SUMMER IN MOROCCO
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by Danielle Brunin SLI Morocco 2002
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This past summer, I had the opportunity to study at Al Akhawayn University in Ifrane, Morocco through Study Abroad. This was a monumental event for me because I had always said that when I traveled the world, I was going to visit Africa before I visited Europe. With the exception of changing planes in Paris, I fulfilled my goal. Morocco, or Al Maghreb in Arabic means "Westernmost" because it sits on the northwest coast of the African continent, just south of Spain and thus, is the Western most point of the region collectively described as the Middle East. Although Arabic is the official language, French as well as Berber are spoken in Morocco. This point is important because Al Akhawayn University is the only English speaking University in Morocco.
Al Akhawayn offers intensive language and culture programs during the summer and when they mean intensive, they mean intensive! However, anyone who is serious about learning the Arabic language can take full advantage of the intensive nature of the programs. I traveled with my Arabic teacher from here at KU, Dr. Naima Omar, whom I had studied with for two years, as well as two other students. One other student and I participated in the four-week program, while the remaining student participated in the eight-week program. We all
BAB AL DJDID (submitted by Daniello Brunin SI Morocco 02)
studied Arabic, but took different culture courses. Even though I was only in Morocco for four weeks, I feel that my Arabic improved dramatically. My Arabic professors were Moroccan and were absolutely amazing! They were some of the most kind as well as knowledgeable people that I have ever met.
addition to the twice a week meetings, our class traveled every weekend. The class travels to every major city as well as important regions such as the Sahara desert. It is an excellent way to see the country, and learn about culture, language, and a variety of other subjects such as anthropology. I also was able to integrate my Arabic skills into this class because a big component of traveling in this course was interacting with the
The other course that I took was Contemporary North African culture. The best part of this course was that in
Moroccan people. My absolute favorite aspect of this interaction was at the various markets where you haggle for everything. It is an excellent way to learn the language and understand different aspects of the culture that you cannot learn in a textbook.
The single most often asked question when I tell people that I was in North Africa is, "How do they treat Americans?" My answer is: extremely well. I have not met so many kind and hospitable people in one place. Of course, there are exceptions to every rule, but in general, the hospitality in Morocco is unimaginable. For instance, every carpet shop you will go to will invite you to partake in Moroccan tea. A fact that is surprising to many Americans is that Moroccans distinguish very strongly between the actions of the U.S. government and the American people. For example, there may be a protest against U.S. foreign policy, but they are not protesting against American people, and would not bother an American walking down the street for being from the United States. Overall, I felt very safe and secure in Morocco and would not let fear prevent me from going to Morocco. Use common sense, be culturally sensitive, and treat others with the same respect that you would expect to receive, and you will have no problems. If you need advice, do not hesitate to contact me!
Most Memorable Visit
"The most memorable place I visited during my stay in Paris would be The Eiffel Tower on Bastille Night for the fun and fireworks with everyone in our group, although, walking around the miles and miles in Baden-Baden, Germany with Emilee to get to a resort spa was a very close second."
-Sara Lounsberry
French Language and Culture in Paris, France
-Sara Lounsberry
Chris Carucci, Graham Winc, and Bill Parker in Riomaggiore, Cinque Terra, Italy submitted by Bill Parker, Florence, Italy
"My whole experience in Puebla was the best part of the program. The people I met and my host family were incredible and made the experience one of the best times I've ever had."
- Tom Reid Spanish Language and Culture in Puebla, Mexico
-Cylus Scarrbough Italian Language and Culture in Florence, Italy
"The most memorable place that I visited was the Vatican in Rome. It was a very humbling experience because the building is so enormous with decoration everywhere as well."
"Other than Eutin, I think Prague was the coolest place we visited. The history and magnificence of Prague were breathtaking."
-Geoff Coburn Intermediate German Language and Culture in Eutin, Germany
Whitney Gette
French Language and Culture in Paris, France
"What stuck with me the most is the day that we visited the beaches and the cemeteries in Normandy. There is something really sobering about standing where so many people died."
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"I will always hold a special affinity for the beach town of Zihuatanejo. I'll never forget the palapa roofs, amazing beaches, clear water, great seafood and, most of all, the group I traveled there with."
-Andrew Biberstein Spanish Language and Culture in Puebla, Mexico
"Florence, Italy was the best! If you want to actually learn Italian and have the best time of your life, this is where you need to go!"
-Bill Parker Italian Language and Culture in Florence, Italy
Visit the Office of Study Abroad website at www.ku.edu/~osa