Zayna Abdel-Rahim is an ISA Meknes alumni and Global Ambassador at Texas State University. In this blog, she highlights some of her favorite components of Morocco, and what makes it a great location for studying abroad.

Morocco is the ideal first, long-term study abroad location. 

From the Roman ruins of Volubilis to the towering minarets found in every major city, Morocco’s blend of European, Amazigh, and Arab culture offers students a unique opportunity to soak in so many elements of human civilization that can’t be found anywhere else.

I find it incredibly important that I and fellow Americans experience as much of “the Old World” as possible, and Morocco’s cultural blend makes it an ideal first stop. To refer to the Americas as the “the New World” and the Eastern Hemisphere as “the Old World” is certainly outdated, but nonetheless these names serve as a reminder of how eerily new the United States of America is as opposed to our friends across the Atlantic.

Proximity to Europe, a unique Islamic tradition, and its geographical location in a time when MENA geopolitics play such a critical role in domestic American life, ISA’s Arabic and International Relations programs provided me and my peers the perfect opportunity to explore a vibrant mix of history, politics, and language while experiencing Morocco’s unique charm firsthand.

Morocco cannot be singularly labeled anything other than Moroccan. Personally, going to Morocco broke down many assumptions I had about the culture and the people. 

While as Americans, we may see Morocco and its culture as traditionally Eastern, from a Middle Eastern, Arab perspective, this isn’t the case at all. In Arabic, Morocco is called “Maghreb” approximately meaning “West”. This name is a reminder of how Morocco is where East meets West, where old meets new, the country sitting at the very western edge of North Africa. Moreover, Western influences and other components of Moroccan culture make Morocco seem much more politically and religiously liberal. 

Being an Arab Muslim myself, I admittedly assumed I would see many more stereotypically Arab cultural components but was rather greeted with their Moroccan counterparts: Hooded Djellabas and Kaftans rather than Thobes and Abayas, Espresso rather than Arabic Qahwa, Harira rather than Tabbouleh. I myself even indulged myself by purchasing a beautiful, colorful Moroccan Kaftan, even preferring its style to the Abayas I’d brought with me. 

Moroccans on average speak two to three languages, another reason the country is an ideal first stop for students seeking to study abroad. There is Arabic, specifically the dialect Darija, the language being a legacy of colonialism as well as Morocco’s strong Islamic tradition. Likewise, there is French, also a legacy of colonialism, though unlike Arabic, the language is frequently heard and spoken in places of work and education. Also very common is Spanish which you may have guessed is also a legacy of colonialism. Last, but certainly not least, is the native language Tamazight which you may have outdated-ly heard referred to as Berber. 

How many countries, alone, give you the opportunity to practice Arabic, French, and Spanish, all within the same location? 

For students of international relations, Morocco is incredibly significant when it comes to its unique role in geopolitics. Morocco was notably the first country to recognize the United States back in 1777. The relationship that has since blossomed is one vibrantly reflected by Meknes’ vibrant American student population. Meknes serves as a hub for American students to come and practice their Arabic and French and especially learn about regional politics and relations. 

For students of geopolitics, and people eager to experience unique Moroccan culture more generally, integration in Moroccan society provides a comfortable exposure to the nuance that comes with understanding the region. 

ISA’s program is mindful of these critical elements, weekly excursions across the country providing students with a balanced insight into the diverse landscape of Morocco — not to mention the more superficial benefits to experiencing Morocco: purchasing power, surprisingly cool but sunny weather, and short and cheap plane rides to Europe. I even took a weekend trip to Barcelona and it was the best. 

Whether your goal is to touch up your French, better understand MENA  geopolitics, or understand Islam and its culture, Morocco’s distinct geography and history makes it the ideal first stop for your study abroad ambitions.

Inspired by Zayna’s experience and want to immerse yourself on a study abroad program? Fill out your details below to let our team know and we’ll help you find your adventure today!