One of the most meaningful moments during my time abroad was my trip to Morocco. What made this experience so impactful wasn’t just the destination itself, but the journey and the people I met along the way.
To get there, we drove 10 hours each way, which was both exhausting and exciting, with beautiful views along the way. At first, the long car ride felt overwhelming, but it ended up being an important part of the experience. It gave me time to bond with the people I was traveling with. Along the drive, we passed through small towns where kids would run up to our van and wave at us. It was clear that seeing people traveling through their towns was exciting and interesting for them, and those small moments made the experience feel even more real and personal.
During the trip, we met two girls who were studying abroad in Barcelona. We quickly connected and spent time together, which is something I wouldn’t have been as comfortable doing before studying abroad. This moment showed me how much more outgoing I’ve become and how willing I am now to meet new people in unfamiliar environments.
One of the most unforgettable parts of the trip was arriving for the camel ride into the Sahara Desert. When we got there, we met the people in charge of guiding us into the desert and eventually to our camp. As we were getting ready, some kids came up to our car offering to help us wrap our headscarves. It was interesting to see how, from such a young age, they already understood how to hustle and interact with tourists. It gave me a new perspective on daily life there and how different it is from what I’m used to.
After the camel ride, we arrived at our campsite, where we stayed the night. Dinner was another memorable experience. The salad was very different from what I’m used to in America. It wasn’t a typical leafy salad, but instead small bits of vegetables and fruit mixed. It was a simple detail, but it really highlighted the cultural differences in food.
After dinner, everyone gathered for a dance party with local music. It was such a fun and unexpected moment. We all danced together, laughed, and enjoyed the experience, even though we came from completely different backgrounds. That night felt like a true cultural exchange.
Overall, this trip had a huge impact on me. It helped me become more outgoing and comfortable in unfamiliar situations. I learned to appreciate the journey, the people, and the cultural differences that made the experience so unique.
