Unreal! Past Review
By Lindsay L (Community Health and Arabic, Tufts University) - abroad from 09/01/2011 to 12/15/2011 with
University of Minnesota: Fez - Arabic Language & Culture in Morocco
Absolutely worthwhile. I have learned to embrace daily challenges: My cab driver who stops halfway to my destination to drink milk with his buddies; Crouching on a squat toilet in the dark, comprehending only a rapid whirl of guttural vowels on the other side of the door; Adjusting to the slow-paced, yet thorough teaching style of my Arabic courses. You could choose to focus on the frustrations of living with a family whose customs and mannerisms contradict one’s own, in a patriarchal society where simply stepping outside invites vulgar comments and unsolicited stares, but I chose instead to keep walking and recall, for example, my cab driver who stopped in the middle of the souks– buying us almonds as he asked for my hand in marriage.
Review Photos
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. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
ALIF was fantastic about housing flexibility and switching until you're comfortable. They have a giant database of families, and I felt perfectly comfortable switching families after a few days. |
| * Food: |
Homemade bread, couscous, dates, and mystery meat-- prepare yourself! The hospitality is unparalleled. You will eat a LOT! Because opportunities to exercise were few and far between, the carb-heavy diet was tough, but walking through the old medina and trying street food was a highlight of my time in Fes. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Without fluency in French or Moroccan Arabic, it's impossible not to feel like an outsider. But coming to terms with that (and realizing that you will always pay more for things than a local would) is part of the learning. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I never had a health issue, but for a fellow student who did-- ALIF took her to the hospital and she received quick care. |
| * Safety: |
Especially as a woman in Morocco, walking outside after 9pm is not safe unless you're with a local man. Expect harassment and extra attention at any time of day, though. The real threat of violence felt very slim. Just heed everyone's advice and don't walk around alone. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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) |
Lunches were on our own and usually cost $5-6! |
| * Was housing included in your program cost? | Yes |
| * Was food included in your program cost? | Yes |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | About $50. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Plan thoughtfully about gifts you want to bring back so you don't rush in the week before you go home and pay way more for everything and buy way more than you need! |
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? | Intermediate |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | 4 semesters |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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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? |
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? | Using classical Arabic to communicate is really really difficult in real life. Also- it's OKAY to refuse the 4th, 3rd, or even 2nd serving for the sake of your health! |
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 AdventurerThe 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. |
