Living and studying in a multilingual, multicultural country February 05, 2024

By (International Relations, Middlebury College) - abroad from 01/22/2023 to 05/13/2023 with

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury In Rabat, Morocco

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned language skills and coexistence skills. I also strengthened my sense of independence and ability to go out and interact with strangers.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

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? No

I would choose a program with a larger cohort of students and a more flexible language pledge that allowed you to interact with more people in more languages. I still recognize the value of my program, it was just not the most ideal fit for me.

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? $150-200 (including travel)
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Eat at home as much as possible if your host family provides that. Travel in groups to split housing and food costs

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? 400 - subject classes taught in the language.
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? speak with native speakers (not necessarily other students) as much as possibke

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

  • 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?
  • Staff
  • Food
  • Easy affordable travel around the country
* What could be improved?
  • larger cohort
  • more social support to make friends outside of program
  • more extra curricular activities outside the language center
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? how small the cohort would be and how limiting it might be in terms of social life

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!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Amazigh Communities

Course Department: Soc
Instructor: Hassan Belhiah
Instruction Language: Arabic
Comments: Yes. Participated more because the class was so small and class moved at a good pace.
Credit Transfer Issues: no