My Moroccan Summer Past Review

By (Geography, The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 05/29/2014 to 07/11/2014 with

CIEE: Rabat - Language and Culture

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I definitely learned more outside of the classroom than inside of it, but I believe that is part of the study abroad experience. This was a really valuable experience to me.

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

Madiha is absolutely amazing.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

The eating situation is always tricky during Ramadan, but you must know that before you go to a predominately Muslim country during Ramadan.

* 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? <$50

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? Intermediate
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? Speak with your host family! And go to the markets!

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?
  • language
  • traveling
  • making friends
* What could be improved?
  • the courses were not very rigorous or well taught
  • the housing situation was not ideal
  • have more options during Ramadan for students who did not want to fast
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Take advantage of the unique cultural activities that are available to you.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.