Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An Arabic Intensive Experience September 06, 2024

By (Middle Eastern Studies, Wellesley College) - abroad from 01/22/2024 to 05/10/2024 with

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury In Rabat, Morocco

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much about how I adjust across cultural borders, especially being so far away from all my family and friends. Otherwise I learned so much Arabic, and feel like my language skills really improved.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had a hearing issue that came up midway through the semester, and the program directors were very understanding and helpful in the process of addressing that.

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I was really looking for a Arabic language intensive program, which this was. I had other issues with the program, but I definitely learned a lot of Arabic!

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

The conversion rate to Moroccan dirhams is very nice coming from the US dollar, and prices are generally less anyway.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? ARAB 301
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Talk with your host families!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Arabic language intensive
  • My host family
* What could be improved?
  • Prior communication of events scheduling
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I could have understood more about how different the higher education system is in Morocco. The model for Middlebury in Morocco is very much based on how university classes are taught in Morocco, not the US, and that took some time to get used to. In short, there's much more lecturing than class participation.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!