East meets west in Morocco, a North African country with a tumultuous history, inspiring natural wonders, and vibrant cultures. Students studying abroad in Morocco will quickly find that it’s a country that never ceases to amaze.
Where will study abroad in Morocco lead you?
This must-see travel destination has been heralded by all types of travelers as exciting, beautiful, and diverse. Study abroad in Morocco and you’ll feel like you've stepped into Arabian Nights or Aladdin when wandering the medinas of Marrakech.
In chic Casablanca, you’ll stand in awe of the Hassan II Mosque, the largest mosque in Africa (and the third largest in the world!). If your Morocco study abroad experience brings you to Fes, expect a more traditional Morocco with a magical, mystical vibe.
Journeying through the Atlas Mountains you’ll find yourself wondering how just a day’s worth of travel can bring you to the vast Sahara Desert. It’s even harder to imagine the sand and wind of southeastern Morocco while exploring the hillside city of Chefchaouen. Its blue streets and laidback lifestyle stand in contrast with other Moroccan cities.
Studying abroad in Morocco provides you with a unique opportunity to see all sides of this multifaceted country. (And, by the way, it’s one of the best places to study abroad in Africa!)
9 studying abroad in Morocco tips
1. Attend renowned universities
The universities and organizations that will host your Morocco study abroad experience are very prestigious, the country having been an intellectual hub for centuries with scholars coming from all over the world to study and teach.
One of the best studying abroad in Morocco tips? Appreciate the incredible architecture!
History, architecture, religion, archaeology, and anthropology geeks rejoice! All of these are popular subjects for students studying abroad in Morocco. Morocco’s location between Africa, Europe, and the Middle East makes it the perfect place to study diplomacy and international relations as well. You may never want to leave your classroom!
2. Pick up a new language
The official language of Morocco, Arabic, is the world’s 5th-most spoken language and knowledge of it is a valued asset. If you’re interested in learning Arabic abroad, there’s no better place to do so (although classes can also be found and taught in English as well).
In addition to Arabic, you’ll most likely also hear French, Spanish, and even Berber spoken in Morocco. Berbers are an indigenous people of North Africa and you’ll learn a lot about them during your study abroad program in Morocco.
It’s common in Morocco for people to speak three or more languages! This is due to Morocco’s colonial past, which is also still very apparent in its architecture, food, and some traditions.
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3. Take your taste buds on a journey
Your taste buds will be happy even if your belt isn’t.
You may have tried Moroccan food elsewhere in the world, but after your first tagine in its native land, you’ll find it hard to compare! Tagine is just one of the many Moroccan dishes you’ll try during your time abroad.
Other favorites include couscous, pastilla (pigeon pie), and zaalouk (a type of eggplant salad). While Morocco is famous for its spices, you’ll also find dates, apricots, and other delicious fruits and delicacies at the daily markets. Try some almond or sesame cookies for dessert!
4. Behold the stunning natural vistas
One of the best studying abroad in Morocco tips is to take the time to take in the views! Perhaps the most jaw-dropping site in Morocco, the Ouzoud Waterfalls, offers not only stunning views, but voyages by small raft into their waters.
Natural vistas in Morocco are often found in the most remote places; be prepared to take a full day or weekend to explore! Some other spots not to miss are Dakhla, where giant sand dunes descend into the sea, the Todra Valley Gorge which will make you feel very small, and Merzouga, a small Saharan village where camels may outnumber the people!
Speaking of natural wonders, take a study break and chill on one of Morocco’s beautiful beaches. Legzira Beach and Mar Chica in Nador on the Mediterranean Sea are not to be missed while studying abroad in Morocco.
5. Find interesting animal and plant life
When you study in Morocco, you’re sure to come across some of the interesting animals and plant life this biologically diverse country has to offer. With over 40 ecosystems, this diversity can be seen from its arid deserts to its mountain ranges and coastal regions.
Studying abroad in Morocco will be an experience unlike any other. Make the most of it!
Just the birdlife will spur your imagination — Morocco is home to flamingos, storks (which like to nest atop the many minarets), eagles, and spoonbills. Land-bound animals include camels, gazelles, foxes, and leopards.
Test your courage by holding an enormous snake in the Marrakech markets (ethically, of course). Eucalyptus can be found on the coast, while higher altitudes have forests of oak, fir, and pine. If you’re interested in animals and plant life during your study in Morocco, there’s plenty to see!
6. Immerse in cultural experiences
If you’re studying abroad in Morocco, tips to live by include diving right into the culture ASAP. Home to the Berber people, Morocco is chock full of immersive cultural experiences you can partake in during your study abroad experience.
These immersive experiences will make you smile as you reflect back on your time there. You can stay in a traditional Berber village, listen to Berber stories over a campfire in the Sahara, and even observe how they weave, cook, and travel in southeast Morocco.
Other cultural experiences include being scrubbed down at a traditional Hammam, or public bath. Don’t be shy — you’ll never be so clean! While studying abroad in Morocco, you also won’t want to miss the many cultural and religious festivals.
Religious holidays like Ramadan can be incredibly immersive experiences; you’ll most likely be invited to break fast with families and enjoy some delicious Moroccan treats.
7. Take affordable adventures
You’ll be talking about your Morocco study abroad memories for years to come.
Looking for a weekend adventure that you can afford on a student budget? Morocco is a great place to travel without breaking the bank. Consider taking a couple of days to visit the beach town of Essaouira, where you can try surfing, ride camels on the beach (strange right?), and spend time outdoors exploring. The cities of Rabat, Fes, Marrakech, Tangier, and Casablanca have museums and historical monuments that you can explore at little to no cost.
8. Find friends that will last a lifetime
Top studying abroad in Morocco tips include conversing with interacting with those around you — you’re sure to make fast friends. Approaching a new language and culture will put you out of your comfort zone, so don’t be afraid to reach out for help from your new Moroccan neighbors!
The Islamic faith is prevalent in Morocco and it encourages kindness to neighbors and strangers. Studying abroad in Morocco tips will always include being open to new experiences and people. The friends you make in this country will truly last a lifetime.
And that’s not even counting the friends you’ll make from all over the world that are also journeying to Morocco. As an international crossroads, you’re sure to meet people from all around the globe.
9. And something for movie fans…
Ever heard of Ait Benhaddou? Neither had we! But this ancient city made entirely of clay has received international attention. It has been the setting for movies and shows like Game of Thrones, The Mummy, Gladiator, Prince of Persia, and many more. Morocco is such a magical place that filmmakers and writers can’t seem to stay away! Study in Morocco and you may just be inspired to create the next great cinematic masterpiece.
You’re ready to study abroad in Morocco!
Hey, here’s a top tip: Don’t pass up the opportunity to study abroad in Morocco!
How are those for studying abroad in Morocco tips? There’s much more where that came from! Morocco has some secrets that you’ll only uncover if you’re spending a good amount of time in the country.
Find the Roman ruins of Volubilis outside of Meknes or the colorful tanneries of Fes. You’ll want to devote some time to each Moroccan wonder you visit, learn more about what makes them so special, and immerse yourself in the experiences they have to offer. Morocco is a cultural wonderland and you are Alice willingly traveling down the rabbit hole!
Keep in mind as you’re on your adventure that Morocco is a predominately Muslim country and that if you’re a woman, you may not be able to enter some mosques or partake in some activities unless you’re dressed appropriately.
During religious festivals and holidays, you’ll need to respect local laws and customs. Instead of being intimidated by these potential challenges, you should embrace them when you study in Morocco. These are the types of differences that make Morocco so entrancing, and will give you an edge when expected to adapt to various situations in the future.
If you learn nothing else from studying abroad in Morocco, at least take away the importance of finding solidarity and beauty in the differences of humankind. While there is a sameness in our human condition, it’s our differences that make life beautiful and exciting. That’s why we travel, and why you are studying abroad!
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