3-MINUTE TRAVEL GUIDE:
RABAT, MOROCCO
DON’T FORGET TO PACK All the summer clothes, including a bathing suit. Don’t forget to bring a hat, sunglasses, and a gift for your host family.
BEST LEFT AT HOME Towels! Also, too many winter clothes, and anything small or replaceable that you can buy there.
WHERE TO LIVE With a host family in the old Medina!
BEST EATS NEAR CAMPUS Yamal Acham (for the best Syrian food), Dar Naji and Dar Larita (for the best beef tagine), Green is Better, Cafe Boho, Cozy Cafe, and Faceburger
FAVORITE LOCAL ACTIVITY Going to the beach and surfing. The old Medina is no more than a 15-minute walk to a beach with great surfing.
FAVORITE UCEAP TRIP Certainly our trip to Ourika by Marrakesh. It was incredible to be immersed in nature and spend time with the local Amazigh people.
WHERE TO STUDY The air-conditioned CIEE center, where classes are held.
MUST-TRY LOCAL DISH Rfissa is the best dish of Morocco—it’s a traditional dish of stewed chicken, lentils, and onions served on a shredded msemmen, a kind of flat pancake or bread. Also try the pastilla. It’s a savory chicken or seafood pie with flaky warqa dough.
BEST PHOTO OP Honestly, everywhere! Definitely visit Chefchaouen, the famous mountainside blue-rinsed city. It’s like walking in an azure dream!
BIGGEST FAIL Being too afraid of the bugs at Merzouga (which I highly recommend). We saw one giant beetle and slept with one eye open because of it.
BEST LOCAL EVENT Live concerts at Cafe Rennaissance Carrion.
BUY THIS Anything in the old Medina. Mint tea is Morocco’s most beloved drink so there are beautiful teapots and teacups you’ll keep forever in the markets. Also, natural black kohl eyeliner, amlou (a rare almond butter treat with orange blossom honey), and jewelry from Chefchaouen.
NOT THAT American fast food! It’s overpriced and not worth it, even if you’re missing it.
MOST INTERESTING CLASS Anything with Professor Saber!
BEST PART OF THE PROGRAM Without a doubt, the people I met through my journey, including locals, staff, and students—everyone was beyond great.
UNFORGETTABLE WEEKEND TRIPS Chefchaoun was absolutely incredible. The people are incredibly kind, the food is unbeatable, and the sights are gorgeous.
BONUS PRO TIP You can drink the water in Rabat despite what they tell you.
