Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Mashi Mushkila (it means 'no problem' in Moroccan colloquial Arabic) Past Review

By (political science, Rutgers University - New Brunswick) - abroad from 06/12/2015 to 07/11/2015 with

AMIDEAST: Rabat - Summer Intensive Arabic

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot culturally. I came into this program with just language goals; however, to learn a language you also learn the culture. The most important thing I gained from this program is exposure. Meeting different people really changes your life in subtle ways, such as the way you view the world and the way you speak/act. It was definitely a worthwhile trip that I won't forget.

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.

* 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? No

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? budget from the beginning onwards! i told myself i would keep a journal detailing the amount of money i spent each day, which isn't a hard task. but i was lazy and lost track of how much money i was spending

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
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
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? SPEAK IN IT! for each and every thing. for arabic in particular, the locals don't mind if you have difficulty while speaking it. in fact, its rather admirable to be speaking a language that you don't know even if you're struggling to get your message across. the effort you make to speak a foreign language is noted by the people you speak it to and it's worth speaking it to actually retain 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
* 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?
  • classes
  • traveling
  • food
* What could be improved?
  • the actual organization of classes was a little off, however our program manager Doha was amazing with addressing an concerns we had
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? that the way guidebooks write about rabat and morocco is not that accurate and honestly a little insulting. rabat is a very cosmopolitan city that has a lot of western elements as well as arab and african. i had the wrong idea of the country prior to coming to morocco.

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!