Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An amazing experience. I loved every moment, even the bad ones. Past Review

By (International Relations And Global Studies, The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 08/23/2012 to 12/18/2013 with

Al Akhawayn University: Ifrane - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I had th opportunity to practice my Arabic though I spoke a different dialect than Darija, the Moroccan dialect. I even managed to pick up a little French. Given the cheap transportation costs, I was to travel extensively throughout Morocco and see some amazing historical and cultural sites. I even got to go to swim in the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea, another couple of firsts for me. It was definitely a worthwhile experience.

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?

The rooms are actually quite nice. Each room is fairly large for accommodating two occupants and has its own bathroom.

* Food:

There is a mandatory meal plan that you cannot opt out of which allows to purchase food and general from the campus store, the cafes, and the cafeteria. The cafeteria food is provided by a company known as sodexo and the quality is hit or miss. In fact, a few students, including myself for a bit, got ill from eating the cafeteria food; nothing serious just not a very fun experience.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The university is technically a public university but it is somewhat of closed environment. All students are required to live on campus and there is a curfew weeknights. The university is separated from Ifrane and so it was a bit difficult to feel completely integrated in the local culture.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

The city, for the most part, is very safe. The university has close ties with the local authorities and so incidents are addressed relatively quickly. It's safe to walk at night in groups but of course crime still exists and so it is best to stay along the main roads.

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)

A dollar is roughly equivalent to 8 dirhams and generally you bargain for everything that you would buy at the market; its actually expected. However keep track of what you spend. Even though prices, in general, are cheaper in Morocco, your spending can get out of hand if you don't keep the exchange rate in mind. Also keep tab on how much money you have on your meal plan as you can run out prematurely if you buy a lot though you can refill it. Most students though prefer to eat of campus at the Marche and the prices are comparable to that of the cafeteria food, and, some would argue, the food is better quality.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Roughly $150 on weekends we traveled, including hotels, food, and travel.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I'm serious about keeping tabs on the exchange rate, you'll be unpleasantly surprised if you don't. Also remember that banks charge for every foreign transaction, including ATM withdrawals, so make sure to plan accordingly. It's usually $5 dollars for every ATM withdrawal and 3% surcharge for every credit transaction.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Exchange

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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 ability to travel.
  • Learning and practicing new languages.
  • Meeting new people.
* What could be improved?
  • The administration was at times unresponsive.
  • Transportation, while cheap, is not always timely or reliable.
  • Crime in the bigger cities is definitely an issue.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I'd known to pack the appropriate clothing. I seriously underestimated how cold it would get in Morocco, particularly in Ifrane. Seriously, freezing temperatures, three feet of snow and me with nothing more than a pair of converse and a medium jacket.

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!