One of the biggest things I learned from studying abroad is how adaptable I am. Traveling to different countries and experiencing various cultures showed me how important it is to adjust and fit in. A memorable experience was my trip to Morocco, where I faced some of the most noticeable cultural differences. In Morocco, I had to be careful about my clothing to respect local customs. I made sure to cover my knees and shoulders and avoid flashy outfits. Before I went, I did some research to understand Moroccan culture and what to expect. When I arrived, I noticed that Morocco was very different from the European countries I had visited. The city was less modern, and transportation was limited. Despite these differences, I saw how happy and content the locals were. Even in the 107-degree heat, children played outside in modest clothing. Throughout my entire trip one theme that seemed to be recurring throughout Moroccan culture was the value they placed on family. I left Morocco feeling grateful for the opportunity to first hand witness and emerge myself into a culture so much different than that of which I am used to. My time in Morocco was special because it was the first time I realized that I shouldn’t be afraid of the differences that exist between cultures but I should open myself up to learn from how others look at life. I learned that there’s beauty in how people around the world live and see life differently. This experience taught me to be open-minded and appreciative of diverse perspectives. In summary, studying abroad and visiting Morocco taught me a lot about being adaptable and appreciating cultural differences. These lessons will help me in future experiences as I continue to explore and learn from different cultures.
