What sparked your interest to study abroad?

I decide to study abroad because it’s been something I had always seen myself doing it and this summer I was given the opportunity to do so. I always had an interest for learning about different cultures, visiting other countries and learning languages. I believe that study abroad is an experience every student to should do.  It’s an amazing way to challenge yourself and become aware of the world we live in.

What drew you to Meknes, Morocco for your study abroad program?

I chose to study abroad in Morocco because I see the country as the gateway to the Arab culture and Middle East. I’m a Political Science major with concentration in Global Politics, so this specific region is of high interest to me. I wanted to begin learning Arabic but at the same experience the culture at the same time so I chose to go to Meknes, Morocco.

Did you look into any kind of financial aid for your trip?

Yes, there were lots of scholarships but many of the deadlines had passed when I received the notification that I was admitted into the ISA Summer Morocco program. There were loans also available. There was also a scholarship for studying abroad available in my department at my school. I use scholarship money through my department at my school and the Diversity Abroad Scholarship.

What was the most rewarding part about your stay?

The best part of studying abroad had to be the whole interaction with different people with different backgrounds and experiences.  This is what makes you have a growing up experience. Just to look back at how you change from the first day you arrive to the host country to the last day you were in is breathtaking.

Was studying abroad a challenging experience? Why?

I found it a challenging experience because it disconnects you from the world you know and forces you to immerse in a different culture without the back support of your family and friends being present with you.  You have to step out of your comfort zone and create new boundaries.

What was your most memorable experience abroad?

My most memorable experience abroad was the weekend we spent at Merzouga, Morocco. Merzouga is a small town located in the Western Sahara, only about 30 miles away from the Algeria border. This was the most memorable because for a weekend you were out in nature and enjoying its immense beauty. The Sahara Desert is a place that takes your breath away and you leave feeling spiritually different than from how you arrive.

What classes did you take when you were abroad? Did the classes available in your study abroad program effect the location you chose?

I took two courses when I was abroad. They were Beginning Standard Arabic I and Irreconcilable Differences between Arab and Western News Media. Yes, the fact that Arabic was available in my study abroad was a factor in deciding the location of where to study.

What were your living accommodations like in Meknes?

I decided to lived in an off campus apartment with five other girls who were also American students participating in the study abroad program. That had two specific impacts on my experience. One that it was a safety net for me making easier to live abroad. You had other students who could relate you on the same emotions you were feeling due to being away from your home country. At the same since you didn’t had a family that could help get around, you had to venture on your own to know the city and its functions.

How did your friends and family react at the idea of you leaving for Meknes?

Yes, it was difficult leaving my family and friends, especially my family since I’m really close to them. They were very supportive of me going abroad even though they were skeptical about the location I chose to study abroad in.  I reassure them that it would be find because I chose a study abroad through an organization that my school knew every well off and has a long standing reputation.

As a student of color, did you feel your experience abroad was different from your peers? If so, how?

I didn’t feel that it was different in the sense that I was treated or viewed different than those who are Caucasian. I think the fact that I have been exposed to two cultures my whole life made it easier to accommodate to different culture. Where, I felt that it was different being a student of color was on the impact that it had on my family. Some of my family has never left their native country and for me to go live in totally different continent for six weeks was unimaginable.

How has studying abroad benefited you, personally, academically and professionally? Do you think you have grown as a person? Have any of your beliefs changed significantly due to this experience? Explain.

Studying abroad made me a more mature person that has more understanding about issues that affect other areas of the world through a different viewpoint other than through your own.  You learn so much in such a short period you grow and acquire an appreciation for the country’s culture and as well as for being luck to live in America. It has made an more open and understandable individual.

What do you wish you would’ve known before studying abroad?

Honestly, that even though you were surrounded with people you didn’t know that everything was going to be fine and that in the end you wouldn’t regret it all.

What do you think other students studying abroad should know before leaving?

For other students planning to study abroad, they should know a bit of background      information about the customs of the country they are visiting. I would recommend getting involved in a language exchange program at your host country if one is available. Don’t be afraid of leaving your family and friends in the end it would be worth it.

Do you think that there are any personal qualities that make it easier with the study abroad experience?

What do you think could have improved your study abroad experience?

One think that could have improved my experience is if I knew a little bit of Arabic before going abroad. Another thing would have been my roommate experience. There was some conflict with the roommates and that affected a lot the mood of the last weeks of the study       abroad experience.

Would you recommend study abroad to other students?

Of course I would recommend studying abroad to other students. I would tell them if you ever thought of doing so, just go ahead and do it. If it something that interest than you won’t regret it.

Do you plan to go abroad again? If so, where and for how long?

I definitely do want to go abroad again but at the point I don’t know where my next location would be. I may do Morocco again.

Do you plan to utilize your experience abroad in your future career?  Explain.

Yes, definitely. I want to go into International Relations so studying abroad it’s a big plus for your resume. I am continuing to learn Arabic as well, so that’s something else I’m going to utilize from this experience abroad.

Do you want to go to Morocco?

Learn more about Study Abroad in Morocco?

Do you want to share your study or travel abroad experience too? Email us at info@diversityabroad.com 

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