Although it’s been over eight years since I visited Morocco, I often reflect on my summer in Rabat. Not only did I make lasting connections with my host family and friends who I converse with often over WhatsApp, but I have also loved being able to continue to study and practice Arabic. As a new resident in Michigan, I have really appreciated my proximity to Dearborn, which is known to be home to the greatest number of Arabic speakers outside of the Middle East. Although driving through Dearborn does not perfectly mimic drives through Rabat or Marrakesh, it is still wonderful to pass by shop signs written in Arabic and talk to shop owners in their native tongue.

When I first traveled to Morocco, initially adapting to a new environment was admittedly a challenge (though ultimately deeply rewarding). However, I soon found comfort in the bustling markets, the call to prayer echoing five times a day, and the rhythm of daily life—later dinners, afternoon rest periods, and long, conversational meals. Rather than letting these differences create barriers, I leaned into them, taking each new experience as an opportunity to learn and grow.

Building a relationship with my host family was a crucial part of my summer experience. From the very beginning, they welcomed me with warmth, treating me as one of their own, and often calling me “ibn” (son). Although initially my conversational abilities were limited to asking “how are you?,” our broken conversations over shared meals became something I looked forward to daily. They not only helped me navigate cultural subtleties, but also showed me Morocco from their perspective. My host family became my support system, giving me the confidence to immerse myself more fully in the culture, and they felt as much like my teachers as my family.

Once I felt more comfortable with my host family and classmates, my language learning grew exponentially. The initial hurdles—mastering unfamiliar sounds, vocabulary, and the occasional miscommunication—were tempered by my growing confidence in speaking and understanding. Moreover, as my language skills improved, so did my sense of belonging, and I found myself more attuned to the local humor, expressions, and warmth that are often difficult to capture in translation. Language gave me access to authentic connections and deepened my engagement with the culture around me. I am incredibly grateful for my experience in Morocco, and I hope to return for a visit soon!