Amazing Way to Spend a Semester! Past Review
By A student (Political Studies, Bard College) - abroad from 08/21/2015 to 12/19/2015 with
AMIDEAST Rabat - Area & Arabic Language Studies
I learned a ton about Moroccan culture as well as things like Islamic Feminism which was VERY interesting.
Review Photos
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. |
Classes were a bit easier than at my home institution in terms of grading, but I definitely learned things I would not have in the US. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I loved my home stay family! They were so kind and welcoming! |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The program worked hard to introduce us to other Moroccans and various aspects of the culture. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I felt safe throughout the experience. Harassment by men certainly exists and can be frustrating but it did not take away from my overall experience. |
| 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) |
Food is very inexpensive in Morocco. You can easily get a good lunch for $4. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $40 |
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? | 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? | Arabic 102 |
| 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? | Talk to your family only in the target language at home because that is the best way to get better! |
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? | I wish I knew that many many people in Morocco speak French. If you can, review some French before you go. |
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 LinguistYou 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! |
