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AIFS Abroad: Award-Winning Study and Internship Abroad Programs Across the Globe


<h3>What inspired you to go abroad?</h3><p>I wanted to go abroad because I feel that the best representation of an experience is through honest testimony. I love my home campus, but I felt that studying abroad was too big of an opportunity to pass up!</p><figure class="awesome-image centered" style=""><img style="" src="http://www5.goabroad.com/images/interviews/interviewphoto1-mallorymrozinski-1532998940.jpg" alt="Blue alleyway in Morocco"><figcaption class="caption"><p>An alleyway in Morocco</p><p></p></figcaption></figure><h3>Why did you choose AMIDEAST?</h3><p>I chose to study in Morocco because I wanted to study French, but with a unique focus on postcolonial states. AMIDEAST having a program in Rabat was the perfect opportunity to study both the political science of Moroccan government and the French language.&nbsp;</p><h3>What was your favorite part about Rabat, Morocco?</h3><p>My favorite part of Rabat (and all of Morocco) was the juxtaposition of ancient and modern - from the medina walls to the "European" shopping, there was nothing you ever needed and didn't have.&nbsp;</p><h3>What made your experience abroad unique?</h3><p>One very unique thing about my time in Rabat was the amount of civic engagement I was able to pursue - I spent time volunteering at a youth center in the city and interning at a Human Rights NGO. These were great opportunities to make friends and find a different perspective on civil society than I would have from just taking classes.</p><h3>How did local staff support you throughout your program?</h3><p>The faculty and staff at AMIDEAST in Rabat are very knowledgeable and support students as they navigate a foreign culture. If you need anything at all, just ask Doha!</p><h3>What's one thing you wish you would have done differently?</h3><p>If I could have done anything differently, I would have spent more time at the beach!&nbsp;</p><h3>Describe a typical day in the life of your program.</h3><p>On a typical day in Morocco, I would wake up and eat a huge breakfast with my host family. After breakfast, I would meet up with my neighborhood friends and either take the tram or a taxi to school. When I was all done with class for the day, my friends and I might hang around the student lounge at AMIDEAST or find a caf&eacute; to do our homework in. We could wander around the medina or plan a weekend trip out of the city. When it was time to head home for dinner, I might play with my toddler host brother or sip mint tea with the ladies of my host family.&nbsp;</p><figure class="awesome-image centered" style=""><img style="" src="http://www5.goabroad.com/images/interviews/interviewphoto2-mallorymrozinski-1532998978.jpg" alt="Sunset streaking the sky over Rabat"><figcaption class="caption"><p>My neighborhood in Rabat</p><p></p></figcaption></figure><h3>What did you enjoy doing in your free time?</h3><p>My free time was always spent with friends. Whether we were volunteering teaching English, exploring new restaurants, or playing soccer near the beach, we always had fun.</p><h3>What was your accommodation like? What did you like best about it?</h3><p>I lived in an apartment building in an older residential area of Rabat. I had my own bedroom, and lived above the most popular restaurant in town. My host family was kind and hospitable, and all my closest friends lived within a two minute walk! The best part - we were just down the street from the ocean.&nbsp;</p><h3>What is one thing every participant should know before participating in your program?</h3><p>Bring a sweatshirt!&nbsp;</p><h3>Now that you're home, how has your program abroad impacted your life?</h3><p>My time abroad expanded my view of people and the world in ways I could not have anticipated. When I left to travel, I was a timid, naive girl with no life experience and zero common sense. I had no sense of self-worth, didn&rsquo;t have any confidence, and had never been all that independent. I&rsquo;d never traveled alone, or for more than a few days at a time. I was terrified of everything. By the end of my time abroad, I found myself comfortable speaking foreign languages with strangers, visiting three countries in a week, and navigating airports as if I had been there thousands of times. I learned to appreciate each experience and my relationships more deeply and with greater understanding of the world around me.</p><h3>What was the hardest part about studying abroad?</h3><p>The hardest part about studying abroad was missing time at my real school. Seeing social media posts of all my friends having fun without me never really got easier!</p><h3>What is one thing you wish you would have known before studying abroad in Morocco?</h3><p>The thing that surprised me most about Morocco was the weather. I thought it would be hot and sunny every day, but the weather was just as unusual as it can be in New York! This is also one thing I wish I had known better beforehand. I definitely would have packed my suitcase differently.</p><h3>Would you recommend Morocco to others?</h3><p>I would recommend visiting Morocco to everyone!</p>


Mallory Mrozinski

Check out this GoAbroad Interview with Mallory Mrozinski who participated in Amideast Education Abroad in the MENA program.

Mallory Mrozinski | Amideast Education Abroad in the MENA

Mallory Mrozinski - 2018 Program Participant 


<h3>What inspired you to go abroad? <span style="white-space:pre">	</span></h3><p>I wanted to go abroad to not only build a solid foundation in my target language, but to also meet and connect with people from an Arabic-speaking region of the world. I wanted to gain a new perspective on my home country, my host country, myself, and to become more open-minded and self-sufficient in the process. Most importantly, however, I wanted to be an active participant, rather than a spectator, in a culture vastly different than my own.</p><figure class="awesome-image right-aligned" style="width: 50%;"><img style="" src="https://www.goabroad.com/images/interviews/interviewphoto1-lynch-1507534019.jpg" alt="Camel riding in Marrakech, Morocco"><figcaption class="caption"><p>One of two experiences I had with camels. This one in Marrakech, the other in the Sahara.</p><p></p></figcaption></figure><h3>Why did you choose CIEE? <span style="white-space:pre">	</span></h3><p>I chose this program because its length allowed me to be immersed in another culture, while also preventing first-time travelers from becoming overwhelmed. It also allowed me to see a lot of the country in a relatively short amount of time, as well as help me improve my Arabic.<span style="white-space: pre;">	</span></p><h3>What was your favorite part about Morocco? <span style="white-space:pre">	</span></h3><p>My favorite part about Morocco was, by far, the people. Their hospitality makes it very difficult for one to feel uncomfortable or out of place, and they are willing to help however they can. I forged friendships that are bound to last a lifetime, and this is due in large part to the kindness of the Moroccan people.</p><h3>What made your experience abroad unique? <span style="white-space:pre">	</span></h3><p>My experience was made unique by the fact that I was able to communicate and live with people in my host culture. I didn't feel like a tourist- I felt as though I was learning to live as a Moroccan. I was able to ask Moroccans about how they saw the world, about issues that were important. I wasn't just going to cities, snapping pictures, and leaving. I was traveling, eating, and talking with people who knew Morocco from the inside, and it radically changed my perception of the world.</p><h3>How did local staff support you throughout your program? <span style="white-space:pre">	</span></h3><p>The staff were with me every step of the way. If I had a question or a concern, someone was always available to help. There was someone to walk me home if I felt it necessary, and I was even able to receive free Darija (the Moroccan dialect of Arabic) tutoring when I needed it. I never felt as though I was imposing if I needed to contact anyone about anything. Without their help, my time abroad would've been much more stressful.</p><figure class="awesome-image centered" style=""><img style="" src="https://www.goabroad.com/images/interviews/interviewphoto4-lynch-1507534043.jpg" alt="Spice vendor in Casablanca, Morocco"><figcaption class="caption"><p>Various spices in Casablanca's medina.</p><p></p></figcaption></figure><h3>What's one thing you wish you would have done differently? <span style="white-space:pre">	</span></h3><p>I wish I had successfully kept a journal. The rigor of the day usually left me nodding off by 7:00, but I wish I could've at least written something every day, rather than falling behind and catching up.</p><h3>Describe a typical day in the life of your program. <span style="white-space:pre">	</span></h3><p>On the "long" days (Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays), we had two classes, Darija and Modern Standard Arabic, for a total of five hours. We would wake up, eat a breakfast of bread and olive oil, and head to school. Modern Standard Arabic was from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., and was catered to our personal levels, so I was placed in the beginning Arabic class.</p><p>After that, we broke for lunch on our own, which was usually something in Agdal, close to the study center (though during Ramadan, one's options are significantly limited). We would return around 2 p.m. for Darija, where we were all in the same class, and learn until 4:30 p.m., sometimes 5:00 p.m. Most days, there was also an optional cultural activity, which could range from surfing to making Moroccan bread.</p><p>Once we returned home, we would eat dinner with our host families. During Ramadan, this meal usually consisted of <i>harira</i>, a traditional soup, and hard-boiled eggs. Once Ramadan was over, it was usually some type of <i>tajine</i>. Needless to say, it was always delicious.<br></p><figure class="awesome-image left-aligned" style="width: 50%;"><img style="" src="https://www.goabroad.com/images/interviews/interviewphoto3-lynch-1507534049.jpg" alt="Chefchaouen, The Blue City, in Morocco"><figcaption class="caption"><p>Chefchaouen, also known as The Blue City.</p><p></p></figcaption></figure><h3>What did you enjoy doing in your free time? <span style="white-space:pre">	</span></h3><p>I enjoyed exploring the medina, which, thanks to my host family's location, was right outside my door. I bought beautiful, vibrant scarves and <i>djellebas</i>, and practiced my bartering skills when I bought a leather backpack. Rabat is pretty accessible and not too overwhelming, so if I had access to a taxi, I was usually seeing as much as I could of the city. When I wanted to relax, however, I bonded with my host family by conversing with them.</p><h3>What was your accommodation like? What did you like best about it? <span style="white-space:pre">	</span></h3><p>I lived with a host family in the heart of Rabat's medina (the old part of the city). I loved living with Moroccans, of course! By the time I left, they didn't feel like my host family, just my family. I was able to really experience Ramadan and Eid, and compare Moroccan daily life to American daily life. I was able to practice the Arabic I had learned that day over a warm meal, and help out with chores around the house. The fact that my family was located in the medina was convenient and added another layer to my immersion, so that, too, was a big plus.</p><h3>What is one thing every participant should know before participating in your program? <span style="white-space:pre">	</span></h3><p>The days are long and the coursework will test you, so I would really evaluate how serious you are about learning Arabic before you commit. On the bright side, your Arabic will improve, I guarantee it. There is definitely time to relax and have fun, but it isn't called an intensive program for nothing.</p><figure class="awesome-image centered" style=""><img style="" src="https://www.goabroad.com/images/interviews/interviewphoto2-lynch-1507534071.jpg" alt="Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, Morocco"><figcaption class="caption"><p>The breathtaking Hassan II Mosque.</p><p></p></figcaption></figure><h3>Now that you're home, how has your program abroad impacted your life?</h3><p>It has vastly improved my confidence and my problem-solving skills, and has made me a more open person overall. It robbed me of my proclivity to judge others and bestowed me with patience and empathy. I arrived in Morocco speaking no Arabic whatsoever, and returned speaking at a level most reach after a year of instruction. It also affirmed my aspiration to travel and work with people from other cultures for a living, and it gave me what are sure to be lifelong friends.</p><h3>Would you recommend your program/provider to others? Why? <span style="white-space:pre">	</span></h3><p>I will be the first to recommend both CIEE and this particular program to others. The price is well worth it, considering the fact that you travel to so many cities and receive so much instruction. The willingness of the staff to assist, and the time you're given to spend mingling with Moroccans is really invaluable, as well. I could not recommend this program more.</p>


Hannah Lynch

Check out this GoAbroad Interview with Hannah Lynch who participated in CIEE Study Abroad program.

Hannah Lynch | CIEE Study Abroad Alumni Interview

Hannah Lynch - 2017 Program Participant


<h3><span class="s1">Why did you choose ISA over other study abroad programs?</span></h3><p class="p1"><span class="s1">I had two main reasons for choosing ISA. First was the price - ISA stood out as one of the most reasonably priced study abroad programs I found in my search, and their program in Meknes was less expensive than the other programs I was looking at in Morocco. Second, and probably most important, was the reviews. I was very involved in the study abroad community at my university and I was constantly hearing good things about ISA. The representatives who visited my campus were super friendly and had had great experiences, and when I mentioned the idea of studying abroad through ISA instead of a program sponsored by the University of California, my study abroad adviser loved the idea. She told me, "We have a really good relationship with them, they're great!"</span></p><figure class="awesome-image centered" style=""><img style="" src="http://cdn2.goabroad.com/images/interviews/interviewphoto1-inslee-1474877300.png" alt="Meknes Medina, Morocco"><figcaption class="caption">A quiet walk through the old Medina of Meknes</figcaption></figure><h3><span class="s1">You&rsquo;re from UC San Diego, what advice would you give to other UCSD students going to study abroad in Meknes?</span></h3><p class="p1"><span class="s1">Go and enjoy it! Jump right in! The people are super friendly so don't be surprised if someone you meet at the bus stop invites you home for dinner to meet their family. &nbsp;If you miss the beach, go visit Essaouira. It's a small town on the coast west of Marrakesh and it was my favorite trip while I was in Morocco.</span></p><p class="p1"><span class="s1">On a more bureaucratic note, people tend to worry about the paperwork for non-UC programs and courses transferring to their major, but it's really not that bad. You have to make sure to submit the paperwork on time, but the whole process for approval is mostly a lot of waiting. &nbsp;Because UC has such a good relationship with ISA, a lot of the courses are easily pre-approved. Even if you forget to receive pre-approval for a particular course, or your schedule changes when you get there, you can always petition to use courses toward your major upon returning. It is definitely a lot easier (and less stressful) to have your courses approved before your departure though, so I'd recommend getting pre-approval whenever possible.</span></p><figure class="awesome-image right-aligned" style="width: 370px;"><img style="" src="http://cdn4.goabroad.com/images/interviews/interviewphoto3-inslee-1474877354.png" alt="Tourist posing with the pyramids in Egypt"><figcaption class="caption">Fall break meant a trip to Egypt and getting to see/eat one of the wonders of the world.</figcaption></figure><h3><span class="s1">Why was Meknes the best place to study abroad in Morocco?</span></h3><p class="p1"><span class="s1">In comparison to other programs in Morocco, I really liked that ISA was based in Meknes rather than a major tourist city, like Casablanca or Marrakesh. It meant there were fewer tourists to jack up prices and interactions with locals felt more real, less contrived. I think it was easier to slip into everyday Moroccan life living in Meknes because everyone was Moroccan. Everything felt more authentic and down-to-earth in the local community.</span></p><h3><span class="s1">What was your favorite class and why?</span></h3><p class="p1"><span class="s1">I'm torn on this one. I absolutely loved the intensive intermediate/advanced Arabic courses I took with professor Zakaryae Arsalane. He has got to be the best and most energetic language teachers I have ever seen! &nbsp;I learned so much in my courses with him, and my Arabic ability increased drastically.</span></p><p class="p1"><span class="s1">My favorite non-language course was Professor Hajji's &lsquo;Irreconcilable Differences?: The Representation of Geopolitical Conflict in Western and Arab News Media&rsquo;, which I found absolutely fascinating. I really enjoyed the seminar-style lectures and I learned to think about media in a completely different way.</span></p><h3><span class="s1">How has study abroad impacted your life?</span></h3><p class="p1"><span class="s1">I decided when I was really young that I wanted to be a world traveler, and study abroad fit right into that. I remember I had this moment of realization during Winter Break in Morocco: it was just after my 20th birthday and most of the students that were only there for one semester had already left. I was alone in my apartment in Meknes and I realized that at barely 20 years old I was living on my own in a foreign country! That was something I had always dreamed of, but I didn't expect to accomplish the feat so young.</span></p><figure class="awesome-image centered" style=""><img style="" src="http://cdn1.goabroad.com/images/interviews/interviewphoto4-inslee-1474877393.png" alt="Tourists in the Sahara desert"><figcaption class="caption">Sahara: Enjoying the Saharan sun</figcaption></figure><blockquote><span class="s1">I feel like living in Morocco for a year gave me the opportunity to mature and grow more into the person I eventually hope to become.</span></blockquote><p>

































</p><p class="p1"><span class="s1">I met some great people there that will probably be friends for life (both Moroccan and American) and I learned so much about both Morocco and myself, I don't think I'd trade that for the world.&nbsp;</span></p>


Alexandra Inslee

Check out this GoAbroad Interview with Alexandra Inslee who participated in ISA (International Studies Abroad) program.

Alexandra Inslee | ISA (International Studies Abroad)

Alexandra Inslee - 2011-2012 Program Participant


<p class="p1"><span class="s1"></span></p><div class="awesome-image centered" style=""><img style="" src="http://cdn1.goabroad.com/images/interviews/interviewphoto1-vanvranken-1444979374.jpg" alt="







Ruins near Rabat, Morocco"><div class="caption"><p>Ruins outside of Rabat</p></div></div><h3>Why did you decide to apply for an international program?</h3><p></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">I decided to apply for international program because I love adventure. Going straight to college after high school felt a bit boring and narrow-minded. I wanted to escape from the constant demands of academia, to view life from a different perspective, and to do something big that really mattered. I knew that if I went abroad it would change my entire life, and leave me connected to a region of the world that I had never really thought or cared about before.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">I was also interested in studying international relations in college, so I thought that going abroad would give me interesting insight into the international community (which it did, I got to meet several ambassadors and embassy employees from countries around the world). I also wanted to get first hand experience in other countries so that when I studied them in college they wouldn't just be words on a piece of paper, but a living, breathing organism that I was invested in. I truly believe that in order to study international relations and make decisions in the sphere of international policy, you have to understand on a personal level what it's like to live in a different society and culture than your own.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">I also wanted to go abroad in order to form relationships with people I might never have met otherwise. I wanted to feel connected to a host family, to have local friends, and to meet other American teenagers who shared my passion for travel and international issues. My expectations were blown away in that department; I met so many people that I know I'll be friends with for the rest of my life.</span></p>
<h3><span class="s1">Why did you choose YES Abroad?</span></h3>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">YES Abroad primarily appealed to me for three reasons: it was affiliated with the State Department, it had holistic approach to cultural immersion, and it was completely paid for. I knew that being connected to the State Department would ensure the quality of the program and my safety while abroad. There are not too many programs that send high schoolers to the Middle East for an entire year either, so going with the State Department definitely helps!</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Doing an exchange with the State Department also gave me access to an incredible alumni network. I'm also close to many of the other 64 YES Abroad Scholarship recipients from my year; we still discuss our experiences in our different countries and talk about the challenges we experienced after finishing exchange.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">YES Abroad's approach to cultural immersion also interested me. I wanted to live with a host family, I wanted to go to a local school (versus just taking language classes all day with other Americans), and I wanted to be free to explore the city and culture on my own. YES Abroad did all of those things, and also gave us supplemental language classes after school, cultural classes, and group excursions to different cities in Morocco.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Being free also definitely helped! Everything from the plane ticket to school tuition to a monthly stipend was covered by YES Abroad. I definitely wouldn't have been able to pay for an exchange program by myself, so it being free enabled me to experience something I never would have otherwise!</span></p><div class="awesome-image centered" style=""><img style="" src="http://cdn1.goabroad.com/images/interviews/interviewphoto2-vanvranken-1444979480.jpg" alt="







View of Chefchaouen, Morocco"><div class="caption"><p>In Chefchaouen - the blue city</p></div></div>
<h3><span class="s1">What was your favorite part about Rabat?</span></h3>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">I have to pick just one? I love Rabat, Morocco. Rabat is the capital city of Morocco, so there's always a fair amount going on, from a Russian ballet concert I went to in January to an international music festival hosted in June. Rabat is super easy to get around, which is not always a given if you're living abroad and don't have a car or anyone to drive you places. They have a great tram system, cheap and reliable taxis, and it's also a very walkable city, so I could always go explore after class before I went home or on the weekends!</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Cities in Morocco usually have two parts, the old city, or <i>medina</i>, and the new city. The medina in Rabat was one of my favorite places; I loved the narrow streets, the busy shops, and the delicious juice shops or doughnut stands. The medina was a labyrinth, and I always found some new corner or shop whenever I went in. You can find anything in the medina, anything at all, french antiques, guitars, knitting needles, shoes, bags, vegetables, game boys, pirated dvds, computers, etc. It was where I went when I was bored and had a free afternoon, and the medina never disappointed!</span></p>
<h3><span class="s1">What aspect of your program made it unique?</span></h3>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">YES Abroad is unique because it allows high school students to study abroad for an entire year in countries that most people would never even visit! There are very few programs that offer an entire year abroad for high schoolers, and there's only one other program that I know of that offers programs in countries like Morocco, Turkey, and Bosnia.</span></p>
<blockquote><span class="s1">YES Abroad allows high school students to really immerse themselves in another culture, and spend such a long time in that country that it becomes a part of them.</span></blockquote>
<h3><span class="s1">How did local staff support you throughout your program?</span></h3>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">YES Abroad works with three different "implementing organizations": AFS, Amideast, and American Councils. All three of the organizations are non-profit, international organizations that work with a lot of exchange students.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">I know the most about Amideast, who runs the program in Morocco. Amideast has a physical building in Rabat, which I found really useful. It was a place I could go if I didn't want to go home to my host family, if I needed somewhere to study after school, or if I just wanted to relax. We had a local coordinator, who was really really great. She was in the office everyday, so we could always stop by if we had questions or needed support. She found us volunteering opportunities, walked us through the stages of cultural adjustment, took us on trips, and did pretty much everything else. We also had other Amideast employees working with us, a housing coordinator and a program assistant, who worked a lot on translation and talking to our local school. I think the system worked really well and I always felt really supported.</span></p><div class="awesome-image centered" style=""><img style="" src="http://cdn4.goabroad.com/images/interviews/interviewphoto3-vanvranken-1444979510.jpg" alt="







Riding camels in Morocco"><div class="caption"><p>Riding camels! - Only the most stereotypical thing to do in Morocco, but it was still fun!</p></div></div>
<h3><span class="s1">What's one thing you wish you would have done differently?</span></h3>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">I wish I had spent more time and effort learning the local language, Darija (Moroccan Arabic)! Since I went to school in French and my host family spoke French, I didn't focus as much on learning Darija, even though it would have been super easy to do.</span></p>
<h3><span class="s1">Describe a day in the life of your program.</span></h3>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">I woke up around 7 a.m. and ate breakfast with my host mom and host siblings. Breakfast was typically bread or pastries with honey, olive oil, cheese, and nutella, with Moroccan mint tea and coffee to drink. Then I'd walk to school, which took about 20 minutes, and started school at 8 a.m.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Classes at school were each two hours long, so I'd be in class until 12 p.m. most days, and then I'd have a break for lunch. I'd typically get lunch with friends at a local cafe or bakery, or eat at Amideast's building. I mostly ate sandwiches for lunch during the week. Then back to class, which usually ended at 4 p.m. After school I'd grab coffee with friends or go to the medina to shop or relax. Some days I'd volunteer as an English teaching assistant at Amideast or take violin lessons with a Moroccan violinist.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Then I went home, around 7 p.m. or 8 p.m. We'd have a snack as a family, which was the same foods as breakfast. Then I'd sit with my family in the living room doing homework, reading, journaling, or watching TV with them. Dinner was typically around 10 p.m., which took some getting used to! We'd eat a <i>tagine</i> most nights. Then I'd watch TV with my family for a while longer before heading to bed, around 11 p.m. or 12 p.m.</span></p>
<h3><span class="s1">What did you enjoy doing on you free time?</span></h3>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">I loved traveling to different cities. We traveled about once every two months, for three or four days at a time. I loved getting to explore new cities and see incredible historical monuments. It was a great break from my daily routine of school and a reminder that I lived in an incredibly beautiful country!</span></p>
<h3><span class="s1">Tell us more about your accommodation.</span></h3>
<p class="p3"><span class="s1">	</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">I lived with a host family with an American roommate who was also in YES Abroad for the first half of the year and alone for the second half of the year. My favorite part of living with a host family was getting to participate in daily life with them. I loved going to the vegetable market with my host mom on the weekends or to the public baths. I loved watching TV with them on the weekends and developing favorite shows that we could watch together and comment on. They started to feel like my family by the end of the year; I had a place and a purpose in their home, and I loved feeling like I was a part of their life.</span></p>
<blockquote><span class="s1">There is no better way to understand a culture than living with a local family.</span></blockquote><p class="p1"></p><div class="awesome-image centered" style=""><img style="" src="http://cdn1.goabroad.com/images/interviews/interviewphoto4-vanvranken-1444979432.jpg" alt="







Visiting Essaouira, Morocco"><div class="caption"><p>Exploring Essaouira</p></div></div><h3>Now that you're home, how has your year abroad impacted your life?</h3>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">How has it not impacted my life? It has made me more patient, given me perspective on my privilege as an American, made me more empathetic and a better listener, made me more willing to try new things, made me less afraid of embarrassing myself or being wrong. I think about Morocco every single day, and I miss it every single day. I see the world in two ways at once now, from a Moroccan perspective and an American one, and so everything I do here in the U.S. is colored by my experience abroad. I'm studying Arabic in college, and I hope to return to the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) region soon!</span></p>


Sadie Van Vranken

Check out this GoAbroad Interview with Sadie Van Vranken who participated in Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Abroad Program program.

Sadie Van Vranken | Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YE...

Sadie Van Vranken - 2014 Program Participant


<p class="p1"></p><div class="awesome-image right-aligned" style="width: 350px;"><img style="" src="http://cdn1.goabroad.com/images/interviews/interviewphoto1-zagrodzky-1442397224.jpg" alt="







Camel riding in the Sahara of Morocco"><div class="caption"><p>Trip to the Sahara</p></div></div><h3>Why did you decide to study abroad?</h3><p class="p1">I wanted to practice my French, pick up some Arabic and challenge my worldview by experiencing a culture that is significantly different from my own.</p><h3>Why did you choose IES Abroad?</h3><p class="p1">I choose IES Abroad because my school's Office of Off-Campus Study highly recommended them to me. That in combination with the fact that they offered a French language program in Francophone Africa made it an obvious choice.</p><h3>What was your favorite part about Morocco?</h3><p class="p1">The best part of being in Morocco is its unique historical and geopolitical position. Being at the crossroads of Africa, the Middle East and Europe means the Morocco offers the opportunity to explore global issues from various complex viewpoints. As a political science major, I specifically enjoyed learning about immigration amongst these countries on a macro scale.&nbsp;</p><p class="p1">Rabat as a city was a great location because it's the capital of Morocco, meaning that there were opportunities to visit Parliament and other important governmental and non-governmental organizations. Additionally, Rabat is not one of the major tourist cities in Morocco, so it was easy to integrate into city life.</p><h3>What surprised you most about Rabat?</h3><p class="p1">What surprised me the most about Rabat was its European vibe. I think Americans have a perception of North Africa, and Rabat completely shattered that for me. It was much cooler than Texas (my home state) and there was a mixture of traditional markets and more modern shopping areas.</p><h3>What aspects of your program made it unique?</h3><p class="p1">This program is unique because it gives you the opportunity to learn and practice not one, but two different foreign languages. My French improved a lot and I picked up some basic Arabic as well. This program is also unique because it gives participants extensive opportunities to explore Morocco, West Africa, and southwestern Europe. If you're hoping to study abroad and travel to places off the beaten path, this program is perfect.</p><h3>How difficult was it to communicate with locals?</h3><p class="p1">Communicating with the locals wasn't difficult. People in Morocco are very friendly. It definitely helped that I had taken French, though, since my Arabic was very basic.</p><h3>How did local staff support you throughout your program?</h3><p class="p1">All the students were very close with the local staff. They went out of their way to teach us about Moroccan culture by hosting cultural workshops, inviting us to cultural events, and even welcoming us into their homes for cultural celebrations. In terms of the day-to-day, the staff was great about connecting us with resources around town, including doctors and places of worship.</p><div class="awesome-image centered" style=""><img style="" src="http://cdn3.goabroad.com/images/interviews/interviewphoto2-zagrodzky-1442397283.jpg" alt="







Meknes city gate, Morocco"><div class="caption"><p>Meknes city gate</p></div></div><h3>What's one thing you wish you would have done differently?</h3><p class="p1">I wish that I had spent more time exploring Rabat. Since this is a summer program, most of the day was spent in class. While I certainly got to do some interesting things, like attend a film festival, I wish had spent more time investigating all that Rabat has to offer.</p><h3>Describe a day in the life of your program.</h3><p class="p1">I would normally wake up around 7:30 a.m., eat breakfast with my host parents and then head to school. We had class from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m., with a two hour break for lunch. During lunch, I would usually work on my reading or run errands. Then, we had class from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. After class, the IES Abroad Center occasionally hosted cultural activities, ranging from cooking classes to soccer games to volunteering. Then, I would go home and either head to the gym or practice my Arabic with my host brother. After dinner, I would meet up with some friends at a cafe and do homework until I went to bed around 11:30 p.m. or midnight.</p><h3>What was your favorite thing to do on your free time?</h3><p class="p1">I really enjoyed exploring the local markets. Morocco is famous for its "souks," and some truly amazing things can be found there. I learned to barter and enjoyed getting the local deals on items (like leather or argan oil) that are normally sold to tourists at a higher price.</p><h3>What was your accommodation like? What did you like best about it?</h3><p class="p1">I stayed with a host family. I really liked living with a host family because it gave me an idea about the daily life of a Moroccan. I experienced Ramadan and Eid, which I would not have appreciated as fully had I been living with other Americans.</p><h3>What is one thing you wish you would have known before studying abroad in Morocco?</h3><p class="p1">One thing I wish I had known is what is and is not acceptable to wear. I fortunately erred on the side of more conservative, but I didn't know that I could wear things like short-sleeved shirts. I also wish I had known that people way over-exaggerate the problem of catcalling in America. Besides a couple of harmless greetings, I found that American catcalling is far worse than it was in Morocco.</p><div class="awesome-image right-aligned" style="width: 350px;"><img style="" src="http://cdn3.goabroad.com/images/interviews/interviewphoto3-zagrodzky-1442397334.jpg" alt="







Leather tannery in Fes, Morocco"><div class="caption"><p>Fes leather tannery</p></div></div><h3>Do you have any packing tips for students headed to Rabat?</h3><p class="p1">I would recommend packing your own over-the-counter medication since the dosage and brands are quite different in Morocco. Pepto Bismol is a must; Moroccans eat a lot of oil, sugar, and bread, so most people on my program had difficulty adjusting to the diet. Also, bring sunscreen! There is a lot of sunshine and sunscreen is very expensive and hard to find in Morocco. Women: pack bottoms that are long. Nothing should be shorter than knee length. T-shirts are fine if they're not tight. Also, bring scarves so you can hide any cleavage while out in public during Ramadan. If you're going to travel to rural areas, bring more conservative clothing.</p><h3>What was the hardest part about studying abroad?</h3><p class="p1">The hardest part of studying abroad for me was accepting that the little things I was used to, like air conditioning and exercising daily, were not present or possible abroad.</p><h3>What do you feel the biggest benefit of studying abroad is?</h3><p class="p1">The biggest benefit of study abroad is the confidence you gain from it. Doing simple daily tasks in a foreign country, especially in one where you're speaking your second or third language, requires a level of maturity and self-sufficiency. I think that studying abroad made me more confident in my ability to work out problems and figure things out for myself. Regardless of major or career path, I think everyone can benefit from study abroad for that reason.</p><h3>Now that you're home, how have your experiences abroad impacted your life?</h3><p class="p1">Now that I'm home, I find that I have a more nuanced understanding of the relationship between the United States and North Africa. I'm more inclined to think critically about media reports surrounding issues in Africa than I was before. Furthermore, I have more confidence in my abilities to solve problems and work with people who come from different backgrounds than I do.</p><h3>If you could study abroad again, where would you go?</h3><p>











































































</p><p class="p1">If I were to study abroad again, I would love to go to either Turkey or South Africa. Morocco definitely fueled my interest in exploring more non-western countries.</p>


Chloe Zagrodzky

Check out this GoAbroad Interview with Chloe Zagrodzky who participated in IES Abroad program.

Chloe Zagrodzky | IES Abroad Alumni Interview

Chloe Zagrodzky - 2015 Program Participant


<p class="p1"><span class="s1"></span></p><div class="awesome-image centered" style=""><img style="" src="http://cdn1.goabroad.com/images/interviews/interviewphoto1-kolker-1438427047.jpg" alt="







The Sahara Desert in Rabat, Morocco"><div class="caption"><p>On the edge of the Sahara desert trekking into the desert on camels</p></div></div><h3><span style="line-height: 24px;">Why did you decide to apply for an international program?</span></h3><p></p><p class="p1"><span class="s1">I wanted an experience I couldn't get from an American university: the opportunity to experience a foreign culture by experiencing it daily and living it for four months.</span></p><h3><span class="s1">Why did you choose IES Abroad&rsquo;s program in Morocco?</span></h3><p class="p1"><span class="s1">I chose IES Abroad Rabat because the courses available lined up with my majors and minors perfectly. I was able to take literature classes for my English major, international relations courses for my international studies major, and Arabic courses for my Arabic minor. I was even able to take weekend trips to northern Morocco to practice speaking Spanish for my Spanish minor. IES Abroad Rabat also offers to help participants find internships and volunteer opportunities, which I really appreciated.</span></p><h3><span class="s1">What was your favorite part about Rabat?</span></h3><p class="p1"><span class="s1">My favorite part of the location of Rabat, Morocco was its proximity to Europe, the Middle East, and Sub-Saharan Africa. Its closeness to each region made weekend trips easy, and its location in the middle of these three regions had a really beautiful effect on the Moroccan culture, which was a unique blend of African, Middle Eastern, and European cultures.</span></p><h3><span class="s1">What made your program unique from other programs offer in Morocco?</span></h3><p class="p1"><span class="s1">Compared to the other programs that were located in Morocco who only offered internships for year-long students (if they offered them at all), IES Abroad offered internship opportunities to single-semester students. The opportunity to have an international internship without studying abroad for a full year was the deciding factor in my decision to study abroad with IES Abroad.</span></p><div class="awesome-image centered" style=""><img style="" src="http://cdn1.goabroad.com/images/interviews/interviewphoto2-kolker-1438427139.jpg" alt="







Study abroad students eating dinner with their host family in Morocco"><div class="caption"><p>Dinner in my host family's home</p></div></div><h3><span class="s1">How did local staff support you throughout your time in Rabat?</span></h3><p class="p1"><span class="s1">The local IES Abroad staff were always available to help with whatever my fellow students or I needed, a problem with a host family member (which very rarely happened), adjustment to living in North Africa, explaining cultural differences, or suggesting the best place to go to buy <i>djalabas</i> (traditional clothing) and get a chicken shawarma.</span></p><h3><span class="s1">What's one thing you wish you would have done differently?</span></h3><p class="p1"><span class="s1">I wish I would have spent more weekends with my host family; I travelled almost every weekend to various other cities in Morocco instead. They were all gorgeous and unique, and I enjoyed every experience, but they were things I could have done after the program ended or even the next time I visited Morocco. Cities will always be there, but the opportunity to experience and enjoy day-to-day life with a family I had become part of is not something I can always return to later. My host sister is planning to move to Dubai in a few years, and my host parents are becoming old.</span></p><h3><span class="s1">What was a typical day like for you as an international student in Rabat?</span></h3><p class="p1"><span class="s1">On weekdays, I woke up to a traditional Moroccan breakfast (lots of bread and cheese) and walked to school through the <i>suq</i> (Arabian market). My school day always started off with an hour and a half of Arabic language class, with history, religion, and literature to follow, depending on the day. My host-mom packed me lunch everyday, and I usually ate with my friends from the program in a tent on the roof of the IES Abroad Center, overlooking the Egyptian Embassy and downtown Rabat.</span></p><p class="p1"><span class="s1">After my afternoon classes, I usually went to the beach or to a cafe with other IES Abroad students to do some homework or talk, came home for dinner around 9:00 p.m., and then went for a walk through the <i>medina</i> (old city) with my host sister.</span></p><h3><span class="s1">What were your favorite things to do outside the normal day-to-day schedule of your program?</span></h3><p class="p1"><span class="s1">My favorite activities were the weekend trips. Almost every weekend, a few friends from my program and I would find a cheap Airbnb and take a train or bus to another city in Morocco. We travelled to Tangier, Essaouira, Dakhla (in Western Sahara), Merzouga (in the Sahara desert), and even Granada, Spain for a weekend. We would spend the weekends exploring the medinas (old cities/neighborhoods) and suqs (markets), and would return with pictures and sometimes small gifts for our host families. We explored the country one weekend at a time.</span></p><div class="awesome-image centered" style=""><img style="" src="http://cdn2.goabroad.com/images/interviews/interviewphoto3-kolker-1438427106.jpg" alt="







The Blue City, Chefchaouen, in Morocco"><div class="caption"><p>Weekend trip to Chefchaouen (the Blue City) in Morocco</p></div></div><h3><span class="s1">Can you tell us more about your accommodation? What did you like best about it?</span></h3><p class="p1"><span class="s1">During my months abroad, I lived in a homestay with my 18-year-old host sister and her parents. I lived in the only bedroom in the house, but spent most of my time in the living room or kitchen, talking with my sister and cousins, learning how to make <i>miloui</i> (traditional Moroccan bread), or watching Turkish soap operas.</span></p><p class="p1"><span class="s1">What I loved most about my homestay was that I got to be a part of familial Moroccan life on a daily basis, and was always treated as part of the family. I still talk to my host family regularly, and I still feel like a family member. These connections are arguably only possible in a homestay, they would be impossible if I had chosen a dorm or apartment.</span></p><h3><span class="s1">How has studying abroad in Morocco impacted your life at home?</span></h3><p>

















































</p><p class="p1"><span class="s1">Studying abroad in North Africa has made me profoundly appreciative of the freedoms I experience in America. The freedom to walk outside in shorts and a t-shirt if I want to, the freedom to express sexuality without fear of being literally beaten by the public, the ability to call the police if in an abusive relationship, the privilege of knowing where my taxes go, or being able to elect the leader of my country. I took all these freedoms for granted while living in the United States, and am incredibly grateful for them after my return.</span></p>


Alexandra Kolker

Check out this GoAbroad Interview with Alexandra Kolker who participated in IES Abroad program.

Alexandra Kolker | IES Abroad Alumni Interview

Alexandra Kolker - 2015 Program Participant


<p class="p1"><span class="s1"></span></p><div class="awesome-image right-aligned" style="width: 350px;"><img style="" src="http://cdn1.goabroad.com/images/interviews/interviewphoto2-mwheeler-1435837153.jpg" alt="







Camel riding in the Sahara Desert"><div class="caption"><p>Sahara Desert Trip</p></div></div><h3><span style="line-height: 24px;">What attracted you to the idea of study abroad?</span></h3><p></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">I've always known that I wanted to be involved in international relations, even before I graduated high school. When I was looking at universities, it was important for me to choose a school that supported study abroad. Being an international relations major, I knew I wanted to study abroad for a year to dip my toes into the traveling pool.</span></p>
<h3><span class="s1">Why did you choose IES Abroad?</span></h3>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">When I met with my study abroad advisor, I asked for all of the French speaking programs that were offered through my school. I knew I wanted to be different, so I threw out the options in France and chose between Morocco and Senegal. The Morocco program offered Arabic language learning, a skill I knew I wanted, so the choice was made.</span></p>
<h3><span class="s1">What was your favorite thing about Rabat?</span></h3>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">My favorite thing about Rabat was the beach. The other students and I would try to spend a couple hours there every day, either swimming, sitting on the beach, or getting a mint tea at a caf&eacute;. It was also a great place to meet people our age while abroad!</span></p>
<h3><span class="s1">What makes IES Abroad&rsquo;s Morocco program unique?</span></h3>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">I don't think many other people had the opportunity to ride a camel into the desert, climb a sand dune, and sleep under the stars in the Sahara desert. I was lucky enough to do it twice, and that is a highlight that is Morocco specific.</span></p>
<h3><span class="s1">How did local staff support you throughout your time in Morocco?</span></h3>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Our program had two professors. Our Arabic professors were more friends than staff. They would hang out with us, watch soccer games, and help us with whatever we needed. They joined us on all of our field trips and participated in all the cultural activities, going above and beyond the call of duty.</span></p><div class="awesome-image centered" style=""><img style="" src="http://cdn4.goabroad.com/images/interviews/interviewphoto3-mwheeler-1435837196.jpg" alt="







Attendees of a Moroccan wedding"><div class="caption"><p>Moroccan wedding</p></div></div>
<h3><span class="s1">What's one thing you wish you would have done differently?</span></h3>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">The one thing I wish I had done differently was make more Moroccan friends. I came away with several, but for such a long period of my life I spent too much time with my fellow Americans.</span></p>
<h3><span class="s1">Describe a day in the life of IES Abroad's Morocco program.</span></h3>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">You wake up early, have breakfast with your family, and then walk to the IES Abroad Center. From the old <i>medina</i>, it takes about a half an hour to get to the center. Once there, everyone has their mandatory Arabic class. For the rest of the day, you alternate time in class or hanging out in one of the classrooms, the library, or the Berber tents. Your host family will pack you a lunch and you'll eat it in the middle of the day, maybe running to the <i>hanut</i>&nbsp;for a snack.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">All the classes are finished by 6 p.m., and if you are finished earlier than you are already at the beach. You'll hang out for a couple hours before heading home for Moroccan mint tea and snacks, before hanging out and doing homework, watching TV, or whatever you feel like doing. Dinner is with the family again, when you recount your day and spend some quality time before going to bed.</span></p>
<h3><span class="s1">What was your favorite thing to do outside of your coursework and scheduled program activities?</span></h3>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">I loved traveling. Morocco has a fairly on-time train system that can get you from Tangier to Marrakech in a couple hours. Nearly every weekend I was visiting another city, another town, and having an amazing adventure.</span></p><div class="awesome-image centered" style=""><img style="" src="http://cdn1.goabroad.com/images/interviews/interviewphoto4-mwheeler-1435837268.jpg" alt="







Scarf shop in Fes, Morocco"><div class="caption"><p>Scarf shop in Fes</p></div></div>
<h3><span class="s1">Tell us more about your accommodation in Rabat.</span></h3>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">I lived with a host family, all together there were nine of us. My favorite people were my mom and my niece, both of whom I love dearly. My mom and I would watch horror movies late at night, in English with Arabic subtitles. My niece and I would draw together, and I taught her how to make paper snowflakes in December.</span></p>
<h3><span class="s1">Now that you're home, how would you say studying abroad in Morocco has impacted your life?</span></h3>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">The year I spent in Morocco will most likely be one of the best in my life. Being home, I can't help but compare the two. I know my family is sick of it, my constantly forgetting that I can wear shoes inside the house and my shock at the sight of bare legs. I'm adjusting, slowly, and I know soon I'll be back to the way I used to be. But I'll never forget how it felt to live there, how different and vibrant Morocco is, and I will continue to apply the experience to everything I do in the future.</span></p>


Mallory Wheeler

Check out this GoAbroad Interview with Mallory Wheeler who participated in IES Abroad program.

Mallory Wheeler | IES Abroad Alumni Interview

Mallory Wheeler - 2014 Program Participant


<p class="p1"></p><p class="p1"></p><div class="awesome-image centered" style=""><img style="" src="http://cdn2.goabroad.com/images/interviews/interviewphoto3-lavergne-1424144582.jpg" alt="







At the top of the Roman Ruins in Volubilis, Morocco"><div class="caption"><p>Chance with friends at the top of the Roman ruins in Volubilis.</p></div></div><h3><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">Why did you decide to study abroad?</span><br></h3><p class="p1">I chose to study abroad to experience Islamic culture and practice the Arabic language in an immersive setting.</p><h3 class="p1">What made you decide to study abroad in Morocco specifically?</h3><p class="p1">I have been studying Arabic at my home university and I wanted to understand more about the conflicts that have been dominating the media for so long. I figured that the language would open a means of understanding in the future.</p><h3 class="p1">Why did you select IES Abroad over other organizations?</h3><p class="p1">IES provided me with the most opportunities to pursue the cultural and linguistic experience that I wanted. Other programs came close, but in the end IES Rabat was the right fit for me.</p><div class="awesome-image centered" style=""><img style="" src="http://cdn4.goabroad.com/images/interviews/interviewphoto5-lavergne-1424144703.jpg" alt="







Scarf shopping in Fes, Morocco"><div class="caption"><p>Trying on different scarves and ways to wrap them in Fes.</p></div></div><h3 class="p1">Where did you live throughout your stay in Rabat?</h3><p class="p1">I stayed with a host family my entire time abroad and I would not have wanted anything else. It was a great experience to be part of a Moroccan family and experience authentic meals, practice the language and hold conversations, and gain insight that no temporary resident would ever receive.</p><h3 class="p1">If you could go back to Morocco, why would you jump at the opportunity?</h3><p class="p1">I would love to go and see all of the wonderful people I met all around the country. There are also cities I would love to go and visit, some I wasn&rsquo;t able to see the first time around.</p><h3 class="p1">How has studying abroad in Morocco impacted your life?</h3><p class="p1">It has given me an entirely new perspective and has allowed me to see the world in a different way. It has made me more confident in being self-reliant and has allowed me to do a lot of growing up.<span style="line-height: 1.5em;">&nbsp;</span></p><h3 class="p1">Did you experience culture shock when you returned to the U.S.?</h3><p>

































</p><p class="p1">Being around English almost entirely again was a welcomed change, but it took me a few days to get back into using my native tongue.</p><div class="awesome-image centered" style=""><img style="" src="http://cdn4.goabroad.com/images/interviews/interviewphoto4-lavergne-1424144646.jpg" alt="







Camel riding through the Sahara Desert"><div class="caption"><p>An afternoon trek through the Sahara Desert.</p></div></div><p><br></p>


Chance Lavergne

Check out this GoAbroad Interview with Chance Lavergne who participated in IES Abroad program.

Chance Lavergne | IES Abroad Alumni Interview

Chance Lavergne - 2014 Program Participant


<p><i>Brittany thoroughly enjoys learning about culture, language, history, and architecture, which has lead her to develop a worldly curiosity and love for travel. Even after participating in ISA&rsquo;s program in Morocco, she hopes to see more of the world and all it has to offer, to become the best that she can be, after she completes her degree at Rowan University.</i></p><div class="awesome-image right-aligned" style="width:373px"><img src="http://cdn3.goabroad.com/images/interviews/Interview-Photo-Brittany-Then.jpg" alt="A Night in Marrakech."><div class="caption">A night in Marrakech. Photo credit to&nbsp;Teman Worku and Leila Jiwani</div></div><h3><b>Why did you choose ISA? What attracted you to the program?</b></h3>
<p>I chose ISA over other study abroad programs because not only was its website inviting and simple to navigate, but it provided tons of information concerning what to expect living in another country. Itineraries, course descriptions, even living conditions were specified. More importantly, ISA&rsquo;s study abroad program in Morocco perfectly matched my interests in the Islamic religion and North African culture. The courses the program offered also focused on humanities, which was really convenient since I'm a sociology major.</p>
<h3><b>You&rsquo;re from Rowan University, what advice do you have for other Rowan students who are preparing to study abroad in Meknes?</b></h3>
<p>My first advice to my fellow Rowan peers who want to study abroad is to stay in contact with the study abroad department! They are extremely supportive and are always there to help with anything concerning your trip (Shout out to Laura!).</p>
<p>Secondly, I strongly encourage anyone studying abroad to go with an OPEN MIND, and be understanding and aware of the place you're in. This is especially true living in Meknes, Morocco where the culture and traditions are very different than those in the States, being that Islam is heavily practiced by most of the population.</p>
<h3><b>Why was Meknes the best place to study abroad in Morocco?</b></h3>
<p>Meknes was the best place to study in Morocco because I was completely immersed in the culture. It's not a city with many tourists so I was really able to gain a better understanding of Moroccan life, which I really appreciated. This gave me the opportunity to interact with locals, furthering my knowledge and understanding of the culture.</p>
<p>I was also able to make many friends around town and school who made my experience abroad so welcoming and memorable. Being that Meknes was just a normal, small Moroccan city, I was able to practice my French and even managed to pick up a few Darija phrases (Morocco's colloquial Arabic).&nbsp;</p>
<h3><b>What was your favorite class you took during your study abroad program?</b></h3>
<p>I loved all of the classes I took abroad at Moulay-Ismail. All of them focused on humanities which really interests me. The professors were very welcoming, interactive, and absolutely loved discussions.</p>
<p>My Moroccan Culture and History class &nbsp;was one that I really looked forward to every Tuesday because Professor Yahya was such a character and passionate about the subject he taught. He also challenged me a bit with the work load and called me out in class to share my thoughts, because I was more reserved - with good intentions of course.</p>
<p>Another class I enjoyed was Islamic Society and Politics. I'm not exactly well versed in American politics, much less those of an Islamic state, so the class was very insightful and allowed me to see and analyze many social, political, and religious issues from a new perspective.</p>
<h3><b>How have your experiences abroad impacted your day to day life and your future?</b></h3>
<p>Studying abroad is one of those things that I will never forget. When I'm asked about a special, scary, or funny moment in my life, an experience in Morocco immediately flashes to mind. As cheesy as it sounds, I learned a great deal about another country and its culture, but I also learned a lot about myself. Being in a completely different surrounding with new people gave me a lot to think about, and I gained so much perspective. I also felt quite independent which was nice, but it was a different kind of independence - I was in a completely different surrounding than I was accustomed to, so expectations varied.</p>
<p>Being abroad also taught me that you shouldn't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Not only do you see and experience more this way, but situations that are out of your comfort zone also make for much better stories. I met amazing people abroad, both locals and those who participated in the same program who I can call some of my closest pals. My roommates especially were a huge part of what made living in Morocco so memorable. I learned so much abroad, especially the importance of having an open mind.</p>


Brittany Then

Check out this GoAbroad Interview with Brittany Then who participated in ISA (International Studies Abroad) program.

Brittany Then | ISA (International Studies Abroad)

Brittany Then - 2012 Program Participant

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Affordable internships in Morocco

Begin your international career in Rabat, Morocco - a coastal capital where tradition meets progress. With Intern Abroad HQ, the world’s most affordable and top-rated internship provider, you’ll gain valuable professional experience while immersing yourself in North African culture.

Choose from a wide range of impactful fields, including Healthcare, Human Rights, Education, Microfinance, and more. Internships run from 2 to 24 weeks, with flexible start dates every Monday. Program fees start at just $1,684 for 2 weeks and include housing, airport pick-up, orientation, and 24/7 in-country support.

Whether you're contributing to community health initiatives, supporting grassroots NGOs, or teaching in local schools, each placement is designed to match your goals and make a real impact.

Gain global experience, build your resume, and grow your confidence in one of Africa’s most vibrant and welcoming cities. Apply today and take the first step toward your transformative internship adventure in Morocco!

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Study Abroad Programs in Tetouan, Morocco

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