Moroccan Lessons Past Review

By (Case Western Reserve University) - abroad from 01/16/2017 to 05/13/2017 with

AMIDEAST Rabat - Area & Arabic Language Studies

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about myself and how I handle different situations. I grew as well and adapted new healthier ways to handle struggles.

Review Photos

AMIDEAST Rabat - Area & Arabic Language Studies Photo AMIDEAST Rabat - Area & Arabic Language Studies Photo AMIDEAST Rabat - Area & Arabic Language Studies Photo AMIDEAST Rabat - Area & Arabic Language Studies Photo AMIDEAST Rabat - Area & Arabic Language Studies Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The courses were academically rigorous but there were not enough resources. No libraries close by. the closest library is a tram ride away and it is usually very full.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Doha is amazing, by far the best part of the entire program <3

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My host family was amazing <3

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

the amideast building feels like an american island at times, there should be more efforts to introduce american students to moroccan students

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I wish I would've done the year program in Morocco instead of the semester.

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)

The Moroccan dirham is 1/10 of an American dollar. So a typical meal might cost 30-40 dirhams which is $3-4.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $25-$30
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? BUDGET! Because everything seemed so cheap I spent money all the time and by the end of the program I had spent much more than I thought I would've.

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? ARAB 201
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? Don't worry about sounding silly or stupid! Practice makes perfect

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?
  • Meeting New People
  • Learning a new culture and language
  • experiencing new traditions
* What could be improved?
  • more integration with moroccans
  • change excursions
  • take classes at local universities
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? People in Rabat DO wear skinny jeans and capris, but the early months of the spring semester are NOT hot!

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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The Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.