Other Cultural Experiences: study abroad

 Study Abroad in Rabat, Morocco Reflection

This summer, I had the incredible opportunity to study abroad in Rabat, Morocco for two weeks alongside a wonderful group of my Spelman sisters. During our time abroad, we engaged in meaningful dialogue about Moroccan history, culture, and politics, and connected with local communities in ways that expanded our global perspectives. From learning basic Darija (Moroccan Arabic) to visiting the Hassan II Mosque, exploring the Ourika village, and even riding a camel, each experience allowed me to immerse myself fully in a culture rich in tradition, resilience, and hospitality.

One of the greatest strengths of this program was its immersive and interactive nature, which transformed learning into lived experience. Being able to connect classroom lessons to real-world interactions deepened my understanding of cultural identity, faith, and community structure. A particularly impactful moment was visiting the Hassan II Mosque—standing within such an architectural and spiritual masterpiece encouraged reflection on how faith and culture intertwine to shape daily life. However, one challenge was adjusting to the language barrier and different social norms. While this occasionally limited communication, it also reminded me of the importance of empathy and patience when engaging with others whose experiences differ from my own. To improve future programs, having more structured language sessions early on could help students communicate more confidently and connect more deeply with locals.

This experience connects closely to my academic studies in Health Science and my passion for culturally competent healthcare. It reinforced a pattern I have noticed both in my coursework and personal experiences: that understanding culture is essential to understanding people. Just as health outcomes are shaped by social and environmental factors, the way we provide care is shaped by our cultural awareness and ability to listen across differences. This trip deepened my commitment to becoming a healthcare professional who values empathy, humility, and inclusivity in patient care.

My time in Morocco was transformative, not only in how I view the world but in how I view myself. I returned home with greater self-awareness, curiosity, and appreciation for the richness of human experience. Moving forward, I plan to build upon this journey by seeking additional opportunities to engage in global health and service learning, and by integrating cross-cultural understanding into every aspect of my education and future career in medicine. I am deeply grateful to Spelman College, the Gordon-Zeto Center for Global Education, and CIEE Rabat for making this life-changing experience possible.

Camille Duncan