Submitted by Ashley Nunes on the 2024 Winter LLCU program in Morocco…
Salaam! I am writing this a week into my study abroad program in Morocco. I began the week at JFK in NYC, and since then we have traveled to Rabat, Chefchaoen, and Tetuoan. This is my first trip to Africa and experience with varying norms and traditions. The roads and sole use of traffic circles has been the biggest source of culture shock for me so far. People cross the road whenever they get the chance and traffic laws as I know them, obviously American norms, do not apply. Being both a pedestrian and a passenger in the cars has been interesting as they navigate these streets. The appearance of these streets is greatly considered, and the community works together to keep it updated. I have attached a picture of Chefchaoen, which I believe encompasses this idea of community responsibility specifically referring to appearance. (Submitted on January 8, 2024)