Morocco: Field Studies in Journalism and New Media - Fall 2020
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Morocco: Field Studies in Journalism and New Media Fall 2020
TABLE OF CONTENTS COUNTRY OVERVIEW.......................................... 3 GENERAL INFORMATION ................................. 3 CLIMATE AND GEOGRAPHY ............................ 3 LOCAL CUSTOMS ............................................. 4 DIET ................................................................... 4 SAFETY, SECURITY, AND HEALTH .................. 5 HOMESTAYS ..................................................... 6 OTHER ACCOMMODATIONS............................ 7 TRANSPORTATION ........................................... 7 COMMUNICATION ............................................. 7 MAILINGS........................................................... 8 MONEY............................................................... 9 VISITORS AND FREE TIME ............................. 10 PACKING GUIDELINES ....................................... 12 LUGGAGE ........................................................ 12 CLOTHING GUIDELINES ................................. 12 EQUIPMENT .................................................... 12 COMPUTERS AND OTHER ELECTRONICS ... 13 GIFTS ............................................................... 13 WHAT YOU CAN AND CANNOT OBTAIN IN COUNTRY ........................................................ 14 ALUMNI CONTACTS ........................................ 14 PACKING LIST ..................................................... 15 CLOTHING ....................................................... 15 TRAVEL DOCUMENTS .................................... 15 HEALTH/TOILETRIES ...................................... 15 OTHER IMPORTANT ITEMS............................ 15 SIT Study Abroad - 2 Country Overview and Packing Guidelines 2/14/2020
COUNTRY OVERVIEW democracy; post-colonial politics and more recent
forms of protests and mobilization.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Morocco sits at the northwestern tip of Africa, Students enrolled in Field Studies in Journalism and
bordering Algeria and the Western Sahara, New Media will have the opportunity to explore such
separated from the rest of the continent by the Atlas issues firsthand, observing them within their
Mountains and the Sahara itself. Morocco’s coast homestay families and the cities they live in and
extends along the Atlantic Ocean and the visit. The course is a unique collaboration with
Mediterranean Sea, a strategic position which has, Peabody Award-winning Round Earth Media,
over centuries, made the country home to dedicated to training and supporting the next
successive civilizations including the Phoenicians, generation of global journalists while producing
Vandals, Byzantines, Carthaginians, Romans, Jews, under-reported stories for top media outlets around
Arab tribes who migrated from Arabia, Andalusians, the world. Morocco is an excellent setting for a
and eventually European colonial powers in the 19th program in global journalism and an introduction to
and 20th centuries. Today, Morocco is also a cross- North Africa and to Arab, Muslim (and other)
roads of global migration, one of the routes by which cultures. Students will examine the current
migrants from other African countries attempt to challenges facing journalists in Morocco while
reach Europe. There are close to 34 million people exploring topics central to Moroccan society, such
living in Morocco, nearly 99 percent of them Muslim. as youth culture, gender and sexuality, religion,
political participation, ethnicity and identity, and the
In the 1990s, Morocco emerged from its “years of urban-rural divide.
lead,” a long period of repression under King
Hassan II. His son, King Mohammed VI, succeeded
him in 1999 and initiated significant reforms,
including creating a truth and reconciliation
commission and reforming family law to give women
greater rights. In 2011, the king responded to
protests during the Arab Spring by proposing a new
constitution. Morocco is sometimes viewed as an
exception in the region, due to its relative stability
and openness. However, power remains centralized
in the monarchy. Unemployment and inequality are
significant problems. In recent years, activists and
human rights group have expressed concern over a
backsliding on freedoms.
Morocco has seen some liberalization and
privatization of the economy. Foreign investment
has increased and big projects in tourism, industry, CLIMATE AND GEOGRAPHY
and urban development are being undertaken. Morocco's varied geography includes mountain
These mega-projects, in a country where illiteracy ranges, river valleys, sandy coasts, and wide
and poverty remains high, raise questions around expanses of desert. Mountain ranges run parallel to
sustainable development and social justice. In fact, one another from the southwest to the northeast:
Morocco is a fascinating entry point for debates on the Rif, the Middle Atlas, the High Atlas, and the
neoliberalism and development; modernization, Anti-Atlas. The Moroccan coastline, borders the
tradition and cultural authenticity; Islamism and Mediterranean and the Atlantic. In the southeast,
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Morocco's mountain ranges give way to the physical contact and prefer to just say salam for
desolate expanse of the Sahara. The rivers that flow your greeting. Your homestay families live in the old
down this side of the High Atlas support long, part of the city and the whole neighborhood
narrow, and lush river valleys of palm groves that community is an extension of the families.
resemble linear oases. The program’s southern Moroccans are very conservative with regard to
excursion takes the students through bustling, displays of affection between couples. While holding
world-famous “red city” of Marrakech, to Agadir on hands can be acceptable, more openly affectionate
the Atlantic coast and to the city of Essaouira, gestures such as kissing are not. Short skirts and
famous for its Portuguese port and its Gnawa music. sleeveless tops are to be avoided; it is best to opt
This trip will expose students to Morocco’s’ southern for modest and conservative clothes. Staying out
regions and to its cultural diversity, including late and coming back home with the smell of alcohol
Amazigh (Berber) identity and language. The on your breath is not acceptable for either males or
Northern excursion takes students to a village in the females, but even more so for females. Walking
foothills of the Rif, to the famous mountain town of alone late at night is not recommended. If you want
Chefchaouen, and to the Spanish stronghold of to go out with friends and come home late, it is best
Ceuta. Students may also have the opportunity to to inform your family and make sure you are
visit many of Morocco’s other legendary cities, such accompanied by a male friend or family member to
as Fez, Tangier, and Casablanca. your family’s house.
Morocco has famously been described as “a cold
country with a hot sun.” The climate can vary DIET
significantly over the course of one day and from Special Diets:
one part of the country to the next. The coast has a SIT Study Abroad provides experiential learning
mild, Mediterranean climate most of the year but opportunities where students become embedded in
winters can be quite cold. Inland areas have a their host community. As such, we strive to
hotter, drier, continental climate. In the south, the accommodate serious food allergies where possible,
weather is very hot and dry throughout most of the but simply cannot ensure that all dietary restrictions
year, with the nights coolest in the months of or non-medically mandated diets can be
December and January. Rain falls from November accommodated.
to March in coastal areas, including Rabat. The
weather in the sea-side capital city is humid and can Students are encouraged to participate in the local
be chilly and breezy at night. food culture as a central aspect of daily life. By
trying to replicate your diet at home you may miss
Rabat, Morocco: out on an important part of your host culture. Due to
AVERAGE HIGH/LOW TEMPERATURES (°F) the unique living and learning community central to
all SIT programs, we cannot separate food and
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY eating communally (including with your host family)
63/46 65/47 68/49 71/52 74/55 from the program experience. Please consider local
AUG SEPT OCT NOV DEC diet seriously when selecting your program of
80/63 81/62 77/58 70/53 65/48 choice. Your admissions counselor is a great
resource in better understanding the local diet.
During Orientation week, you will stay at a hotel and
LOCAL CUSTOMS have lunch and dinner at either the Center for Cross
In general, greetings start in Morocco with Salam Cultural Learning (CCCL), the program’s host
Alikoom and often a handshake can be enough. institution, or in local restaurants near your hotel.
Moroccans tend also to kiss on the cheeks for During the homestay period, you will have breakfast
greetings, especially among people from the same and dinner with your host families, while lunch will
gender, but it will not be seen as culturally be served mostly at the CCCL. On weekends,
inappropriate if you are not comfortable with except when there is a group excursion organized
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by the program, you will have all meals with your disciplinary measures. The following are safety tips
homestay families. Homestay families decide on for your time on the program:
mealtimes and can accommodate a vegetarian diet
SIT Study Abroad’s Field Studies in Journalism and
but are not able to provide for kosher or vegan diets.
New Media program in Morocco depends upon the
Please inform us in advance of any special dietary
integrated efforts of SIT Study Abroad staff, the
needs to see if and how they may be
program’s host institution staff, host families, and
accommodated.
the students themselves to maintain a very safe
Note: if you have special dietary needs, including program. It will be important that you come prepared
allergies, please inform our office prior to the start of to be sensitive and respectful to local cultural norms
your program. We will advise you on realistic and to abide fully by program rules and advice.
expectations about avoiding or incorporating certain
foods within the program context.
SAFETY, SECURITY, AND
HEALTH
Maintaining good health is critical to having a
successful semester. To help you do that, we have
provided Health Guidelines and Requirements for
your program.
It is very important that you read the Health
Guidelines and Requirements document as early as
possible and examine it with your medical provider. One of the main challenges students (particularly
The guidelines include recommended women) face is street harassment, mainly in the
immunizations; a suggested calendar for form of catcalls and whistles. The academic director
immunizations and other prophylaxes; and valuable and staff members from the host institution will
information on how to avoid exposure to common spend time during orientation preparing students for
carriers of disease. this phenomenon and discussing some strategies to
Students are thoroughly briefed on safety help deal with it. The AD and program staff are
considerations during in-country orientation and are always available to discuss harassment as it may
updated throughout the semester if and when arise; class discussion and guest lectures may also
circumstances change. For information regarding be dedicated to the phenomenon. Host families and
safety and security, emergency communications, program staff can be helpful to students.
SIT policies, health and medical insurance, and Host families play a fundamental role in helping
general program tips, please read the Safety, students culturally integrate and in socializing them
Security, and Health document and Student into cultural subtleties. Before every program
Handbook. excursion, the academic director holds an
Remember that while you are a student in a cultural orientation session to brief students on what to
education program in Morocco, you are also an expect and on specific safety guidelines to follow
ambassador for your home country, home during the excursion.
institution, and SIT Study Abroad. We ask all We recommend that students maintain a healthy
students to abide by all policies and guidelines in lifestyle by avoiding food stalls in the streets or
order to help maintain those important relationships places that have not been recommended by reliable
as well as their own safety and wellbeing. Failure to guidebooks or friends. However good the food
abide by established guidelines may result in looks, it is never worth the stomach ailments that
may ensue from eating unsafe food. This remains
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true throughout the semester; you build immunity your own culture and come to a deeper
over a lifetime, not just several weeks or months. understanding of both.
Many students become ill later in the semester
Family structures vary in every culture. SIT Study
because they became less vigilant about following
Abroad values the diversity of homestay families,
this advice about food and drink.
and your family may include a single mother of two
The program has compiled a list of doctors and small children or a large extended family with many
health clinics, most of whom speak English, which people coming and going all the time. Additionally,
can be recommended in case of health problems in please bear in mind that, in many countries, the idea
Rabat. If a student speaks French or Arabic, he or of what constitutes a “home” may be different from
she can communicate with all doctors and all what you expect. You will need to be prepared to
pharmacists anywhere in Morocco. There are more adapt to a new life with a new diet, a new schedule,
and more English-speaking health professionals in new people, and new priorities and expectations.
the country, especially in cities and large towns.
Each program’s homestay coordinator will be
When necessary due to language difficulties,
responsible for placing students in homestays.
program staff will accompany a student to health
These placements are made first based on health
clinics and/or pharmacies to facilitate
concerns, including any allergies or dietary needs,
communication.
to the extent possible. Please note: In order to
ensure the best fit for students and families, SIT
may make final adjustments to homestay
placements after student arrival in country.
Therefore, SIT will not provide information about
your homestay family before you depart for the
program.
While participating in this program, your homestay
will be seven to twelve weeks long. You will be
staying with families either located in the medina,
Rabat’s 17th century walled quarters, or outside of
In our experience, students should see a doctor if the medina. The medina is characterized by its
not feeling well rather than waiting for their immune narrow and winding streets, and one of your first
systems to respond. It is important that you get the challenges will be to learn how to navigate them. As
most out of your time in Morocco and this requires time goes by, this closely-knit space will begin to
that you remain in good health. We encourage feel like “home,” as medina dwellers begin to look
students to speak with the academic director or familiar and you become used to people’s greetings
other program staff if you are not feeling well, so in the street. Living in Rabat is a fascinating
that staff can best help you get the support you experience because it will give you a feel of the
need. pace of Morocco’s centuries’ old culture and
traditions. During your homestay, you will
accompany your host family members on their
HOMESTAYS regular activities such as shopping in the souk,
As many SIT Study Abroad alumni will tell you, the taking bread to the neighborhood faran (bakery), or
homestay experience can be one of the most visiting the hammam (public bath). In addition, you
rewarding and most challenging aspects of the may be invited to participate in family events such
program. We hope you will come prepared for the as weddings or the naming ceremonies of newborn
experience and committed to moving beyond babies.
cultural immersion as you begin to question,
The homestay families the program works with are
distinguish, and analyze the host culture vis-à-vis
quite diverse. Some households are run by widowed
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mothers, others consist of extended families, some covered (taxis have meters). Taxis remain the best
have children in college, and others are young and most reliable means of transportation in the
families. Some families have members who can cities; we strongly recommend them to our students
communicate a little in English, while others speak for their availability, inexpensiveness, and safety.
only French or darija, the Moroccan colloquial Careem, a regional subsidiary of Uber, is now
Arabic. Doha Lmachichi, the Morocco program’s operating in Rabat.
homestay coordinator, knows every single family
For the program’s scheduled group excursions,
because she was born and raised in Rabat. She
buses are hired and remain at the program’s
studies the profiles of both the families and the
disposal throughout the time of the excursion. For
students before assigning you to a specific family.
your independent travel on weekends or during the
She has been coordinating homestays for more than
ISPJ period, it is recommended that you use the
a decade. We expect you to adapt to the lifestyle of
train whenever possible (not all destinations are
your homestay family and to develop a constructive
serviced by the railway system). Otherwise, it is
relationship with your host parents and siblings
preferable to take an inter-city bus, and in particular,
based on mutual respect.
the C-T-M, a reliable semi-public transportation
One of the highlights of the program is the village company. SIT policy prohibits driving; therefore,
stay. This is also one of the most challenging you are not allowed to rent a car or ride a
experiences since rural houses often lack the basic motorcycle. For your independent travel, it is
comforts many people have grown to take for recommended that you seek the advice of your
granted. In most cases, houses lack toilets, academic director or the program assistant on the
showers, and/or hot water. However, the village also best means of transport to get to your intended
offers contact with nature, wonderful hospitality and destination.
a chance to observe rural life up close. For many
students the village stay is a highlight and one of the
most memorable and enlightening experiences.
Over the past semesters, the program has observed
that many of the students go back to the village
during the ISPJ period.
OTHER ACCOMMODATIONS
During group excursions, the program will stay in
hotels and the only challenge will be sharing double
or triple rooms with friends.
TRANSPORTATION
The Center for Cross Cultural Learning (CCCL) is COMMUNICATION
located in the medina. The medina is also only a few While it is generally quite easy to be in regular
minutes’ walk from Rabat’s city center and main communication with friends and family from home
railway station, from which trains depart to all of during the term abroad, please bear in mind that
Morocco’s major cities. Besides buses that serve all different time zones, unreliable phone lines and
neighborhoods, Rabat has a modern tramway internet access, and changing program activities
service. The tramway, which extends to Sale, can complicate communication.
Rabat’s twin sister city, stops just outside the walls
of the medina and connects the city’s main
neighborhoods. City taxis are available outside the
medina and the fare depends on the distance
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It’s important to be clear with family and friends appropriate local SIM card, and how to acquire
about your availability during the term. Many minutes for calls and texting. SIT Study Abroad
students recommend making an appointment to call requires that each student have a local number for
home or to receive a call. You should also consider communication with the homestay family and
the impact of constant communication with friends program staff.
and family at home on your cultural immersion.
While we recognize that alternative communication
methods can be free or cheaper than cell service,
i.e. Facetime, Skype, WhatsApp, etc., those
programs alone do not satisfy our need for regular
communication with the local program staff and
partners, nor do they meet our emergency
communication needs. Therefore, local cellular
capacity on each student’s phone is required for the
duration of the program. Students are required to
maintain a minimum amount of phone credits at all
times for emergency calls. Full compliance with this
policy is expected.
You can purchase a local SIM card for 20 to 30
Moroccan dirhams (DH) (equivalent to US$2 - 3), a
local smart phone will be DH 500 - 2,000 (about
US$50 - 200). You can purchase credit as you go
and top it up at many local retailers. Costs will vary
depending on how much you use your phone;
international calls will be more expensive.
PHONES AND E-MAIL The SIT program center provides internet access
As part of SIT’s commitment to student safety and during posted hours. The program provides email
security, all students are required to have a working access to students within CCCL buildings and
smart phone capable of making and receiving both during office hours of the CCCL. (The CCCL closes
local and international calls throughout the duration daily at 6:00 p.m. and is also closed on weekends
of the program. For that purpose students are and holidays). The program will provide a USB
required to either (a) bring an open, unlocked mobile internet stick for students to use during the
smart phone from the U.S. to the program that is semester. The USB mobile internet stick will allow
able to accept a local SIM card (you should students access to the internet remotely wherever
contact your cell phone provider to see if your there is mobile service. You are responsible for this
phone can be unlocked) and is compatible with item, and if it is lost, stolen, or broken, you will be
and usable at the program location, (b) work with responsible for the replacement cost (approximately
the academic director within the first week upon $50).
arrival in country to purchase a smart phone locally,
or (c) bring a dual SIM smart phone. DO NOT
purchase an international plan unless you have a MAILINGS
dual SIM phone. We discourage this for regular Unlike receiving a package here in the U.S.,
smart phones because your homestay family will not receiving a package at your program site is usually
be able to communicate with you as they would expensive and problematic. Customs agents must
have to call internationally. inspect all packages and you, as the recipient, are
responsible for duty and storage fees. In addition,
During orientation, with assistance from SIT Study
there are cases of items being lost in the mail or
Abroad staff, students will learn how to use their
taking so long to reach the recipient that the
smart phone, how to purchase and use an
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recipient is back in the US by the time the items are the possibility to have to pay taxes for certain items
received. For these reasons, sending packages or have to travel to the Casablanca custom area to
should be done only for emergency situations. get them. To minimize the hassle, tell your family
and friends to use FedEx, DHL, or UPS for courier
Additionally, sending valuables is highly
service and to ensure that the sent item is not
discouraged. Do not have anyone send cash
taxable and can be delivered to you so we will not
through the mail because it will almost certainly
have to go and pick it up.
never arrive and is illegal.
Mail received after the end of the program will be
For this program, FedEx, DHL, and UPS services
sent to SIT and then forwarded to you. This process
are available in country. Despite cheaper prices, might take two months or more.
reliance on the US Postal Service is not advised due
to delays and unreliability. When given the option,
it’s always a good idea to send packages certified
and with a tracking number that allows the sender to
track the package.
Both your name and the name of the Center for
Cross-Cultural Learning must be written on your
mail. Make sure your mail and package is in your
name if you do not want anyone at the hosting
institution to open it!
Posted letters should be sent to the following
address:
Student Name
c/o Center for Cross Cultural Learning MONEY
PO Box 6291 In addition to tuition, SIT Study Abroad program
Rabat Instituts fees cover room and board throughout the program.
Rabat 10101 When room and/or board are not taken with the
Morocco group, students will be given a stipend to cover
related expenses. SIT will cover daily commuting
If it is necessary for someone to send you a costs, if any, and excursions that are part of the
package, it should be sent to the following address: normal program itinerary. Any domestic travel,
interpretation services, or supplies necessary
Student Name for the ISPJ are the students’ responsibility.
c/o Center for Cross Cultural Learning Please plan accordingly.
Avenue Laalou, Derb Jirari
Zankat Elhassani, #11 The currency is the Moroccan dirham (DH or MAD)
Rabat Medina 10030 and is divided into 100 centimes. Most banks have
Morocco international ATMs; you just need to look for the
Visa or Mastercard logo. For your safety and
Please note that mail delivery can be slow and security, the program recommends that you only
unreliable. We do not recommend using the post for withdraw and carry small amounts of money at any
important correspondence. If you expect to have given time. Additionally, this is best because it is
anything important or valuable sent to you while in prohibited to take any of your remaining Moroccan
Morocco, please use an express courier and put dirhams outside of the country, and Moroccan
your local mobile phone number on it. Be prepared currency cannot be exchanged anywhere else but in
for a lengthy wait at the post office and a bit of Morocco. Keep in mind that ATMs are only found in
hassle involved with picking up packages as well as
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cities. A Visa or MasterCard is very useful for
emergencies, medical or otherwise.
Books, printing, supplies: $40
It is also possible to wire money to Morocco using Upfront medical costs: $240 – 1,200
(you will get reimbursed)
Western Union, which is now available in all urban
centers.
Potential ISPJ travel
$120 – 240
expenses:
If using a debit and/or credit card, you should
Cell phone: $50 – 300
contact your bank and/or credit card companies
regarding your travel plans. If you don’t inform these
companies that you will be away, they will often
Phone data charges: $40 – 80
assume the card has been lost or stolen and will put
an immediate hold on the card. You should also Estimated total: $1,200 – 3,000
check on costs of withdrawal, as these costs vary
and can sometimes be significant. Renewing and
receiving reissued credit and debit cards while on
the program can be an expensive and highly VISITORS AND FREE TIME
inconvenient process. Before you leave for your SIT strongly discourages and will not provide
program, please check the expiration dates on your support for any visitors to students during the
cards to ensure that they will not expire while you term, due to the rigorous nature of the program and
are abroad. We recommend that you make the disruption that such visits cause in program flow
photocopies of all your debit/credit card information and group dynamics. Students should be sure that
and leave them with someone you trust in case your relatives and friends are aware of this policy and
card(s) is/are lost or stolen. that visits are scheduled for dates after the formal
conclusion of the program. Students will not be
Following are suggestions for spending money excused from program components to attend to
during the program, including estimates for visitors. See the Attendance and Participation
textbooks, ISP-related expenses, medical expenses, section of the Student Handbook.
personal spending, and gifts. Figures are based on
recent student evaluations, though individual Please note that any visitors during the course of
spending habits vary widely and these costs are the program must plan their own independent
averages. accommodations; SIT Study Abroad homestay
families can accommodate only their assigned
A suggested total amount of money to budget student and, due to cultural and contractual
ranges from US $1,200 to $3,000. To determine understandings with SIT, should not be asked to
where you might fall in this range, please examine host students’ guests.
your spending habits during a typical semester at
your home school and consider any exceptional During the program, students follow an intense
expenditures you may have on the program, schedule of classes and field-based learning
including travel costs for your planned ISP or a assignments, even during the ISPJ. Free time for
specific personal expense. pursuing an independent interest or hobby during
the program will be limited. Your admissions
Check current exchange rates: counselor can advise you about particular interests
http://www.oanda.com/currency/converter/ you may have. For example, if you must keep in
Please budget approximately: shape for your next athletic season, or if you play a
musical instrument and want to know whether to
bring it, we can help you to understand your
Personal spending: $700 – 1,200
(from past student suggestions)
schedule and any concerns or limitations that may
exist.
SIT Study Abroad - 10
Country Overview and Packing Guidelines 2/14/2020Students may have the opportunity to visit other scheduled activities to go on independent trips. Moroccan cities by train and or bus on the Requests to travel independently – for academic weekends, and will be able to travel during the mid- reasons or in case of a family emergency -- will be term break. Otherwise, opportunity for independent considered on a case by case basis by the travel during the program is limited, due to the academic director. Further details regarding the rigorous schedule and demanding workload of the independent travel policy can be found in the program. Students may not miss any classes or Student Handbook. SIT Study Abroad - 11 Country Overview and Packing Guidelines 2/14/2020
PACKING GUIDELINES you are in. Short skirts, revealing clothing and very
informal clothing, such as tank tops, crop tops or
low-cut tops are not recommended.
LUGGAGE The clothes that you bring should all be washable,
Please pack lightly and include only necessary breathable, and preferably drip-dry cotton and
items. You may travel across the country during cotton blends. Do not bring sloppy, tattered clothes
your ISPJ period. You should be able to carry all or clothes with immodest pictures or writing on
your luggage significant distances on your own. Try them. Students have always found jeans very
to minimize both the number of bags and weight of practical. Night temperatures tend to drop in higher
your bag(s) since you will likely be acquiring more elevations, where the program will spend some
belongings while abroad. Keep in mind that a wide time, and from November to March there is a rainy
range of clothes and toiletries are available at shops season with a few chilly days. Therefore, you will
and pharmacies in Rabat. need a couple of sweaters, a light coat or jacket,
and waterproof rainwear. Plan to buy any extra
Most students find that a large internal frame
clothing you need, beyond what is recommended
backpack and a smaller daypack/duffel (for week-
that you bring, once you are in Morocco. Moroccan
long excursions) are the most convenient choice of
homes are not heated and can be very cold in the
luggage. You should also have a smaller
winter; therefore, you may want to bring warm
bag/backpack for carrying your books and personal
pajamas, bathrobe and slippers and plan to dress in
items, as well as for use during short excursions.
layers indoors.
You may be able to store your larger piece of
luggage at your homestay during the semester.
If carrying prescription medications, you should
EQUIPMENT
carry a letter from your doctor to prevent any You do not need to bring tents, mosquito nets (we
concerns at customs or in transit. (Please see the recommend mosquito repellent), or a sleeping bag.
“General Health Tips” section in the Safety, In the packing list below, the Morocco program has
Security, and Health pre-departure document.) tried to list all important items you may need for the
months you will spend in Morocco.
Please check the current requirements of the
Transportation Security Administration Students must bring a recorder and a digital
(http://www.tsa.gov) as well as those of the airline camera: A smart phone with photo and recording
on which you are flying for domestic and applications, such as an iPhone, is usually sufficient.
international baggage restrictions. Students interested in reporting in radio or video
formats may choose to bring more sophisticated
equipment.
CLOTHING GUIDELINES For our module on mobile reporting, please bring:
There is a wide range of clothing styles in Morocco.
Men and women wear traditional clothes (the • A microphone for your smartphone. A low-cost
djellaba), modern clothes like jeans, or some mix of wired lavalier mic is fine, such as
the two. Many women wear the hijab, a headscarf amzn.com/B07P5C3WP4. If your budget
that covers their hair. Some women wear revealing permits, you may prefer a model such as
clothing, especially in urban areas like Rabat, amzn.com/B00EO4A7L0
Casablanca, and Marrakesh. However, SIT • A tripod for your smartphone. A low-cost model
recommends that students dress modestly, like the is fine such as the Sunpak PocketPod:
majority of the young people in Morocco. This way https://bit.ly/2mYIOAe
you have a better chance of feeling comfortable no
matter what neighborhood, city or social situation
SIT Study Abroad - 12
Country Overview and Packing Guidelines 2/14/2020If a student can demonstrate considerable You will be responsible for making arrangements to
experience in photography, video, or audio store your laptop and any other electronic
journalism, the student may be able to produce equipment you choose to bring in a secure place
stories in those mediums but must bring the while on excursions. It will not be difficult for you,
necessary high-quality equipment with him/her as however, to find ways to keep your laptops and
the program does not provide such equipment. The electronic equipment safe.
best recorders can be found at: http://transom.org.
U.S. electrical plugs require adapters to fit in
Any student producing journalism in photography
Moroccan outlets. Outlets in Morocco use plug types
will need a camera that allows one to manipulate the
C and E.
shutter speed and aperture. Canon Powershots are
an excellent example. The electric current in Morocco is 220 volts. Laptops
can accept 220V because the power cord includes a
It will not be necessary to carry everything that you
converter box. However, other electrical appliances
bring during excursions; however, we still encourage
may need a voltage converter. Please see the
you to pack lightly. When packing, do not forget to
following website for information about electricity,
include flexibility, patience, and a sense of humor.
voltage and electrical adapters:
This is the best preparation for the months ahead.
http://www.worldstandards.eu/electricity/.
COMPUTERS AND OTHER
GIFTS
ELECTRONICS It is a nice gesture to present a gift to offer your
You must bring a laptop computer. The computer homestay family in gratitude for their hospitality and
will be your personal property and responsibility. SIT as a means to share a part of your culture with
does not provide personal property insurance and it them. You may also wish to consider gifts for people
is recommended that you insure your computer or outside your homestay family. Try to choose gifts
other valuables for full coverage. For details on that represent you or the community or part of the
SIT’s insurance, please see the full Description of country where you live. Think about what your city,
Coverage on our Student Insurance. SIT is not state, or local artisans produce. Draw upon your
responsible for any duty tax you may have to pay personal interests or hobbies for ideas. Pack a
when you enter the country, or for theft or loss. couple of small gifts for children, such as small
games, bubbles, or a Frisbee. Even if your
A laptop computer is necessary for your work as a
homestay family does not have small children,
student journalist. Students who take Arabic class
chances are that you will engage with children in
will need a DVD drive to play the DVD that comes
your homestay community. Once you are on the
with the textbook. With a laptop, it is also easier to
program and learn more about the local culture, you
stay in contact with your academic director
will discover other ways to thank your family.
concerning academic material or with friends in
Remember to bring pictures of your friends and
Morocco and in the U.S. It is not possible to rent
family to share.
laptops in Morocco, nor does the Center for Cross
Cultural Learning (CCCL), the program’s host The Morocco program recommends one gift per
institution in Morocco, have a lab or computers family, something that the whole family can share
available to students. such as chocolate or a souvenir from your state that
can decorate the living room. Please avoid anything
The CCCL and its two annexes have a wireless
with alcohol or pork, as this would be offensive.
system in certain areas only. Students who bring
their own laptops will be able to access WiFi during
specific times during the weekdays and outside of
holidays. There are plenty of Internet cafés available
as well.
SIT Study Abroad - 13
Country Overview and Packing Guidelines 2/14/2020WHAT YOU CAN AND CANNOT ALUMNI CONTACTS
OBTAIN IN COUNTRY If you have further questions, please contact your
admissions counselor and/or Contact a Former
One can generally obtain most toiletries in
Student.
franchised stores or big supermarkets in Rabat and
other major cities like Casablanca, but usually at a Don’t miss the Packing List on the next page!
higher price. Some brands may not be available.
Due to the lack of available laundromats in Morocco These packing guidelines are based on suggestions
and many families not having washing machines, from past students and your academic director. The
you may end up doing your laundry by hand and clothing you bring may be adapted to your own
hanging it up to dry. style, within cultural norms of acceptable dress.
SIT Study Abroad - 14
Country Overview and Packing Guidelines 2/14/2020PACKING LIST
o Good quality thermometer
CLOTHING o Small first aid kit
o Underwear: one week supply o Sunscreen (SPF 15+)/solarcaine spray
o Socks and stockings: one week supply, some o Adhesive bandages/antiseptic/antibacterial
wool cream
o Warm sleepwear o Mosquito repellent
o 1 workout outfit (could include T-shirt/ o Vitamin supplements (if you take them)
conservative, below-the-knee shorts or o Tampons (They are available, but not in all
running pants for jogging/sports) locations)
o 1 pair comfortable everyday shoes that are o Sanitary pads (Available, but perhaps not
good for walking preferred brand)
o 1 pair sandals o Deodorant
o 1 pair flip-flops for the house o Soap and shampoo (both available but you may
o 1 pair sneakers have particular brands you are accustomed to)
o 1 pair wet weather shoes o Bath towel
o All-purpose jacket o Handwipes and/or antibacterial hand wash
o Light raincoat—something that folds up small
but covers as much as possible
o 1 swimsuit (conservative, no bikinis)
OTHER IMPORTANT ITEMS
o 1 hat (to prevent sun overexposure) o Good quality, small locks (for luggage)
o 1 or 2 long dresses o Daypack or book/shoulder bag
o 1 nice outfit o External CD or DVD drive for Arabic homework
o 1-2 below the knee skirts if your laptop does not have one
o 1-2 pairs nice slacks o Extra contact lenses and/or spare pair of
o 2-4 casual pants (including jeans) glasses (if you wear them)
o 5-6 T-shirts o Contact lens solution (can be found in the cities
o 3-5 blouses or shirts but expensive)
o 2-3 sweaters o Water bottle
o Sunglasses
o Digital still camera and audio recorder (or a
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS smartphone that produces high-quality images
o Passport and sound recordings).
o Yellow WHO Card (if you have one) or a list of o If you have professional recording gear, bring it.
vaccinations (see the Health Guidelines and If you have an iPhone, download the RØDE Rec
Requirements document for more information) LE which is free in the App Store. If you do not
o 2 photocopies of your passport stored have an iPhone, Voice Record Pro is an option
separately from your actual passport (also free) for Android phones.
o 2 passport photos o Headphones
o Homestay gifts
HEALTH/TOILETRIES
o Prescription medications used regularly
o Over-the-counter medications as approved by
your doctor (a basic supply; replacements can
be purchased locally):
o Pain reliever/fever reducer
o Cold medication/decongestant
o Laxative
o Anti-diarrhea medication such as Imodium
o Travel sickness medication
SIT Study Abroad - 15
Country Overview and Packing Guidelines 2/14/2020You can also read
