Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Morocco: A Second Home Past Review

By (Kenyon College) - abroad from 01/14/2018 to 05/12/2018 with

AMIDEAST: Rabat - Regional Studies in French

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My experience abroad was most certainly worthwhile. I became very close with my host family, and felt that I was really able to immerse myself in the culture through my host family living arrangement, Moroccan language partners, weekly intercultural dialogues, and weekend travel/exploration. I became much more comfortable using French thanks to my classes, host family, and internship at a criminal justice reform organization. I also learned the basics of Darija- enough to navigate the streets, markets, and taxis of Morocco.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* 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

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? If I didn't travel on the weekend, I didn't spend any extra money- our program gave us a food and transportation stipend that could cover all expenses if spent wisely. If I traveled on the weekend, I spent between $50 and $100.

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? 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? 300-level French literature courses
How many hours per day did you use the language?

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?
  • Host family arrangment
  • Easy/affordable travel on weekends
  • Language immersion
* What could be improved?
  • I sometimes felt that our program treated American students more favorably than it treated Moroccan host families or staff members
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Street harassment is definitely real in Morocco, but it is not so severe that it should deter any female student from choosing to study abroad there. I just learned to adapt.

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!