Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Excellent, would do it again. Past Review

By (Saint Leo University) - abroad from 09/05/2017 to 12/09/2017 with

ISA Study Abroad in Meknes, Morocco

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained valuable insight into North African culture, and I began my journey to learning Arabic. The program was worth the time and effort, I wish I had done it sooner.

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

Fantastic, administration helped with everything from Arabic classes to travel plans.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I stayed with a host family. I think that they helped me to experience the culture in a much more intimate way than if I had stayed in apartment.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Being able to speak French helps a lot.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I was easily able to go to a hospital when I got sick, and the bill was cheap. It is easier to take care of minor illnesses in Morocco than in the U.S because pharmacist can prescribe you medications without the need for a lengthy doctors visit.

* Safety:

I never had any safety issues, but I am pretty careful. Students that stayed out past 1am ran into stalkers once or twice. It is important to realize that you are in a strange city where you don't speak the language, and you don't know the customs. Use common sense, and don't be an ugly American.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Well organized, and friendly staff. Professors are always willing to work with you, and they love taking classes on excursions. Meknes isn't the most vibrant city, but it is easy and cheap to go to other cities on the weekends.

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)

Everything is cheap, I could buy a good meal for $15, and a cheap meal for $3.00.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Anywhere from $15 - $70.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Learn how to haggle, and avoid pricey tourist areas; If I wanted to, I could have lived on $15 a week. Use the money that you save for train tickets and lodging.

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

Most Moroccans will understand Modern Standard Arabic, but I rarely heard anyone use it. The program does offer classes in the local dialect, as well as French; those are more useful for everyday life.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Arabic 102
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* 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?
  • Price
  • Country
  • Curriculum
* What could be improved?
  • First week excursions
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Not much, the program was beginner traveler friendly.

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!