Very Challenging, But Worth It! Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Our site visits and guest speakers were all incredibly interesting. The framing of the two classes, though, were not very clear, and class days without guest speakers or site visits were entirely student-led with very little professional facilitation.

On-site administration of your program

This program gave an incredible opportunity to experience Morocco, though there is little support from the faculty in guiding the students through the experience.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I loved my host family. From what I understood, the majority of students on my program really enjoyed their experiences with their host families. It is also right in the middle of the old medina in Rabat, so you really get an immersive experience.

Every Friday, the host families make couscous for the whole family which is a wonderful and delicious tradition. There are a lot of food vendors throughout the old medina-- the fruit is amazing, and there was a couple selling baked goods right by my host family's home which was incredible. Pizza and paninis are very popular for everyday food. Be wary of what may give you food poisoning though. Very important to be cautious in that regard.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Because I am visibly American and was learning Darija (Moroccan dialect of Arabic) for the first time, I never truly felt *completely* integrated in the culture. However, as I learned my way through the old medina in Rabat, as I explored other cities in Morocco, and as my Darija improved, I was able to feel very comfortable traveling and interacting with anyone in the country.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Fortunately, I never became too sick, though my friends who did had little to no help, and one was sent by themselves to a doctor who did not speak English. They had a Health Presentation at the beginning of the program as a part of the orientation, but beyond that, there didn't seem to be much accessibility to help. As I've said before, this program is an incredible opportunity to explore and learn about Morocco, but there is very little faculty support.

Mostly safe, though you are in a foreign country-- catcalling was extremely common, being followed sometimes happens for a little bit, you may see a fight break out in the street. However, in general, I felt very safe, though it is very much *your own* responsibility to make sure you are safe, I would not rely on faculty.

I would choose SIT Morocco: Multicuturalism and Human Rights or SIT Morocco: Journalism over my program because their classes seemed to have clearer intention, better professional facilitation, and more enjoyable excursions (except Migration's Amsterdam excursion was amazing!!).

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

Morocco was incredible in terms of not having to spend too much money.

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

The program teaches Standard Arabic (Fus'ha) though you are immersed in the Moroccan dialect of Arabic (Darija). There is a lot of language use because class time is plenty and you have to use your Darija to get around (unless you know French).

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• Host Family

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• Host Family

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• Americans

• My host family (and Morocco as a country!)
• My Independent Study Project (and advisor)
• Friends I made

• Faculty Support
• Facilitation