Why did you choose this program?
To travel to Africa, learn both Arabic and Moroccan Dialect, and experience a culture in a homestay programme very different from my own. My professor at JHU is from Morocco and she is a very proud Moroccan who spoke so highly of the country, culture, food, and lifestyle. Upon living there for two months, I can confirm all of her accolades!
What did your program provider (or university) assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?
They assisted homestays, classes, and most excursions. We organized our own trip to the Sahara but Chefchawen, Marakesh, and Casa Blanca were included.They often provided lunch for us at school, but dinner and breakfast was always provided by our host families (and were DELICIOUS… I am newly obsessed with Tajines and Harsha)
What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?
Prepare to be pleasantly surprised by the warmth and welcoming atmosphere that Moroccans exude. I was nervous about standing out as a foreigner, but I was greeted with genuine interest and attention from locals in a way that made me feel like I became part of Morocco, and was not simply there to observe it. I can only say positive things about coming here, and I would really recommend to those who are intimidate by coming to a North African / Islamic country for the first time to test their limits and be as pleasantly surprised as I was.
What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?
On weekdays, there is a lot of school during the morning (if you are in the summer language intensive), but free time to adventure and shop in the afternoons. On weekends, excursions and activities galore! The programme often organizes weekend trips around the country which was a great way to explore with experts, and then when there is downtime it’s fun to go to the beach, get a great snack at the souk, or some new clothes!
Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?
I was very scared about my homestay and perhaps being too “Western” or incompatible for living styles. As someone from a big city who has lived on my own, I was worried about living with a whole family for 8 weeks; however, my homestay was lively, accepting, and completely perfect. I still keep in contact with my host sisters and am eager to visit my family again soon. It was amazing.
Write and answer your own question.
What is it like coming to an Islamic Country as a Non-Muslim?
I had apprehensions about being able to fit in or accidentally being offensive; but one will find that Morocco is a very diverse and welcoming country that embraces others and does not shun. Locals are interested in foreigners in a genuine way, and often exclaim “You are Moroccan!” when you speak some Darija, their belief is Morocco is a country for everyone, and is not to be gatekept. Therefore, my experience as a very European looking non-Muslim was nothing less that my Hijabi peers and I was welcomed just the same.
