An exciting adventure in the rich Moroccan culture. Past Review

By (HISTORY., Worcester State University) - abroad from 05/29/2013 to 06/05/2013 with

The Morocco Program: Full Immersion and Cultural Adventure Summer Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
This trip exceeded all expectations I had prior to leaving. The places we went, people we met, and group we traveled with made for a once in a lifetime experience. The way the trip was structured allowed us to totally immerse ourselves in the culture and preview it from all aspects. We got to see everyday life in the cities and marketplaces. We were able to have diverse discussions with Moroccan students. Visiting orphanages and donating to the kids was an eye opening experience. We were able to expand our palates and experience a wide variety of foods at beautiful restaurants and welcoming homes. Bargaining in the marketplace for souvenirs was a blast. Riding camels in the Sahara desert was incredible and hiking in the high Atlas Mountains made for beautiful scenery. From the parliament building, cities and markets to the desert and mountain rural areas, the excitement of the trip did not let up for a second. No matter what corner we turned there was always something unexpected and enjoyable going on.. never a dull moment. Although we had an itinerary there were many additional unplanned events along the way. I’m glad the intensity did not let up because I would not trade a minute of the experiences we had for extra sleep. To Mohamed and everyone involved in making the trip happen - thank you!

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* 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

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 100

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

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
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? Intermediate Arabic I
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* 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?
  • Immersing in a foreign culture - food, music, art, etc.
  • Adventure - camels in the desert, hiking in the mountains, ancient ruins, sights of the medinas.
  • Spending 10 days with a great group of people.
* What could be improved?
  • N/A
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How to prevent giardia.

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 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.