1. WHAT’S IT LIKE TO LIVE AND STUDY IN ABROAD ?
Living and studying abroad has been a very fascinating
experience. I have meet interesting people both on and off
campus. In Morocco, English is considered a third
language, and therefore isn't used very often. Despite the
language barrier, a smile is universal. The culture of
Morocco is quit unique and abundant throughout the
country. Their traditions, customs, and values are
different from my own. I enjoy learning about their
culture, and experiencing their world.
2. WHAT ARE THE CLASSES LIKE?
Al Akhawayn University (AAU) is an American based institution. All classroom instruction is done in English, and many of my professors are native speakers of the English language. Classroom sizes are generally small with about 15-20 students. The classrooms are modernly equipped with white boards, computers, and projectors.
3. WHAT IS IT LIKE GETTING TO KNOW NEW PEOPLE FROM A
DIFFERENT CULTURE?
I thought getting to know people from another culture
would be difficult due to cultural differences, and
language barriers. After getting to know a lot of the
students at AAI, I learned that we are all the same in
regards to being college students. Many of us have many
things in common, and enjoy the same activities. My
roommate is a Moroccan female. We often share thoughts
about our cultures, and talk about what life is like for
us back home.
4. WHAT ELSE WAS ENJOYABLE ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE (ex.
Did you work or go on any special trips)?
I think traveling has been the most enjoyable aspect of my experiences while in Morocco. I enjoy going to villages, cities, and places along the coast. Morocco has many primitive villages that are still in need of development. I enjoyed traveling to these places the most because it gave me a sense of peace, and a better idea of what life is like according to social status. I also participated in community service organizations that were on campus. I volunteered in the village of Ifrane, distributing school bags and notebooks to underprivileged children. I volunteered at a community center in the village of Azrou, where I taught elementary students the English language. I was also employed in the writing center.
5. WHAT ABOUT FAMILY AND FRIENDS BACK HOME?
I kept in contact with family and friends back home
through skype and email. I missed everyone, but I believe
that traveling abroad is an experience of a lifetime.
6. SAYING GOODBYES AND RETURNING HOME?
When I leave morocco, I will miss my room mate, new
friends, professors, and all of the other amazing people
that I have encountered while abroad. I am looking forward
to returning to my home university, and completing my
senior year.
7. ANY ADVICE FOR OTHER STUDENTS?
My advice for other students who are interested in
studying abroad is "go for it!", regardless of financial
or academic limitations. Studying abroad is a life
changing experience that every student should have as an
option. Also, for students who are preparing to go abroad,
I would advise them to volunteer as much as possible
because it makes the experience more meaningful.
