complete everything on the list and I survived. All jokes aside I really enjoyed ever experience I had on the trip. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The Moroccan Tour Guide/Teacher has to be the greatest guide ever to exist. He was not only well informed, capable, kind, passionate, and protective, but he was very accessible for all our needs. I plan on referring him to friends who are planning to go to Morocco. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
All our travel arrangements were predetermine and we had no problems with safety, or accommodations. |
| * Food: |
The food was GREAT. The best place we eat was in Fes at Restuarant Asmae. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
We experience so many field trips and special events that I can’t even name them all. My most memorable event was the one event I initially did not want to do. The event was the Camel ride into the Sahara Desert. I was terrified about getting on the Camel and once I got on it I thought for sure I was going to fall off. But once I tried to calm down I notice the beautiful starlit sky and the peacefulness of the desert. Later that night after dinner we experienced the music of the Blue Men. And again the stars in the sky blow me away, they were just breathe taking. In the morning it dawn on me that I just spent the night in the Sahara and watching the sunrise over the desert was the icing on the cake. I would not ever image that I could have such an experience. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I felt safe the entire time I was in Morocco. I think Dr. Davis tips on traveling abroad were very helpful. She was very thorough on how to conduct yourself and I believe this lead to us being safe. |
| 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) |
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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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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I think this program would benefit any and all students. This was my first trip abroad but I promise you it won’t be my last. |
