What inspired you to travel abroad?
When Germany took in a lot of Syrian refugees, I felt the need and moral obligation to step up and support. After some preliminary support work in shelters, I later committed to supporting unaccompanied children as a legal guardian.
My profession as a lawyer helped me with the basics, but learning Arabic was a chance I took when trying to help "my" children learn German. As I moved along, it became clear that I would only seriously improve if I fully immersed myself in the language by living in an Arabic-speaking country. Taking a language course "on site" and living locally seemed the best match.
Why did you choose the Arabic Language Immersion Programs in Morocco by Dar Loughat?
The program offered by Dar Loughat (Dar Al-Arabiyah) seemed perfect. The location of Tetouan was also a decisive factor.
Tetouan is a small town, beautifully located near the beach with a beautiful view of the surrounding mountains. The first contact with the school was very friendly, and this "familiar" touch has stayed and even increased over time.
This was the top of Mount Tizirane (2,106 m). Yes—it was very cold and windy, but absolutely worth it!
What was your favorite part about Morocco?
The perfect mix of a multicultural setting (Moroccan / Spanish / French) with short distances and a strong local touch, combined with a daily morning intense course in Arabic.
This one is very personal: I like to travel by ship, and you can travel from Sète (France) to Tanger Med over two days—so the language course already starts on the boat.
What made your experience abroad extraordinary?
Following my routine, I felt like a "local"—that was extraordinary. To apply my language at every occasion, insisting that I try to speak Arabic, even when the local Moroccan dialect is very different.
Only if the risk of misunderstanding was too high would I switch to another language. And when you go hiking with 39 Moroccans—believe me, you survive.
We made it to the top of Mount Halka.
How did the local program staff support you throughout your program?
The teachers are very supportive and adapt the course to individual needs. All teachers are friendly and will stop to talk with you when you meet them for a brief conversation.
So, you get more and more confident in speaking Arabic. One favorite I had was the weekly additional program—always a variety: hiking, local tours, short courses on specific language topics, calligraphy, etc. This also helps you meet other students and make connections.
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?
Being there the fourth time (which stands as a strong recommendation in itself), I can only recommend staying local and coming back. You stop being a tourist and make friends.
The first night after I checked in, I walked down the street and suddenly heard my name—"Haaaanss!" I met a friend from last year, and we had a nice conversation—as if I hadn’t been away for a year.
Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.
I preferred and had asked for a late morning class, and this was possible. So every morning after breakfast, I would sit in a café and review or prepare for class.
After class, you need a break—I would always take a nap (strongly recommend that). Afterward, some homework from class and a bit of work as a lawyer, then I would hop in a taxi to the beach (just 15 minutes).
And yes—you can go swimming in January. In the evening, a second round of Arabic homework… and then you're ready for the next day.
He does not understand my Arabic—no worries! One gets used to the experience. A part of immersion.
What did you enjoy doing in your free time abroad?
Last time, I connected with a local group that went hiking every weekend. So at 7:00 in the morning on Saturday or Sunday, we would meet and hop on a bus.
The rest was always an adventure. Be prepared for loud music, singing, and all kinds of surprises. You’ll find yourself thinking, "Oh—is this really happening? Oh—this is interesting!"
What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?
I opted for a hotel. I had stayed in the old town before, which is also very nice.
This time I opted for some comfort and took a hotel just two minutes from the school. For me, small distances are important. With Dar Loughat, everything is central. The old town with the king’s castle is just five minutes away—and there, you’ll find the old, typical hammam I like to go to.
What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins?
If it's your first time, take it easy. The change in atmosphere takes time—so give yourself that time.
Ask questions about anything that feels different—you’ll learn and understand more that way. The school also offers familiarization classes to help you prepare for specific cultural differences or traditions.
Especially with Arabic: the beginning is the hardest part. Your brain needs a complete rewiring—the setup with its characters falls on unknown territory in your brain. So take and give yourself time for that first-year calibration. After that, you’ll move forward step by step.
And by the way—learning Arabic really trains your brain!
One day, I will know the differences by heart. For now, it is as good as it gets! We both liked the structure we had developed.
Would you recommend your program to others? Why?
It’s the perfect setup, with all the support you might need in an ideal setting. I usually come in winter, so there isn’t much tourism—take advantage of that.
If you want to see the big-name cities (Marrakech, etc.), just make a trip. At the school, there’s always someone at the front desk. If you need a ride or local support—no problem.
One time I got sick, and I’m still thankful for the support I received then.
What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is?
The complete shift in perspective. In so many ways—but I’ll give just one example.
I had a certain idea of "Islam" as a religion before coming to Morocco. Inevitably, when you see people pray to something bigger than themselves—several times a day—and when it happens naturally in daily life, like during a hike, the sincerity and the depth affected me.
My idea of Islam is now different, and it will continue to change the more I connect and understand. You wonder how there can be so much conflict about different religions… when you meet the people praying every day.
My teacher’s face says it all—he’s happy I seem to get it. Joy and fun are key in language learning!
Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?
Now that I’ve reached a language level that allows me to speak solid Arabic, I will continue. And of course, it’s great fun to surprise people from Arab countries in Berlin by addressing them in Arabic.
It’s always the same three-stage reaction: first, a moment of complete confusion—"I do not understand him." Then a slight shock—"He looks German, so this must be German… I still don’t understand him; something’s wrong with me." And finally, joy—"Unbelievable! He speaks Arabic! Let’s talk in my mother language!"
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Travel becomes meaningful when I feel like I truly connect. I try not to be—or act like—a tourist, though that remains a slight contradiction.
When you learn and apply the language, you inevitably connect on a deeper level. You’re curious, you try to learn; you appreciate, you talk, you listen… and you change.
