If you're thinking about it, do it. Past Review
By A student (Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/28/2018 to 05/12/2018 with
SIT Study Abroad: Morocco - Field Studies in Journalism and New Media
Having not done much journalism before, the journalism experience was unparalleled. Being able to see a non-Western, Islamic perspective on the world was invaluable. Being in Morocco is incredibly worthwhile, particularly for Americans.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Learning opportunities are present outside of the classroom -- being in Morocco with an open mind is educational in and of itself. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Administration was at times a little disorganized, but it didn't dramatically detract from the program. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
Vegetarian options are available. Be prepared to eat a lot, all the time. Moroccan hospitality dictates that guests are constantly fed. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
It was clear I was an outsider from my appearance, but I was able to make many life-long Moroccan friends and integrate myself well with the culture. However, it would have been easier if I were not female. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Safety is in the mind's eye. Being female isn't ideal -- because public spaces are dominated by men and there's a culture of impunity that leads to daily street harassment -- but as a Westerner, you are fine. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
The program itself doesn't matter as much as the experience of being abroad, but MOJ was a great program, even for those not super interested in journalism. Their speaker series was amazing, and the ability to go out in the field and research a topic of your choice is unparalleled -- and I've heard that MOJ had more support networks for students during this period than the other SIT Morocco programs. |
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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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 10 |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Advanced |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Fluent |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | High |
| 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? | Study French and/or Arabic ahead of your time abroad to make the most of your experience. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | It is amazing! Don't be afraid or hesitate to make the leap. |
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 BlazerCraving 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.' |
