Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Become a Local on One of the Most Immersive Study Abroad Programs! August 19, 2023

By (Anthropology and French and Francophone Studies, The College of Wooster) - abroad from 08/29/2022 to 05/17/2023 with

IES Abroad: Rabat - Study in Rabat

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I've gained a deeper understanding of Moroccan culture, I've developed my skills in French and Arabic to a greater level, I completed research for my BA thesis, and I was able to intern with the Moroccan Fulbright Commission. All of these factors came together to give me a complex experience that showed me so many new academic and professional paths I could take, and connected me to some amazing people.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 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

This program had the elective and language classes I needed, the immersive homestay environment I wanted, and an amazing center with some of the best staff I've ever worked with.

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 20-50$ because all of our meals were provided by our host families and I didn't go out often or spend a lot of money on luxuries.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Do not carry your debit card around to make purchases. Take out a set amount every week and if it runs out do not withdraw any more for that week.

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? Arabic 201
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Speak to your host families in Arabic as much as possible and take the time to visit shops in order to use it in other forms of interactions as well.

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?
  • Classes
  • Internship
  • Host Family
* What could be improved?
  • French-Taught Course Offerings
  • LGBTQ+ Student Life
  • Cultural Immersion Programs
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I would definitely say I wish I knew with a greater certainty how my courses abroad would play out as I had several requirements for my double major to complete while abroad.

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!