Razaan studied abroad on CGIS's Summer Arabic in Rabat, Morocco program in Spring/Summer 2024. She also applied for and received the Mark and Myra Sorensen International Travel Scholarship to support herself abroad. This content has been reposted from the International Center with permission.
With the support of the Mark and Myra Sorensen Scholarship, I had the incredible opportunity to study Arabic at a language center and live with a host family in the heart of the old city in Rabat, the capital of Morocco. As a Muslim Arab American studying art and design in college, I was super excited about immersing myself into Moroccan culture through a summer Arabic studies program.
I was eager to level up my Arabic skills, which are very important for me to maintain as someone who values preservation of language and culture. Living in the old city and building beautiful relationships with locals was truly one of the highlights of my experience. The little interactions I had with shopkeepers and children, and the ability to quickly pick up the local dialect, were so precious to me. I felt a profound sense of comfort and excitement living in a Muslim country where I could freely and easily engage with the cultural and religious practices that are so meaningful to me. Being surrounded by the familiar sounds of the adhan (call to prayer) and participating in daily rituals with my host family made me feel incredibly at ease and connected to the environment around me. Also, as an Arab American who has never had the chance to visit my motherland Syria, Morocco felt like the closest I’ve ever felt to the feeling of being ‘back home’. Truly, there is nothing as priceless as experiencing such comfort and familiarity while being so far from home.
My experience in Morocco also inspired my artistic endeavors as an art and design student. I’ve always valued traditional cultural craftsmanship, and being able to witness and experience Moroccan artisanship firsthand was incredibly impactful. The vibrant textiles, detailed tilework, and the dedication of the artisans have inspired me to incorporate these elements into my own work. Overall, my study abroad experience in Morocco, supported by the Mark and Myra Sorensen Scholarship, deepened my Arabic skills, immersed me in the culture, and inspired my artistic practice. I am deeply grateful for the support of the Mark and Myra Sorensen Scholarship, which made this unforgettable experience possible, and I look forward to continuing this journey of learning and artistic growth.
