Great cultural experience in a beautiful country. Past Review
By A student (Neurobiology and Neurosciences., University of Michigan - Ann Arbor) - abroad from 01/27/2011 to 05/16/2011 with
CIEE: Rabat - Language and Culture
A good understanding of Moroccan lifestyle. It wasn't a crazy party experience at all, there was much more just sitting and absorbing and relaxing. I liked to spend time with my host family and just do what they did on a daily basis with them. I also gained a lot of independence and travel confidence.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The material was interesting, we learned from Moroccan professors and I received a good basis in Arabic language. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
It was a small program, so administration was very personal. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Most everyone had a great experience with his or her homestay. |
| * Food: |
Moroccan food is amazing, and homestay families cannot wait to feed you! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I had been abroad before and didn't need any new vaccinations, but I know the requirements aren't that intense. Also not a malaria zone, so didn't need to take malaria medication. I didn't require any medical treatment when I was there. |
| * Safety: |
Use general common sense, but Rabat is very safe. |
| 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) |
It's possible to live pretty cheaply, be wary of the "tourist price" in the markets. |
| * Was housing included in your program cost? | Yes |
| * Was food included in your program cost? | Yes |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $50-75 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Learn how to negotiate prices, taxis are cheap but can add up quickly. Avoid American food - super pricey. |
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 |
We had the option to either have a background in Arabic or French, and everyone was required to take Arabic in school. My french language skills were pretty solid but I was a clear beginner with Arabic. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Beginner |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | I had taken 6 college semesters of French. |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? |
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? | That couscous is incredible. Eat it with your family every Friday. |
