What inspired you to work for Lankey?
We started Lankey and the founder after traveling to the USA and realizing the need to create study abroad programs for people to come and discover Morocco. It's inspiring to see how our personal experiences and passion for education and cultural exchange have led us to start this initiative. Providing opportunities for students to explore different parts of the world and learn about new cultures is a valuable and rewarding endeavor.
Some of our Lankey students getting henna tattoos while in Marrakech, Morocco.
What advice would you tell your pre-travel self?
Traveling to a new place can be an exciting and enriching experience, but it can also be overwhelming if you're not prepared. As someone who has traveled to many places, there are several pieces of advice that I would offer to my pre-travel self.
Firstly, I would recommend doing research about the destination you plan to visit. It's important to learn about the local customs, culture, and any important customs or etiquette that you should be aware of. This will help you be more respectful and avoid any cultural misunderstandings. Additionally, researching the destination can help you plan your trip more effectively, such as deciding what places to visit, where to stay, and what to pack.
Secondly, I would advise packing light. Many travelers make the mistake of overpacking, which can make it difficult to move around and be more flexible during the trip. When you pack light, you won't have to worry about carrying heavy luggage or paying extra baggage fees. It's also a good idea to bring versatile clothing that you can mix and match, and to pack items that can serve multiple purposes.
Thirdly, I would suggest staying flexible. Travel plans can change unexpectedly, so it's important to be open to new experiences and willing to adjust your plans if necessary. Don't be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone and try something new. This can lead to some of the most memorable experiences of your trip.
Fourthly, I would emphasize the importance of staying safe. While it's important to have fun and explore, it's also important to take necessary precautions to protect yourself and your belongings. Be aware of your surroundings, avoid dangerous areas, and keep an eye on your valuables.
Lastly, I would encourage my pre-travel self to enjoy the moment. Traveling can be a wonderful and enriching experience, so take time to appreciate the beauty around you. Take lots of photos, try new foods, and make new friends. You'll create memories that will last a lifetime.
In conclusion, traveling can be an amazing experience, but it's important to be prepared and stay safe. Doing research, packing light, staying flexible, staying safe, and enjoying the moment are all essential pieces of advice to keep in mind when traveling. By following these tips, you can make the most out of your travels and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Our Lankey students discovering Rabat city after an immersive Arabic class.
Why should someone choose Lankey over competitors?
The unique experiences and opportunities we offer. Our organization specializes in providing immersive cultural experiences that can't be found elsewhere. We have established partnerships with local organizations, businesses,and universities that allow us to offer exclusive opportunities for our participants.
What is Lankey's mission and how do you continue to work toward it?
Lankey is a program that sets itself apart from other study abroad programs through its innovative approach to immersing high school and college students in Moroccan society. Rather than simply attending classes and living with a host family, Lankey offers a comprehensive experience that includes intensive language study, cultural activities, and excursions throughout the capital and surrounding cities. This approach allows participants to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of Moroccan culture and customs, while also developing their language skills and expanding their horizons.
What makes Lankey unique is the fact that every aspect of the program is planned by young Moroccans with a passion for authentic intercultural exchange. These individuals have a deep understanding of Moroccan culture and history, and are eager to share their knowledge and experiences with program participants. By working closely with these young leaders, Lankey is able to offer a truly immersive and authentic experience that is tailored to the interests and needs of each individual participant.
Furthermore, the program takes full advantage of all that Rabat has to offer. As the capital of Morocco, Rabat is a vibrant and dynamic city that is steeped in history and culture. Lankey's local experts know the city inside and out, and are able to guide participants to the most interesting and unique cultural experiences, whether that means visiting the bustling medina, sampling traditional Moroccan cuisine, or exploring the city's many museums and landmarks.
Ultimately, what sets Lankey apart is its commitment to disrupting the traditional norms of studying abroad. Rather than simply providing a generic experience that could be replicated in any country, Lankey offers a program that is specifically tailored to the unique culture and history of Morocco. By immersing participants in the local community and culture, Lankey helps them develop a deep and meaningful understanding of Morocco and its people. This not only helps participants grow personally and academically, but it also fosters greater cross-cultural understanding and appreciation, which is more important than ever in today's globalized world.
Lankey students wearing traditional clothes on their trip to Chefchaouen, the blue city of Morocco.
What do you hope participants take away from your programs?
Lankey is an innovative exchange program that disrupts the traditional norms of studying abroad. Lankey invites high school and college students to immerse themselves in Moroccan society through intensive language study, cultural activities, and excursions throughout the capital and the surrounding cities. Every aspect of the Lankey program is planned by young Moroccans with a passion for authentic intercultural exchange and with local knowledge of all that Rabat has to offer.
Why is it important for people to travel abroad and experience new cultures?
Studying abroad is an experience that can be life-changing for students, offering them a unique opportunity to challenge themselves academically while also enjoying a summer filled with adventure and new experiences. At the heart of this experience is the opportunity to immerse oneself in a different culture, gaining a deeper understanding of the language, customs, and traditions of a foreign country. In the case of study abroad programs in Morocco, this often involves intensive language classes and hands-on cultural immersion that can have a profound impact on a student's academic and personal growth.
Language classes are a critical component of many study abroad programs, and for good reason. By providing intensive language instruction in a foreign language, students are able to rapidly improve their skills and gain confidence in their ability to communicate with native speakers. This is particularly important in the case of study abroad programs in Morocco, where both French and Arabic are widely spoken. By mastering these languages, students are better equipped to engage with local communities and fully immerse themselves in Moroccan culture.
Beyond language classes, cultural immersion is another key element of study abroad programs in Morocco. This can take many forms, including visiting historical sites, participating in cultural events and festivals, and engaging in community service projects. Through these experiences, students gain a deeper appreciation for the history, traditions, and values of Moroccan society, and they develop the skills needed to engage with people from different backgrounds and cultures.
Ultimately, the combination of intensive language classes and cultural immersion is what makes study abroad programs in Morocco so unique and valuable. By offering students the chance to deepen their understanding of the French or Arabic language while also immersing themselves in the rich culture and history of Morocco, these programs provide a transformative experience that can shape students' lives in profound ways. Whether students are looking to enhance their language skills, broaden their horizons, or simply have the summer of a lifetime, a study abroad program in Morocco is an experience that they will never forget.
Lankey students getting ready to ride for an awesome quad bike desert adventure.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
For many, meaningful travel is about more than just ticking off items on a bucket list or taking Instagram-worthy photos. It's about connecting with local communities, immersing oneself in new cultures, and gaining a deeper understanding of the world and one's place in it.
Meaningful travel involves stepping out of one's comfort zone and being open to new experiences, perspectives, and ways of life. It can mean learning a new language, volunteering with a local organization, or engaging in sustainable and responsible tourism practices that support local communities and protect the environment.
Ultimately, meaningful travel is a deeply personal experience that can mean different things to different people. But at its core, it's about creating authentic and transformative experiences that broaden one's horizons, challenge one's assumptions, and foster a sense of connection and empathy with people from different backgrounds and cultures.