Past Review
By Alison N (ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE/LETTERS., Tufts University) for
SIT Study Abroad: Morocco - Migration and Transnational Identity
Yes, very worthwhile. My Arabic improved a lot, I made some really good friends, got to know many Moroccans, saw a lot of the country, traveled independently, and overall had a fun, stimulating, beneficial experience.
Personal Information
| The term and year this program took place: | Fall 2005 |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
|
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The program was for the most part very organized and staff was generally responsive to students' needs. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
All students lived with Moroccan families in the medina (old city). I had a generally good experience; my family was very nice, Arabic, French, and some English was spoken, and I got to practice Arabic a lot. <br /><br /> It wasn't always easy or comfortable, but it was definitely worth it for the cultural/linguistic experience. All students lived within walking distance of the center where we took classes. Most students had basic but adequate accommodations. |
| * Food: |
I really liked Moroccan food and my host mother was a good cook. However, I did find it hard to get healthier options and there wasn't a lot of choice as to when/what/how much I ate. The food served at the center was fairly good. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
This program is probably not for everyone, especially for those looking to go out drinking every night. It is not a "traditional" study abroad experience. There are limited nightlife options in Rabat, and families generally do not want students going out late. However, there are plenty of other activities (beach, weekend trips, interesting sites around the city, activities with Moroccan families/friends) so I always felt like there was something new to do. I also had a close group of friends from my program, and since everyone lived near each other, it was easy to get together to do things. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
|
| * Safety: |
Rabat, and Morocco in general, are very safe. I can't think of any times that I felt unsafe. I got sick at one point, and the program helped to find a good doctor for me. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
|
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? | I really don't remember, but Morocco is inexpensive and as housing and most meals were covered, I had limited expenses. Most of the money I spent was on travel, shopping/gifts, internet at cybercafes, and taxis. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | None that I can think of. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
My language skills improved a lot through living with a Moroccan family and also through Arabic classes. |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | This is a very good program -- well run, (mostly) good academics, very interesting location. I recommend it highly, but it is not for everyone. Although neither French nor Arabic are required, if you don't speak either, you will not get very much out of the program and out of Morocco in general. Also, the home stay is very beneficial, but you will be living in fairly basic conditions without many Western-style conveniences, so make sure that you can deal with that for the three months that you'll be with the family! |
