An Entirely Different Perspective Past Review

By (Economics., Tulane University) - abroad from 08/25/2014 to 12/18/2014 with

IES Abroad: Rabat - Study in Rabat

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Studying Abroad in Rabat was one of the most profound experiences of my life. The experiences I had and the things I learned I couldn't have gotten anywhere else. I wouldn't trade that time for anything.

Review Photos

IES Abroad: Rabat - IES Abroad Center Rabat Photo IES Abroad: Rabat - IES Abroad Center Rabat Photo IES Abroad: Rabat - IES Abroad Center Rabat Photo IES Abroad: Rabat - IES Abroad Center Rabat Photo IES Abroad: Rabat - IES Abroad Center Rabat Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

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? ~$20/week max.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Budget each week out and stick to it. I maintained a list of things I wanted to get after browsing the marketplaces and got various prices. It was fun and I was able to acquire them when I was able financially. Be careful with food, that can add up quickly.

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? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Second Level Arabic
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? I found that the souk was the best way to practice vocabulary regarding haggling and shopping, especially food items. The biggest thing is breaking out of the American bubble and immersing yourself. You will find friendly people and they will want to talk, mostly in passing, but you can find people in places like cafes who would love to meet up some days and just talk.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
  • Hotel
  • Hostel
* 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?
  • Traveling
  • The Staff
  • The Food
* What could be improved?
  • Class Standardization
  • Planning
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew more French and prepared more Arabic. I feel I could have practiced much more if I was more proficient.