Incredible and Challenging Program Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The academic rigor is certainly different than my home university, however, I still learned a great deal. Human Rights is such a broad topic that covering it in an in depth manner can be a challenge and this program suffered from that sometimes. It was still overall hugely impactful because of the opportunity to do independent research. The Indendent Study Project (ISP) is a very unique aspect of SIT programs and the chance to design a research question, develop methodology, and use my language skill was incredible. The ISP was the highlight of the program and made up for the sometimes unorganized classroom time.

On-site administration of your program

The CCCL host the program and overall does a great job. The lunches they provide are excellent and the building clean and beautiful. They provide access to a library and reliable wifi. In terms of the student to staff ratio though there are issues. The CCCL is understaffed and SIT asks them to do so much but they simply don't have the resources to accomplish all of it. But the understaffing really did not hamper my ability to enjoy Morocco.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

It really depend on your host family, however, mine was incredible. I plan on going back to visit them. My family was incredibly kind and patient. If, however, you and your family are not a good match immediately, you can request to move and the homestay director does a good job of finding you a more suitable situation.

I loved Moroccan cuisine and especially the opportunities to cook with my host family. You do have to be prepared to try new things and step outside your comfort zone, but if you need a does of american cuisine, sushi, or Italian there are a variety of cheap and good restaurants in Rabat to try.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt easily and quickly integrated into the local culture. This was facilitated by my host family. I was lucky because I have a good command of both Arabic and French which made communication relatively easy. Overall, you will become as integrated as you want. If you make an effort and reach out to people, Moroccan will return the effort with great enthusiasm.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not have to receive any medical attention, although SIT could do a much better job at providing access mental health services, especially for students struggling with street harassment. But what is important to remember is that Morocco still has limited health infrastructure compared to the US, so if you study abroad you need to be prepared by bringing medicines from home and talking with doctors at home beforehand.

I never felt unsafe. There is certainly street harassment, both racial and sexually motivated, however, this does not prevent you from exploring the city. With common sense and caution in new places, I never felt threatened. The issues of street crime and harassment are not unique to Morocco. I experienced them living in Jordan and in India, and would say that I felt much safer in Morocco.

It was certainly the right program for me. I loved every minute of it, but it is a program best suited to those with a serious interest in Arabic and who want to conduct independent research.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

All food is provided so the only expense are eating out or buying snacks if you want them, all of which is very cheap. Traveling around the country is also inexpensive.

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

Use of language is certainly encouraged, but can be difficult if you have no background in Arabic or French. The crash course in Darija at the beginning was not sufficient to make communication possible for those who lacked background in the other languages. But with effort speaking with your host family and local people is very much possible, again it is about how much you want to try. People are very patient with your speaking, they just appreciate the effort you make.

Select all that apply

• Host Family

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• Host Family

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• Americans

• My host family
• doing independent research
• surfing/living my the ocean

• access to mental health resources
• the organization of classroom time
• preparing students for the realities of living in Morocco (limited infrastructure, harassment) before they leave

The Nearly Native or Trail Blazer