IES Abroad - Study Abroad in Morocco

Studying in Rabat was one of the most profound experiences of my life. It gave me the opportunity to come to know an entirely different language, culture, and how much of a role religion plays in everyday life. It is impossible to compare this experience to our way of life back in the states, and if this is the intention you will be disappointed, but from the Atlas Mountains to the Sahara Desert to the numerous beach towns, this country offers so much adventure. Whether it is haggling for that jalaba in the souk or walking the blue streets of Chefchaouen, I have learned so much and met so many people that I could not and would not have come to know anywhere else. Don't get me wrong, it was definitely difficult at times, but I would not trade this experience or this time for anything else.

I studied in Rabat, Morocco for three and a half months and it was the most unforgettable experience I’ve ever had. Morocco is different from anything I had ever known and even though it was intimidating at first, I felt one with the country and the people in no time. The IES staff was so great at getting us to be immersed in the culture and was always there for us if we did not understand something. The classes were very interesting and taught me a lot about Morocco’s culture, Islam and issues that concerned North Africa and the Middle East. There are even classes taught in French so that French speakers could improve their French language skills while learning Arabic. One of my favorite parts about the trip was my homestay. My host family was welcoming and treated me like their own daughter. My house was in the medina (the old city) where a lot of traditional families live which was very interesting to see every day. I was also near a lot of little shops, cafes and even the beach! I definitely recommend studying abroad in Morocco with IES because it was one of the best decisions of my life.

I studied in Rabat for an entire academic year, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything! I took classes in French, took a class at University Mohammed V, learned basic Arabic, and learned so much about Moroccan culture and history. Spending the year seemed daunting in the beginning, but at the end of my first semester I was happy to be staying. I had finally gotten into the groove of things and that allowed me to get an even deeper, more fulfilling experience. I loved my host family, who I stayed with for the entire year and am still in contact with on a regular basis. I also enjoyed the exploring that I had the opportunity to do living in such a vibrant country in an amazing part of the world. I am glad I didn’t just pick any old French program and instead found myself with an interest in a part of the world I hadn’t known anything about before my adventure.