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Studying Multiculturalism and Human Rights in Morocco

March 2, 2023

Tags Morocco Global Learning Philosophy Study Abroad

An unexpected change of plans became an unforgettable experience for philosophy major, Mike Altman ’23. A few weeks before departing to study abroad, the Global Learning Office gave him a call to inform him of a recent travel advisory for his original study abroad location that would make it unwise to proceed with his plans. With limited time and limited choices, he switched over to the Multiculturalism and Human Rights program with SIT in Morocco and found himself in Rabat shortly after.

Like most SIT programs, Mike was able to speak with a variety of people to learn about local issues. These people included local historians, government officials, refugees, and classmates. However, the most important lesson he learned from his time abroad was the critical role listening plays in learning about global and local issues, particularly listening to personal experiences and individual stories. He learned this lesson through weekly dinners with a host family discussing topics like traditional gender roles, a meeting with a philosophy professor about teaching Islam, and friendly conversations with shopkeepers about their family business. 

Listening figured heavily in Mike's month-long independent research project that sought to observe how religion and law dictate how stray animals should be treated in comparison to how society treats them. As part of the research project, Mike interviewed people using Google Translate and reached out to animal shelters. He became a regular at coffee shops leading to many conversations with strangers that enabled Mike to learn about Moroccan culture outside of the classroom and from a variety of perspectives.

Mike knows that he will someday return to Morocco because of how much he loved his time there. From the relaxed lifestyle to the beautiful cities, Mike appreciates all the lasting relationships and memories he made while in Morocco.