Arabic Study in Morocco Changed My Life! Past Review
By Theodora S (Philosophy and Government, Harvard University) for
Al Akhawayn University: Ifrane - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
My experience was definitely worthwhile! I gained a better knowledge of Arabic, a better cultural knowledge of Morocco, and a significant other (I met a Moroccan who I am now seriously dating). I plan to return to Morocco after graduating!
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
In terms of the grading system, the university in Ifrane does not give variations of letter grades (no A-, B+, B-, C+, C-; only A, B, C...). |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
They were organized and supporting. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My roommate was very traditional and our discussions were not very fruitful, but she was nice. Also, the dorms were gender-separate, which was unexpected and not welcomed. |
| * Food: |
The food was good, but nothing out of the ordinary at the dining hall. Go to the marche if you want cheap but yummy food! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
We took a trip to Marikesh and a trip to the Western Sahara!! The trip to the Sahara was an experience I won't be forgetting anytime soon; it was wonderful! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Ifrane and Morocco are relatively 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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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $50 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | None. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Beginning Arabic (Arabic A) |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
The university is an English-speaking university, but we spoke Arabic in the classroom. |
Direct Enrollment/Exchange
| * Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? | Direct Enrollment |
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? | If you are a beginner or intermediate student, go!! If you are advanced, chose another program, because this one is tailored to non-advanced Arabic speakers. |
