Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Highlights of my trip to Morocco with Lankey Past Review

By (University of Pennsylvania) - abroad from 08/01/2019 to 09/30/2019 with

Lankey: Morocco - French and Arabic Study Abroad Programs

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Traveling is my passion and Morocco was one of my dream destinations. Thanks to the Lankey team, I realized my dream trip last summer and I visited the gorgeous moroccan cities like Chefchaouen the blue pearl city and Marrakech the red city, all while learning French. My skills really improved since I had the chance to not only learn the language but also practice it everyday with the participants, my host family and the Lankey team. The Lankey team customized a schedule for me, based on the activities I wanted to do. I enjoyed riding a horse while watching the sunset after a great afternoon at the beach and so many more activities. I went to a cooking class where I learned how to bake Moroccan homemade bread and it tasted so good. I also had so much fun at the bellydance class. Moroccan hammam or spa is such a lifetime experience, it was so relaxing especially the massage part. These are some of the activities I wanted to experience but the Lankey team has always new ideas and can surprise you during your trip. Special thanks to the Lankey staff who is always available, kind and helpful.

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

It is so important that the staff is available 24h/7 and helpful. You can ask them for anything you need or any activity you would like to experience and they will make sure to make it happen! My host family were very kind to me, they were a very important piece of the puzzle regarding my immersion in the 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)

I signed up for an all inclusive program which includes food, activities, transportation and daily expenses related to the schedule

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? All inclusive option is great because you don't spend much from your pocket besides if you want to buy souvenirs or anything personal

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

The second language in Morocco is french, so basically everyone around spoke very good french! The Lankey team encouraged me to practice for example when I was in a restaurant I ordered on my own in french!

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
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? If you stay with a host family, don't be shy to ask how is anything called in french or arabic!

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

  • International Students
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 language classes
  • The trips and activities
  • The host family and Lankey team
* What could be improved?
  • not much everything was almost perfect
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I hope I knew there was so much local products to buy to make a space for it in my luggage

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!