Morocco: The most life changing experience I've ever had. Past Review
By Megan K (Linguistics., SUNY - Binghamton) for
Al Akhawayn University: Ifrane - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
It was definitely worthwhile. I would never do it again, but it definitely tought be a lot and made me learn a lot about arabic, the culture, and myself.
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. |
Workload was a bit much, but it was an intensive program. However, it did inhibit us from experiencing more of the country. I did learn a lot more than I would have in an American run Arabic program. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
They were always willing to help and listen to us when we had issues. Very accessible. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Dorms were very nice. <br /><br /> We had a curfew for when we were off campus during the weekday. However, I always felt safe and welcome. It was much more conservative than what I am used to here in the states, but I rather enjoyed the experience. |
| * Food: |
The food was not very good. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The field trips were amazing, however I wish there was more emphasis placed on the cultural aspect of the program and not just the academic. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I always felt safe and if I ever needed medical assistance, the health center was right on campus. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
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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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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | I don't know how much I spent each week, but throughout the whole program I probably spent about $800. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Morocco is much cheaper than the U.S. However, bargaining is a must for everything you buy. Most places up the price because they know you are American. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
When we traveled, we needed to use our language skills to get around. My vocabulary and knowledge of Arabic probably quadrupled. |
Direct Enrollment/Exchange
| * Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? | Exchange |
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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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | A student who is there more strictly for the academics. |
