Love love loved this program... want to go back! Past Review
By Rachel D (Political Science, University of Pennsylvania) - abroad from 09/01/2012 to 12/21/2012 with
AMIDEAST Rabat - Area & Arabic Language Studies
This was my first long-term experience abroad and I loved it. I learned so much about myself on this program; it changed how I see the world and how I live in it.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I loved the variety of courses offered, and I especially liked my Arabic course. My teacher, Khadija, was so sweet and caring and an excellent instructor. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Doha (the program manager) is THE BEST. She was like a mom to all of the students. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Living with a host family was the best part of the whole experience. My host family welcomed me, fed me, and through them I learned so much more about Moroccan and Arab culture than I ever could from a classroom. |
| * Food: |
Moroccan food is absolutely delicious and having home-cooked meals every day was amazing. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Living with a host family does all the work for you! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
My program manager helped me go to a pharmacy and get medicine when I needed it. |
| * Safety: |
Rabat is a perfectly safe place to live, if you are prepared and sensible. AMIDEAST did a great job of preparing me for what to expect and what clothes to bring. |
| 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) |
Very easily. Rabat is cheap and plus your host family cooks delicious meals for you! |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Money for cabs to school and sometimes going out for lunch. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| 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 |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Arabic 202 |
| 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? | Definitely make use of living with a host family, they are your best resource. |
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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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Bring a Kindle, it's much easier than trying to bring or buy English books. |
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 Avid AdventurerThe wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal. |
