Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

One Semester, A Lifetime Change Past Review

By (Culture and Politics, Georgetown University) - abroad from 08/28/2015 to 12/19/2015 with

IES Abroad: Rabat - Study in Rabat

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Academically, I gained nuanced knowledge of Moroccan politics and language dynamics. I also learned quite a bit of Darija, the Moroccan Dialect. However, most importantly, I grew in terms of character. While abroad, I had to get out of my box in order to face the harder aspects, such as language barriers, gender inequality, cultural differences, AS WELL AS experience the best parts of my study abroad experience, bonding with my host sister, traveling without a tour guide, making friends with Moroccan college students, having an internship at a local University in Rabat.

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? Yes

IES Abroad in Rabat is by far the most supportive study abroad program based in Morocco. It is also very friendly to students who come to Morocco without any prior knowledge of Arabic, Islam, or Arab culture.

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? Between 50-100 dirham, which was 5-10 dollars
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Take out cash, so that you are aware of how much money you are physically parting with.

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
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Third Level Intensive 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? Don't be afraid to talk to locals in the language, even if they know English. Don't use that as a crutch.

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?
  • The ability to travel in and out of the country
  • The Tuesday cultural activities
  • My fellow peers. Best people Ever.
* What could be improved?
  • Academic Scheduling
  • Wifi
  • Staff Reaction time to Student's complaints
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew that I could wear whatever I wanted, and I didn't have to pack so many long dresses. I wish I knew took more heed of the sexual harassment warnings, but not let them deter me from enjoying Moroccan culture.

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!