Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

So memorable it feels like I'm a camel and carrying it around on my back Past Review

By (International Affairs and Urban Studies, The New School) - abroad from 01/05/2010 to 05/05/2010 with

AMIDEAST Rabat - Area & Arabic Language Studies

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Beyond worthwhile, this program helped me understand and deeply appreciate a region of the world that most Americans have limited exposure to or a myopic understanding of. Plus I have never eaten so well in my life :)

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

This isn't your typical "spring break" study-abroad semester. Expect to work, and work hard. But also expect to feel awesome about it.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The Rabat program staff is good-humored, patient and above all else extremely professional without being stuffy. I miss them all!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

YOU WILL EAT SO MUCH AND YOU WILL LOVE IT

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

This is a city familiar with study abroad students. However, you are in a culture that has very different standards when it comes to modes of conduct. If you remember to be respectful of that, you shouldn't have too many problems. Though women should note that they will receive special attention just for being, well, women ;)

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)

This is a major draw.

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Try to research any and all scholarship opportunities, especially if you're interested in studying in an area with a critical need language component!

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

Use it and you shall prosper, I say.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Try to organize your housing as a home stay. It gives you an excuse to use the language you're trying to learn every day and in basic ways. It also helps connect you to the culture. Also, make sure there's a language component built-in to your program so that you're studying the language as you live in it.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Host Family
* 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?
  • the supportive staff
  • emphasis on learning the language and engaging in the culture
  • FOOD (Harsha)
* What could be improved?
  • More people should know about this great program!
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Techniques for politely refusing a fourth serving of cake, lovingly prepared by your host mother.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'