‘Go out of your comfort zone’

“Let yourself be changed to fit the culture instead of criticizing the other culture for not being up to your standards,” says Peter Fiala ’17, who spent his fall 2016 semester studying abroad in Rabat, Morocco.

The IES program in Rabat emphasizes learning the languages and culture of Morocco, placing study abroad students with local families within walking distance of the IES Abroad Center.

It certainly worked for Peter Fiala ’17, an optical engineering major who values the benefits of learning different cultures and languages. He spent the fall semester of 2016 at Rabat.

“I really became part of a family, and became accustomed to their way of life,” Peter says. “It was very different, but very rewarding.”

“My family brought a live sheep home one day, and I got to help kill, skin, and butcher it.  We ate if for dinner that very night.”

Arranging his trip was “very easy,” Peter says. “I could walk into the CEA office in Dewey (the University’s Center for Education Abroad) and schedule an appointment immediately.”

His advice to other students interested in studying abroad:

“Go out of your comfort zone and accept it.  Not everything will be what you want, but don't try to shape your experience to fit who you are.  Let yourself be changed to fit the culture instead of criticizing the other culture for not being up to your standards.”

Students at the IES Abroad Center in Rabat participate in a mock wedding. Local families provided traditional outfits and food.