Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Tight-knit community in a beautiful country Past Review

By (International Relations And Global Studies, The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 06/02/2013 to 07/12/2013 with

CIEE: Rabat - Language and Culture

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I was finally able to start my studies of Arabic and feel much more comfortable traveling overseas. My French is also much better. It was absolutely a worthwhile experience, and I hope to be able to visit Morocco again in the future.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

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? I spent anywhere from $50 to $75 per week.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Make sure you know how much things should cost. Prices for cabs, markets, etc. are often raised for foreigners.

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? Intermediate
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? Advanced French II
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? Practice speaking with host families if applicable or locals.

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?
  • abundance of travel
  • host families
  • small amount of students
* What could be improved?
  • Communication
  • Timeliness of information
  • Pre-departure information
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I'd known the travel schedule and the type of excursions we'd be going on so I could plan my personal travel and wardrobe accordingly. I was often unprepared for outdoor excursions and spent more money than needed on flight tickets because I didn't find out we had a free weekend for personal travel until 1 week before.

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 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.