Morocco is an undeniably beautiful country and I still can’t fathom that I was able to spend nearly two weeks there. I experienced all aspects of the country and what it had to offer from the beaches, the mountains, the Sahara Desert, and everything in between. I gained invaluable insights not only about Morocco but also about myself and the dynamics of international business. Throughout this reflection, I will cover the highlights and key takeaways I had from the trip.
Our trip began in Rabat, the capital city of Morocco. This city was the base point of our trip, centrally located within Morocco and home to the IES Abroad center. From the start, we were immersed in Moroccan culture, beginning with a welcoming lunch hosted by a local family. The abundance of food was almost overwhelming, which we soon learned was a hallmark of Moroccan hospitality. Each meal featured an array of appetizer plates filled with vegetables, fruits, and freshly baked bread, their staple piece. The main course was typically a flavorful tagine, a slow-cooked stew, often made with chicken and simmered with vegetables in a cone-shaped clay pot. To top it off, our hosts treated us to a delightful selection of Moroccan desserts which I still reminisce about today. In addition to the delicious food and warm hospitality of the host family, we also toured Rabat, stopping at many of its most iconic landmarks, including a tour of the Moroccan Parliament. This was such a cool experience as we learned all about Moroccan history and government while getting a first-hand look at where important decisions and policies are shaped.
Another fascinating experience was our tour of the Polydesign Systems factory in Tangier, where we gained insight into the company and the daily operations of a full-service supplier of automotive and seating components. I was pleasantly surprised by the working conditions, as factory employees were treated well compared to many other jobs in Morocco. They received fair compensation, had ample work hours available, and even benefited from company-provided transportation to and from the factory. The manager who toured the factory with us gave great insights into international business and some of the struggles the company has had to face in recent years.
The city of Fes offered a vibrant and unforgettable experience. Known for having one of the largest and most stunning medinas in the world, Fes was alive with energy. Medinas are essentially cities within cities in Morocco and across Africa, enclosed by walls and free of cars as many alleyways and streets are too narrow. As a result, locals get around on foot, by moped, or in the traditional Berber 4×4, also known as the donkey. There is also a significant stray cat population, which is common in Moroccan cities. Surprisingly, the locals are very kind to these cats, often offering them leftovers and water whenever they can. Fes was an enjoyable experience, though it did end up being a bit expensive for me. With the vast array of shops and markets inside the medina, it’s hard not to find something irresistible to buy. After touring a tannery and browsing through a jewelry store, my wallet was definitely a little lighter.
My favorite portion of the trip would have been our time spent in Merzouga, a town within the Sahara Desert. Here we engaged in many local activities such as dancing and singing with locals at the Ganawa musical show. I had the opportunity to participate in a song as I played the drums and the Krakeb, an iron castanet-like instrument that you clap in your hands to the beat of the Ganawa music. We also embarked on a thrilling jeep excursion and enjoyed camel rides on our way to the desert. This experience was both exciting and, perhaps, had Professor Panina second-guessing her decisions. Once we made it to the desert, we were overcome by the absolute beauty of the landscape around us. The sun reflected off the sand and turned the horizon orange with camels and people scattered across it. This is where our program coordinators introduced us to sandboarding, a sport similar to snowboarding, except instead of snow, you end up covered in sand.
Overall, my study abroad experience in Morocco will always hold a special place in my memories. It gave me a fresh perspective on different cultures and highlighted the value of fully immersing myself in them. The journey pushed me to grow personally as I stepped far outside my comfort zone. Though I was nervous at the start, looking back, I’m so grateful I took the leap. I met incredible people and had the chance to explore a country that few can say they’ve experienced. The memories of the food, traditions, and people were truly worth every bit of effort I put into this trip.