Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

AMIDEAST Rabat! DO IT! Past Review

By (Columbia University) - abroad from 08/22/2009 to 12/22/2009 with

AMIDEAST Rabat - Area & Arabic Language Studies

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot of information that eventually contributed to independent funding, a return to Morocco, and to my senior thesis. I made lasting connections with really intelligent professors. I gained some lifelong friends both in Morocco and the US. And I got to spend a lot of time in a country that I love, exploring and learning the language and just having a great time.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The professors who came to AMIDEAST from Mohammed V University were all highly educated, motivated, and great teachers. I had a very solid educational experience that, while less strenuous than my home university, helped to expose me to Moroccan history and culture. Many teachers had us go out into the city and explore, which was a great way to get used to living in Rabat. I kept in touch with several professors post-study abroad, and they helped get me in touch with scholars while I was doing independent research for my senior thesis. Gender and Islam with Souad Eddouda was a great class.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I found AMIDEAST to be helpful. The administration helped us figure out all the logistics for living in Morocco, and even gave us cell phones.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The host families were generally positive and AMIDEAST responded quickly if they were not a good fit. I switched host families and AMIDEAST was nothing but helpful. My second host family was fantastic and we are still in touch 4 years later. :-)

* Food:

Moroccan food is delicious!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt very integrated with the local culture. At first I was a little sad to be studying at a center instead of at the Mohammed V campus, but that just meant that I was more central and after school I was able to explore more conveniently. AMIDEAST also connected us with Language/Culture exchange partners, so we got to meet a lot of young people around the city in addition to our host families.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Not applicable.

* Safety:

I found AMIDEAST to be safe to the point of being overzealous.They took care of every possible issue, and we had to give the administration all the details of any travel plans in advance just in case there were more safety contingencies to plane for.

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)

I only spent money on independent travel and occasional nights out.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I estimate about 50 dollars, but honestly I've forgotten.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't spend all your money on shopping/eating in Agddal. Go to different areas of Rabat and eat street food! Rabat is a wonderful city full of surprises. It's also a wonderful base to see the rest of the country. Go to the North, go to the South. Book 2nd class train tickets to save money, and look at skyscanner for good international travel deals.

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

We had a Moroccan Arabic class that was helpful with the practical side of things, and a Fusha class that was helpful for the academic side of things.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Advanced
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Modern Standard Arabic 2 - Al-Kitaab 2.
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? Ride buses, go to markets, and force yourself to have awkward interactions! That's the best way to learn how to speak! :-)

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • 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 location
  • The people
  • The classes
* What could be improved?
  • ...
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Even if you are tired after a long day of classes, leave your comfort zone and explore because 4 months is a pretty short period of time.

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!