Life in Morocco taught me to adapt to change and appreciate our natural resources and community. Past Review
By Megan A (Digital & Photographic Imaging, Texas State University-San Marcos) for
ISA Study Abroad in Meknes, Morocco
The experience was incredibly worthwhile. I met so many beautiful, friendly people. I tasted so much delicious food. I saw many different ways of life in one country as well as all sorts of types of land and nature. I saw people who were passionate about family, music, and spirituality, which gives me a refreshed and hopeful outlook on life. The progress being made in this country at the moment is very educational; it made me question things like tradition and consider change and evolution, and debate between what is good and right for all of us human beings. Learning a language helped cultivate empathy in myself; communication goes beyond just the words we speak. I learned about myself too. I learned I am capable of much more than I previously realized. I saw that I could adapt to change and take care of myself and be more aware of others and my surroundings. I became more independent. I learned the appreciate our natural resources more; I turn off lights and electronics when not in use and I don't waste water. I now work at a recycling company and I love that being in Morocco helped solidify my love for the Earth and my passion to take care of it. I loved the music; I am a belly dancer and hearing the music of Morocco made me appreciate it much more. I made amazing friends who would let me stay with them if I return in the future. Absolutely amazing and rich experience.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | Moulay Ismail University |
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
It was a very nice flat, spacious and very clean and welcoming. Our host family lived down the hall. They were so kind and hospitable. They always had delicious food and tea for us. It was too far from the university to walk so a cab was necessary. The neighborhood was not the safest, but we knew when to stay in and/or have someone escort us. |
| * Food: |
Amazing food. Everything was fresh and very affordable. Host families will happily provide vegetarian alternatives. Try the tajeen. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I love the Moroccan people. Some of our Moroccan friends took us to a concert one night featuring bands that played Gnawa style music. It was awesome, like reggae hip-hop in Arabic and French, singing lyrics about social revolution and change. And everyone was dancing. Also went to a music festival in Fez and saw even more beautiful music of all types, all fun to dance to. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Certain parts of the city of Meknes can be unsafe, especially at night. But this is something that needs to be respected and acknowledged; i.e. careful research and attentiveness is necessary before and upon arrival into a foreign place. Be aware of your surroundings and pay attention. Don't travel alone, especially if you're female. Also stomach/digestive problems are more than likely going to occur, and probably more than once. Be aware and take care of yourself, and ask for help if you need it; aid was always readily available to me when I was sick (which never lasted more than about a day and a half). |
| 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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Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
I communicated in Arabic and Spanish with my host family, cab drivers, other students, shop owners. Most people did not speak English, which is very helpful in learning the language. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Realize this is a culture entirely different from American culture. Things can be drastically different and maybe unsettling at first. BUT, this does NOT mean that it is 'wrong' or inferior to your way of doing things; rather, accept and really understand the culture and the people that make it up. Be open-minded, for it is the only way to take away true lessons and inspiration from this experience. Go to Morocco with fresh eyes and curiosity; there is much beauty there. |
