Morocco is a must see! Past Review
By Moniqu A (International Relations/Sociology, Trinity University) for
ISA Study Abroad in Meknes, Morocco
Absolutely worth while. Everything was just fantastic: the food, the people, the professors, the staff, the locals, the country. Everything.
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | Moulay Ismail |
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The academics were varied and presented different topics for different majors. However, they were not the most difficult classes. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The program was great overall, giving its students the chance to do what they want. If students wanted to really integrate themselves into the local culture, they could. If they wanted to stay in the apartments all day long, the could. The housing was fantastic and one of the strengths. The academics were solid but definitely are a work in progress in terms of professor/student communication/understanding. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The housing was fantastic. We had wonderful apartments with a great location. Truly a program highlight. |
| * Food: |
We had cooks that provided us with meals during the week. Again, probably the strongest point of the program. It was consistent and incredibly amazing food. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The people on the program were great individuals with a desire to really integrate into the local flare. We all got along. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
As with any situation, there are always going to be times where one feels insecure. However, no real issues arose and everyone felt very safe through the program and having each other. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | This really varies by the individual. Food was probably the lowest expense since it is provided six days a week. Mainly, money is spent on transportation and random things. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Morocco is so cheap that it may give people a false sense of security and lead you to spend more than you think you are spending. Just be vigilant. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
I became conversational in Arabic and French because of the exposure that this program presented. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Definitely an independent individual who is not afraid of something COMPLETELY out of their comfort zone. You must have a strong travel desire. |
