Category: Exchange Programs

The Beginning of the End

Submitted by Ibrahim Wilson on the Winter 2024 LLCU program in Morocco…

Day 14-15: Tangiers and Academic Pursuits

Our journey through Morocco continued, with our days filled with academic endeavors and cultural explorations. Classes in Arabic and Art and Architecture provided us with a deeper understanding of Morocco’s rich history and vibrant heritage. The guided tour in Tangiers and a visit to the Anglican church offered a glimpse into the city’s diverse tapestry.

Day 16-19: Granada’s Historic Charm

As we departed for Granada, our experiences reached new heights with a guided tour of the Alhambra. The fusion of Moorish and Spanish influences in Granada mesmerized us. The free day allowed us to delve into the city’s charm, creating memories that would last a lifetime.

Day 20-22: Reflections on Islam and Academic Insights

Our return to Tangiers marked a significant phase of introspection on Islam and Muslims. The classes, lectures, and guided tours enriched our understanding. Journaling about the changes in perspective post-trip highlighted the transformative impact of cultural immersion.

Day 23-25: Final Stretch in Fez

The classes in the morning and free afternoons in Tangiers set the stage for our final exams. Packing for Fez, our early departure provided a picturesque journey via Volubilis and a night in Moulay Idris. The guided tour of Fez’s medina unfolded its history and the resilience of its people.

Our group in front of the Brandenburg Gate

Day 26-27: Merzouga’s Desert Adventure

Embarking on a new adventure, we traversed to Merzouga, riding camels through the Erg Chebbi dunes. The challenges of development in the south were evident, but the hospitality of nomadic families and the beauty of the oasis towns left a lasting impression.

Day 28-30: Dades Valley, Marrakech, and Academic Culmination

From Dades Valley to Marrakech, our journey through the High Atlas Mountains showcased the diversity of Morocco’s landscapes. The guided tour of Marrakech revealed hidden treasures, concluding our academic exploration. The vibrant markets, historical sites, and the cultural richness of Marrakech served as the perfect finale to our transformative journey.

Reflecting on this immersive experience, it’s clear that Morocco has left an indelible mark on each of us. The academic pursuits, cultural encounters, and breathtaking landscapes have woven a tapestry of memories, enriching our understanding of a country that seamlessly blends tradition and modernity. As we bid farewell to Morocco, we carry with us not just the knowledge gained in classrooms but the wisdom and warmth imparted by its people and history. The journey may be concluding, but the echoes of Morocco will resonate in our hearts forever.

Traveling in Tanger

Submitted by Amayah Sullins on the 2024 Winter ARAB program in Morocco…

In Week 2, we traveled from Chefchauan to Techwan and then to Tangier, where we stayed with host families for the next two weeks. Despite initially expecting to prefer Tangier for its beach, my experience shifted due to chaotic traffic, swift-paced drivers, and challenges in navigation. The city’s dispersed restaurants and difficult-to-hail taxis, which often overcharged when spoken to in English, added to the hurdles. Unlike Rabat, Tangier’s mountainous terrain made walking more challenging. In contrast, Rabat’s Madina captivated me with its beauty and charming shops. Exploring all these cities provided a unique adventure, immersing me in the everyday life of Moroccan people.

Although my time in Tangier didn’t start off enjoyable, excursions and the company of classmates enhanced my overall experience. We spent the weekend in Granada, Spain, which, despite its rich Islamic history, was disheartening due to the evident transformation by the Spanish. The city displayed pig decorations everywhere, creating an unwelcoming atmosphere. On a free day, I explored a cathedral with Islamic references and a statue of Queen Isabel telling Christopher Columbus he could explore the New World. Witnessing a peaceful protest supporting Palestinians added a unique and moving dimension to my experience.

Returning to Tangier on the ferry was a beautiful but motion-sickness-inducing journey. Although Tangier’s beach fell short of expectations, Rabat’s overall experience surpassed them. The contrast in driving styles and the convenience of navigating Rabat’s attractions contributed significantly to my preference. As I reflect on the adventure, it’s evident that my preconceived notions were reshaped by the unique qualities and experiences each city offered. (Submitted during Week 2)

Singapore: Island Hopping

Submitted by Rebecca Beswick on the 2022 spring semester exchange program with the National University of Singapore…

While Singapore is a small island about 30 miles across, Singapore also has claim to some smaller islands speckling the ocean in the south. A common activity for tourists and Singaporeans is to go “island hopping” on the Southern Isles. You can buy one ticket for a ferry which will take you to see three islands: St. Johns, Lazarus, and Kuso. On the islands, people go swimming in clear waters and have picnics. It was interesting because the islands are right on the border with Indonesia and the coast of Indonesia was readily visible. Additionally, we had to go through customs on our way back onto the mainland.

Singapore: Singapore Zoo and Night Safari

Submitted by Rebecca Beswick on the 2022 spring semester exchange program with the National University of Singapore…

During the recess week, which was the last week in February, I purchased tickets to the Singapore Zoo and surrounding wildlife attractions. Singapore actually has four major wildlife parks: the Singapore Zoo, River Wonders, Jurong Bird Park, and Night Safari. Each park is incredibly large and designed with an open layout, and has animal species – many of which are threatened in nature – from all around the world. My favorite park was the Night Safari, which allows visitors to explore in the nighttime when all is dark and the nocturnal animals are out. I was able to see these animals interact with each other and their environment, and it was cool to see their personalities come out. Something that I noted about the zoo was their devotion to conservation and conservation education. They funded many international and regional conservation projects, had a breeding center for endangered birds, but most importantly set out to teach children and adults alike the importance of animal diversity and what they can do to help.

Singapore: Coast to Coast Trail

Submitted by Rebecca Beswick on the 2022 spring semester exchange program with the National University of Singapore…

This week, I decided to spend a day doing the Singapore Coast to Coast Trail, which is a 36 km walk from Jurong Lakes Park in the Southwest to Coney Island in the Northeast. The trail goes past some of Singapore’s more nature-forward locations, including the Botanic Gardens and the Macritchie Reservoir. I started the walk at 7:15 am and finished around 4:00 pm.

Singapore: Orchids

Submitted by Rebecca Beswick on the 2022 spring semester exchange program with the National University of Singapore…

Pictured are photos of orchids from Singapore’s National Orchid Gardens. Orchids have been closely associated with Singapore’s Botanic Garden’s since 1859, and in the 1920s one of the world’s largest orchid breeding operations began here. There are over 2,000 different uniquely-breed breeds of orchids on display. The National Orchid Gardens are a registered national heritage site. It also hosts the VIP gardens, where there are orchids named after some of the world’s leaders, including the Kamala Harris and the Queen Elizabeth orchids.

 

Singapore: Holidays and Celebrations

Submitted by Rebecca Beswick on the 2022 spring semester exchange program with the National University of Singapore…

In 2022,Chinese New Year Eve was on January 31st and the New Year was celebrated on February 1st and into February 2nd. In Singapore, where the majority of the population is of Chinese descent, the ramp up to the holiday is extravagant, and similar to the scale of that of Christmas in the United States. There was advertising for CNY deals and decorations in public spaces since the beginning of January. The University was given two days off for the holiday, and all students who lived locally went home to celebrate. On the eve, most things were closed, but the days after everyone was out and enjoying their days off. Public transportation and many of the malls were very busy. Because Covid-19 is taken very seriously in Singapore, there were no large celebrations which would bring gatherings in Chinatown, but there were televised events and Chinatown was decorated.

Singapore: The North

Submitted by Rebecca Beswick on the 2022 spring semester exchange program with the National University of Singapore…

Singapore is located near the equator, where it is hot and humid all year round, leading to tropic conditions and allowing for jungle flora and fauna to flourish. While most of the country is taken over by city and high-rises, the northern part still has jungle around many reservoirs with several hiking trails to enjoy. There are many wild animals of interest to see on a hike, from monkeys, water monitor lizards, wild chickens, and even boars.

Singapore: Ion Orchard Mall

Submitted by Rebecca Beswick on the 2022 spring semester exchange program with the National University of Singapore…

This weekend, we traveled to Orchard Road, which is a must-see destination on the list of things to do in Singapore. The most noted spot on Orchard Road is the Ion Orchard Mall, which is home to hundreds of shops ranging from H&M to high end Gucci stores. Ion Orchard is located at the Orchard Road MRT (train) station. In Singapore, every MRT stop is attached to a mall or large shopping center, which is different from America where most of the public transportation terminals are stark. These stations are designed for people to spend time there and get food or groceries, as opposed to in the U.S. where most people will usually get into their own vehicle to drive to their final destination.

Singapore: A Mix of Religions

Submitted by Rebecca Beswick on the 2022 spring semester exchange program with the National University of Singapore…

Singapore is home to a vast array of religions. On my recent trip to Little India, I experienced quite a few of them. January 15th, the day I visited, landed right in the middle of the Hindu celebration Pongal, which marks the end of the winter solstice. After taking in the flowers and colorful crafts the Indian Heritage Center had out for kids, I moved on down the street to where there was a line of historic temples. Right next to each other were two Hindu temples and two Chinese Buddhist temples. I was able to go inside with long pants and after removing my shoes, and observed the statues and decorations. One of the Buddhist temples, named the temple of 1,000 lights, was home to a giant Buddha statue and had a pamphlet for visitors so I could read about the history of the building.