From Russia to the heart of Africa: My unforgettable experience of studying in Morocco

The experience of studying in Africa. About stereotypes and impressions, travelling, contrasts. Unique experience of Safiya Nizamova, 3d year Bachelor's student of "Business Administration" program about studying in Rabat Business School, Morocco

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where a random choice turned your life upside down? That's how it was for me - I first dreamed of studying in China, but ended up in the heart of North Africa, in Morocco.

How does it feel to be in a country with thousands of years of history, deserts, ocean, spice markets and a completely different way of life? Which stereotypes about Morocco turned out to be true and which ones were not? And why did studying there turn out to be as hot as the local climate?

I decided to share my experience in the format of an unusual interview... with myself!
 

‘Let's start with the main thing: why Morocco?’

Honestly? It was pure chance. I originally wanted to go to China, and even managed to get a place! But later they opened an additional intake where there were only two countries left - Germany and Morocco. German education, of course, is cool, but winter and grey streets are not for me. I wanted sunshine, colour, something new. So I bet on Morocco - and it was the best decision!

Besides, the destination is absolutely unpopular among students. Many people are afraid to go to Africa, fearing that the level of education will be low. But I ended up going to the top university on the continent - the International University of Rabat! The teachers here are from the USA, Canada, France, Australia, and the campus is as good as the best European universities.

 

Studying in Africa - is it serious? How did you get in?’

Very serious! I'm studying on a Business Management programme and I had to go through a competition to get into mobility.

Scholarship:

It is possible to go abroad from my university, and with a scholarship. The size depends on the country:

- China - 220 thousand rubles,

- Morocco - 250 thousand rubles,

This money is paid during the semester, so you can live abroad practically for free.

What did you need for admission?

- Cumulative ranking and a current above 7.5.

- Letters of recommendation.

- A work portfolio.

- Proof of participation in student activities, volunteering, case championships and Olympiads.

- Motivational letter and proven experience in business startups.

I applied for the supplementary intake and collected documents at a breakneck pace - literally in two days. By the way, I didn't have IELTS, so instead I sent my English grades in European Language Passport format to Morocco.

‘What is it like studying in Morocco?’

Oh, it's rigorous here!

- In Morocco, the exam system is like the HSE: you go to a room where the proctors sit, and everyone has their own seat.

- To pass one subject, you have to learn 600 slides of theory.

- Often there are two exams a day, an hour apart.

I was lucky, by the way, to be able to retake some courses online using online platforms such as: ‘Open Education. Coursera, Stepik.

 

What do you think of the university itself?’

To be honest, I don't feel like I'm in a university, but in a science and sports camp!

The campus is paradise:

- Swimming pool,

- Sports fields,

- Free gyms,

- Restaurants and shops on site,

- Free dance, boxing and tennis classes,

- Dozens of student clubs (even your own TED Talks!).

Vibrancy of Life :

- Parties every week,

- Student volleyball, football and basketball tournaments,

- Trips to other cities and even countries organised by the university.

 

‘How quickly did you adapt? How are the locals?’

The first two weeks were pure adaptation for me: meeting students and teachers, auditions for student clubs, parties, excursions.

International mix:

There are so many international students from France, Canada, India, Palestine, Singapore, Amsterdam, Madagascar. Locals also live in the campuses with us. Personally, I lived in a room with a girl from Nigeria.

About the locals:

I was a bit scared at first - they are very loud, active and very attention-grabbing. But then I got used to it: they are friendly, cheerful and always ready to help. I made new friends very quickly and every weekend I would go to visit them or go travelling together.

 

‘Moroccan birthday wedding? Spread the word!’

Let's start from afar, Hand is very TikTok upon arriving in the country I night immediately started posting various videos and quickly gained popularity. And it just so happened that so many organisations approached me for publicity and I was even photographed in the streets. We were in the mountains on a student excursion. I was offered to perform with local people to folk instruments, arguing that the video with me will definitely get in the recommendations. I was dressed in a traditional Moroccan outfit - a multi-layered dress, heavy jewellery, henna patterns on my face.

Then we went out into the clearing with the musicians and started dancing and cheering the crowd. Suddenly the guys announce that I'm getting married today! And then I see 20 guys standing in front of me... and they offer me to pick a groom! 

I chose the youngest one so no-one would be offended. We were lifted up in chairs, showered with flower petals, had the traditional ritual of initiation into the status of bride and groom... and only then was I confessed that it was a prank for my birthday! They switched on the music with lanterns and brought out a huge cake! Such a surprise I will definitely remember forever.

What do you think of the local food?’

Moroccan food is a love or challenge.

Honestly for me it seemed pretty tasty but definitely not healthy:

- It's more like Indian food than anything else.

- Everything is greasy, with lots of oil, sugar and spices. For example, ordinary tea consists of mint and a huge amount of sugar. and eat honey baklava 

- There are almost no usual Russian products: buckwheat, cottage cheese, kefir is unreal.

I ate mostly vegetables, although they have it as a warm-up before the main meal, so the locals call me ‘goat’.

·        ‘What advice do you have for students going mobile in the future?’

•         Buy an eSIM - you always need internet and it can be bought from Russia.
•         Find Russian Telegram chats - they solve all domestic issues.
•         Take a first aid kit - medicine is expensive, insurance doesn't work well.
•         Take several chargers and adapters - it is better to think in reserve.
•         Download an offline local language translator - Morocco has 4 languages (Arabic, French, English, Darija) and English is not understood everywhere.
•         Be open - don't be afraid to ask, locals will help in any situation, the main thing is to make a good impression so always smile! 

Final question: would you repeat this experience?’

Without a doubt - YES!

Morocco turned out to be a country of contrasts: from bustling souks and deserts to modern universities and busy student life.

It was a unique experience that will forever remain in my heart, and I would love to repeat it again, I liked it so much that I thought about coming to this country forever! So take your chances mates!

If you have any questions - write me on social networks @ni_sana!

I'm always happy to help and share my experience!