Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The best experience of my life. Past Review

By (Urban and Regional Planning, Social Work and Social Policy, Worcester State University) - abroad from 05/24/2014 to 06/02/2014 with

The Morocco Program: Full Immersion and Cultural Adventure Summer Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned that the world is a lot smaller than we think and humanity is truly connected. I learned that it is possible for people to live side by side regardless of religion and race. My entire view of the world changed. I cannot emphasize enough that this trip changed myself for the better. I gained determination and motivation from this trip. This trip was the last thing I did in my college career and provided me more focus and direction in my life than I had expected. It was completely worthwhile and invaluable.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

My program did not include formal classes abroad but I learned much more about Moroccan history and culture than I would have in a 3 credit class. Interactions that I had with Moroccan people were invaluable resources for my learning.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The administration of this program was seamless. It was so organized that I was never frustrated or confused. I appreciated that everything was planned well in advance including meal, hotel payments, and entrance to attractions. Additionally, the trip was packed from start to finish. I was never bored and I feel like we experienced as much in 10 days as what other people would experience in months.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I felt safe in every hotel that we stayed in and they were very clean and accommodating. I appreciated the breakfasts that were served in the hotel, perfect start to the day.

* Food:

THE GOOD WAS AMAZING! Everything is so fresh and prepared well. I don't think I had a bad meal the entire trip. If anyone is concerned about not liking the food, even the pickiest eaters on the trip found something at every meal that they enjoyed.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I find the Moroccan culture to be extremely welcoming and hospitable. Everyone that we met was interested in talking with us and getting to know us, while letting us get to know them. The culture of Morocco is about inclusion, people living peacefully side by side, and that includes visitors as well.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not have the need for healthcare during the trip but I am confident that the program would would have been more than accommodating had I needed healthcare during the trip. There are no healthcare issues in Morocco that would be a risk to American visitors to my knowledge and I did not receive vaccines for this trip.

* Safety:

I give four stars for this because I felt safe the entire time I was there, however anywhere you travel, including in the U.S., you need to be aware of your surroundings, keep valuables safe, and try to travel with a friend, especially at night. I think this is the most important safety advice I can give for anyone traveling in Morocco. Also, take pictures of landmarks to mark your route if you are walking to class, around town etc. incase you need a reminder how to get back to your host family/apartment. Also, remember addresses of where you are staying and if it's a hotel take their business card! This is an easy way to tell a driver where you need to go or ask for help to find your way if you are lost or get separated from your group.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

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)

The cost of this 10 day trip was affordable for me and included all meals. When I was there, I had more than enough money. Here's an approximate breakdown: Water for a day: $2USD Coffee/Tea for a day: $1USD Tips at meals: $2USD/Meal Gifts/Souvenirs: $100USD and I bought A LOT.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $170 USD for 10 days
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? If possible, go with a Moroccan to buy things at first (water, drinks, food etc.) After that, you will know how much things cost for when you return by yourself and it will be much easier. Moroccan dirhams are available in small currencies so it is easy to give the seller exact change.

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

We learned basic Arabic phrases and were encouraged to use them throughout the trip.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? I did not study arabic before this trip but I studied French in high school.
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? I am a huge fan of Rosetta Stone and I am using that currently before my next trip to Morocco. Although, the dialect is different, you will at least be familiar when you arrive.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* 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?
  • Getting to know the people and culture.
  • So much more than sightseeing, we actually felt a part of the community.
  • It was organized from start to finish, I didn't have to worry about anything except getting on the bus each morning.
* What could be improved?
  • It should be longer!
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I knew little about Morocco before I went, and I do not wish that I had known anything more. Not knowing anything about the country or culture made it so much better. I could experience everything for what it was, without bias or preconceived conceptions.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.