What inspired you to travel abroad?
My partner received a Fulbright scholarship to conduct research in Morocco and I wanted to better immerse myself in the culture by learning the local dialect of Arabic.
Why did you choose Dar Loughat?
Dar Loughat received only glowing recommendations from people that have attended the school previously. It is also located in a gorgeous city.
M'diq beach
How did your program help you stay (and feel) safe abroad amidst the ongoing pandemic?
The school provided information about testing sites and aid in where to find medical care.
What was your favorite part about Morocco?
The people and art of the country as a whole are exceptional but the highlight of the city I lived in was the old medina. It has an incredible energy and life in it that feels wholly genuine.
Walking around Chef Chaouen
What made your experience abroad extraordinary?
The hospitality of the people of Morocco, Tetouan, and the staff of Dar Loughat. The support and community I was invited to made my time unforgettable.
How did the local program staff support you throughout your program?
Dar Loughat and the staff of the school were a main reason that my time in Tetouan was so enjoyable. The director is able to facilitate transport to and from the airport, aid in locating housing, and answer any number of questions you might have. The school also holds cultural activities every week that range from cooking classes to excursions to points of interest in the surrounding areas.
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?
I wish that I had taken a few more hours of language class a week. I took 6 hours per week and I think that may have been a tad light.
Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.
I would wake up and either make myself some Moroccan mint tea or go to a cafe to get some. I then would go to class for two hours. After that I would go and shop in the medina or attend a cultural activity at Dar Loughat. In the evening I would meet up with friends, go to a restaurant, or make dinner.
What did you enjoy doing in your free time abroad?
I loved traveling to other cities and areas around Morocco. The nearby beaches were always lovely and spending time in the Tetouan either with friends or alone was always enjoyable.
Hiking in Oued Al Kanar
What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?
My partner and I had a two bedroom apartment on the top floor of a large villa. It had a private terrace the size of the entire apartment and was an amazing place to hangout or host friends.
What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins?
The school is able to aid you in just about anything you can imagine. From helping find housing to answering any question you might have about living in Tetouan or Morocco.
Would you recommend Dar Loughat to others? Why?
Absolutely. Dar Loughat is the best language instruction I have ever had and they are also extremely accommodating with travel plans and other scheduling requests.
What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is?
Traveling abroad allows for you to experience other cultures and ways of life.
Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?
I have a higher level of confidence in my ability to face the unknown and to adapt to unexpected or new situations.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Cultural immersion and appreciation of different lifestyles.
