Study Abroad and Domestic Study Away

Currently I am studying abroad in Morocco, in a small city called Ifrane. My study abroad experience in Ifrane, Morocco has opened my eyes to a completely new way of viewing the world, whilst learning about the cultural and historical background. Morocco is diverse in its people, environments and foods and I am very grateful to have been able to experience it. 

Travelling has been the highlight of this semester as I got to go explore everything from the dunes in the Sahara Desert to the vibrancy of Marrakech and the stunning sights of Chefchaouen amongst many others. The cuisine was another favourite of mine, especially all the tagines, the mint tea, and the pastries that were served during Ramadan.

It was not easy being immersed in a culture that is so different from everything I had been exposed to before, and there were moments when the experience became overwhelming. I was taken aback by all the different cultural norms and customs and found myself feeling out of place at the beginning. Perhaps, the most challenging aspect of my experience was the language barrier, as people outside the university were difficult to communicate with. Luckily,  I met new friends here who have helped me navigate these obstacles and gain confidence in being here. I dare say I've picked up on some Darija.

I would definitely recommend studying abroad in Morocco. It will push you out of your comfort zone, but in the end it will be worth it.

Camels in Morocco: