Morocco Trip Review

I was not sure what to expect when traveling to Morocco because it was my first time out of the country, but the Experiment in International Living was a very great experience for a first time abroad traveler. The program easily combines cultural experience and learning with exposure and lessons about the culture from the international partners. Having the first few days be dedicated to these lessons really helped me begin to understand certain aspects of the culture that I had previously no knowledge of. We learned about things such as the government, Moroccan costume, and religion. I used this gained knowledge when we traveled to other cities and even more so in the home stay, but there was still so much I learned. Our time spent in the cities could have sometimes been better planned. There was a difference between the amount of time spent and opportunity to experience the culture in each city. In each city, I wish we would have had an equal amount of opportunity; however, each city visit was thoughtfully planned out and had their own experiences to gain. Many things that we did, such as a tour of the city of Fes, felt more authentic than if I were to travel to Morocco by myself. EIL does a great job of immersing their students into the culture by having the in country leaders and keeping the students busy. In addition, the home stay was the most important part of the program for me, as was it the most immersive. It was there that I truly felt myself develop/grow and fall in love with the country. The families I came across were absolutely amazing and always willing to help their host children any way possible. I truly felt like I became a part of their family.