Hello, hello! My name is Mia, and I study political science at the University of Vermont in the United States. During the spring semester of my junior year, I chose to study abroad in Morocco. It was a big decision — I wanted to do something unique and challenge myself by doing it on my own. So, I spent four months attending Al Akhawayn University in Ifrane, Morocco. I could not have made a better choice. As I write this, I have been back home for over two months, and not a day goes by that I don’t think about Morocco and my experience there.
Traveling to another country alone was obviously intimidating, but I was immediately greeted with warmth. An AUI student picked me up at the airport, helped me get to campus, and gave me a tour the following day. I quickly learned two things. First, this world may feel big, but we are all more alike than we often realize. It was surprisingly easy to connect with local students, even though we came from very different places. My four months abroad showed me that most people simply want to make friends, share their culture, and learn from others. Second, Moroccan hospitality is unlike anything I had experienced before. Everywhere I went, people were eager to answer my questions, offer advice, invite me to share a meal, or teach me something new. Their generosity made Morocco feel like home much sooner than I expected.
My days on campus were filled with engaging classes and conversations. As an American exchange student, I often stood out in the classroom because I brought a different perspective. Professors and classmates regularly invited me to share my thoughts, which challenged me to think more critically about my own culture while learning from theirs.
Outside of class, I spent much of my time with the other exchange students. I met people from all over the world and was lucky enough to build friendships that have continued even after leaving Morocco. Living and traveling together created bonds that would have been difficult to form under any other circumstances. We shared countless meals, planned weekend adventures, and learned just as much from one another as we did from our classes.
In my free time, I was fortunate to travel throughout Morocco, as well as visit a few other European countries. I fell in love with Morocco during our very first trip to the Sahara Desert. Every destination offered something completely different — from the snowy mountain landscapes in the Atlas Mountains to the sunny coast of Tangier and the vibrant souks of Marrakesh. Every city had its own rhythm, history, and traditions. I quickly ran out of storage on my phone from taking so many photos, but no picture could fully capture the beauty of the country. Now that I’m home, I recommend Morocco to anyone looking for an unforgettable travel destination.
Every day I spent abroad made me more grateful for the opportunity to travel and learn. I left the United States with plenty of fears and uncertainties, and I returned with newfound independence, lifelong friendships, and a much broader perspective on the world. Studying abroad taught me that some of the greatest opportunities for growth begin the moment you step outside your comfort zone.
Like this Story? Also like us on Facebook.