Memorable moments with my life-long family!

I applied to the Experiment in hopes of going abroad to learn a new culture and further my Arabic language. However, I not only achieved my goal but I gained much more from the experience. From the first day in the airport to the last day in Rabat, my group has stuck together. The group went from a group of strangers to family that stuck together through thick and thin. We helped each other when we were feeling homesick, ill, or upset. We made every moment in Morocco count with our jokes, memories, and amazing conversations. The team leaders were a part of our family; they made sure we were always safe, comfortable, and enjoying our time. Orientation made the adjustment to an unfamiliar country easy. Orientation was about a week long and it made our trip very clear, while addressing our concerns and goals from the trip.

My goal in The Experiment was to step out of my comfort zone. I was always scared of farm animals, but staying in the village allowed me to familiarize myself with sheep, goats, donkeys, and chickens. I also was able to go hiking, a sport I never thought I would feel comfortable enough to try. I don’t know how to swim, but I learned how to float and swim with a floatie. I believe that everyone in the group was able to accomplish this, especially during the homestay. We all learned how to communicate without being fluent in a language. We also had to use bathrooms completely different than the ones in America. The program definitely made me feel safe while I was stepping outside of my comfort zone and trying new things. The leaders checked in with all the students and made sure everyone knew the difference between unsafe and uncomfortable.

My favorite part of the Experiment was the host family stay. Each person was given a family in a small village. My family was very friendly and tried to learn about me. They would ask me about life in New York and my visits to Egypt. My family took me out to the main part of the village to shop and visit their friends. We also got to go to a different part of town for the weekly souq (market) day. It was amazing to see how culture plays a role in the groceries that buy and in the relationships between the seller and buyer. I also enjoyed going out with my group and their host siblings. We went out to the cafe to watch the African Cup games. We raced in the field, we went for small walks, and we visited each other for tea time.

The Experiment has opened me up to taking study abroad courses in college. After learning Darija and talking to my group leaders, who are fluent in multiple languages, I have decided to minor in Arabic. The Experiment has also allowed me to work in a group, showing me that I am a team player and a leader. The four week study abroad program, Morocco: From the Medittereanean to the Sahra, was the best summer abroad I have ever spent.