Best experience of my life with NO regrets! Past Review

By (Political Science and Government., Temple University) - abroad from 08/31/2009 to 12/18/2009 with

AMIDEAST Rabat - Area & Arabic Language Studies

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Learned different languages and cultures I normally would not have learned.

Review Photos

AMIDEAST: Rabat - Area & Arabic Language Studies Photo

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.

Best experience of my life!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Exactly what I personally was looking for.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Made lovely Moroccans friends that helped me adjust into their beautiful culture.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Like many Arab countries, women must be more careful and cautious than men.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $10.00
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I don't drink alcohol - which saves a lot of money!

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

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Completed Intermediate Arabic 1&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? Force yourself to speak the language you are unfamiliar with. Also, practice your language skills with someone who is slightly more advanced than you - it will encourage you to improve!

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?
  • Interaction with local students our age
  • Independence
  • Course structure
* What could be improved?
  • Some lectures would go round in circles!
  • WiFi in the building
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had purchased more authentic Moroccan items, rather than being stingy! I felt embarrassed at times to buy "touristy" things because I felt like I was no longer a tourist - but when I returned home, I realised I should have kept my ego to one side and just bought things that I wouldn't find elsewhere.

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.'