Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Total Cultural Immersion Past Review

By (Middlebury College) - abroad from 02/04/2018 to 05/25/2018 with

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury In Rabat, Morocco

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was absolutely worthwhile.

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

I don't think any other study abroad program in Morocco would have allowed me to develop the level of language proficiency and cultural competency that I did at the Middlebury School in Morocco.

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? $90

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? Intermediate/Advanced
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? Try not to speak English at all.

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? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Advanced Language Instruction
  • Local Connections
  • Opportunities to meet local students
* What could be improved?
  • More structured guidance/orientation in the first week
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The Middlebury program will give you the language ability to make as many local friends/connections as you want - but it's up to you to actually meet people and make that happen.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Sufism in North Africa
Course Department: Religion
Instructor: Souad Kaab
Instruction Language: Arabic
Comments:
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Berber Communities of North Africa
Course Department: Sociology/Anthropology
Instructor: Hassan Belhiah
Instruction Language: Arabic
Comments:
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Modern Standard Arabic
Course Department: Arabic
Instructor: Hafida Socarno
Instruction Language: Arabic
Comments:
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Moroccan Colloquial Arabic
Course Department: Arabic
Instructor: Youssef El Berrichi
Instruction Language: Arabic
Comments:
Credit Transfer Issues: