Study Abroad and Domestic Study Away

Studying abroad in Morocco has been the craziest experience of my life, but also the most rewarding. For those looking for an easy, relaxed location with similar cultural aspects to Western societies, do not come here. But for those who want to challenge themselves and truly be immersed in a completely different culture where your whole world is flipped upside down, come to Morocco.

Morocco is a beautiful country. During my time here I experienced its mountains, sand dunes, deserts, beaches, and cities. The landscape is diverse, and so is the wildlife. You will find cats and dogs everywhere, shepherds herding goats and sheep, donkeys used for transport, clever monkeys in the forest, horses on the beach, and all types of beautiful birds. Morocco is just one big petting zoo. A group of friends and I even adopted a cat, a kitten, and a puppy from the street, and watching them grow has been rewarding, entertaining, and difficult (potty training is hard). Along with the animals, the food is to die for. Tajine is my new favorite meal, and don't even get me started on the mint tea.

My friends and I rented off-campus in the serene town of Ifrane, just a taxi ride from school, which opened many doors. From making tajine and mint tea with friends, playing Moroccan card games, and learning Darija, to simply asking questions about the culture, I've learned so much. The Moroccan friends I've made have been nothing but hospitable, friendly, and helpful.

Traveling around was amazing too. Sandboarding and ATV riding in the sand dunes, riding horses in the forest, swimming in Paradise Valley, navigating the busy medinas, and even trips to Barcelona and the Canary Islands all made this experience what it was. Studying at Al Akhawayn has also been incredible. It has a beautiful campus, strong student community, and classes that genuinely broadened my perspective.

I will never regret coming here. Morocco is such a cool, different, and beautiful place, and I am incredibly grateful for the donation I received through the Ingrid H. and George L. Speros Scholarship for Study Abroad, as it enabled me to fully experience it.

Liam visiting Chefchaouen, known as Morocco's "Blue City":