Discovering culture in Morocco: An exchange to Marrakech

Discovering culture in Morocco: An exchange to Marrakech

This blog was written by Sule. She participated in AIESEC’s Nour project and went on exchange to Marrakech, Morocco.


When I decided to participate in the Nour project of AIESEC, I felt like I did something impulsive yet brave. I never went abroad on my own before. I always had people I could depend on like friends and family. This time I wanted to challenge myself by doing this project on my own, and I wanted to discover and embrace another culture.

Travelling alone, on exchange to morocco

Morocco was an amazing experience for me. I never imagined that five weeks could add so much to a person. For my project I was a volunteer at the High Atlas Foundation in Marrakech, an organization where people help and support others. They have projects for women empowerment, children education and planting trees. The Foundation is a place that makes you feel comfortable and allows you to become part of their community in such a short time. I grew so much on so many personal aspects which I did not even set as a goal for myself. I was able to learn so much from so many people that I met there. Not only the sweet Moroccans but also the other Exchange Participants who came there with AIESEC from different countries. I made so many friends, we shared so much with each other, we became family.

We were able to discover the Moroccan culture together, the very friendly and embracing people who are more than willing to help you out when you’re in need. First it could feel like people are very assertive, especially in Marrakech. Meeting other travellers on exchange to Morocco

But the more you blend in, the more beautiful everything becomes. As long as you are welcoming their culture and trying to engage with them, they instantly welcome you and are very keen to show you their way of life.

I do not want to generalize Morocco in a few sentences because this huge country with amazing landscapes differs within herself so much. The people in Fez are different than the people in Agadir. The nomads in the Sahara are different than the people in Essaouira. They have their delicious tea and warm heart in common. Yet they differ in so many details, which is beautiful to discover. It is obviously very different than the Netherlands and that is exactly why the Nour project exists.

The whole point is accepting the differences, to be welcoming to other traditions. Trying local food on exchange to MoroccoWe have to stop forcing our own standards on others. Yes, we humans have our own ways. And yes, each individual differs from one another. But the crucial thing is that we respect each other and that we do not stereotype and distance ourselves from the traditions and manners of others. The second you allow their culture to become part of you is where you are able to discover another magical world.

All I can say is that AIESEC gave me an opportunity to develop myself. I just discovered a small part of the amazing rich Moroccan culture. I hope that I will be able to bridge a small part of a big gap between different cultures.

Sule Altuntas

Discover landscapes on exchange to Morocco

 

Read more
6 Simple Tips to Contribute to a More Sustainable World

6 Simple Tips to Contribute to a More Sustainable World

We only have one planet. If we continue to behave like we have in the last years, this planet as we know it will not exist for our off-spring. If this misuse of the resources continues in the future, chances are that our planet might become like the other seven...

Una experiencia para nunca olvidar

Una experiencia para nunca olvidar

Starting my journey in Colombia At the start of July 2019, my sister and I took the big leap to pack our bags and visit our family in Colombia. During this time I was still deciding on doing a volunteering job for AIESEC. It was my luck to have my sister as my AIESEC...

The Importance of Self-Awareness for a Leader

The Importance of Self-Awareness for a Leader

We often try to identify our existence with our position in society, friends, and family, the desires of our bodies, and the emotional and intellectual expressions of our minds. For instance, we might introduce ourselves as ‘I am a business administration student, and...

3 Tips to Stay Motivated During Lockdown

3 Tips to Stay Motivated During Lockdown

Normally it can be difficult to stay motivated when working or studying. Now, the pandemic forces the most of us to work and study at home, staying motivated can become an even bigger issue. Some important things to keep track of during the pandemic to stay motivated...

Exchange in Sri Lanka

Exchange in Sri Lanka

My time in Sri Lanka The most incredible and heart-warming experience I had this summer, was working at a school in Sri Lanka. The school specializes in teaching children with autism and down syndrome. An exceptional aspect to mention about the school, is that the...

6 tips for Effective Communication

6 tips for Effective Communication

Have you ever wondered how effective your communication is? No matter if you believe that you are an expert or an amateur of communication, improving your ability to communicate is an endless process. In this blog, you will find 6 fundamental ways that will help you...

Leadership in times of crisis

Leadership in times of crisis

Hi! I’m Sonida, 21 years old and currently studying International Studies at Leiden University. This year, I decided I wanted to challenge myself further by applying for AIESEC Leiden. I’m now the online marketing manager and I’m really liking it thus far. Being able...

6 tips for better time management

6 tips for better time management

6 tips for better time-management How often do you find yourself overwhelmed by all the deadlines, responsibilities and to-do’s as a student? Trying to balance our studies with part-time jobs, volunteering, sports or just maintaining a social life is one of the...

When Can I Go on Exchange Again?

When Can I Go on Exchange Again?

Traveling alone or going on exchange to another country might be one of the things you want to do during your student time or before you get a serious job. Exploring new places and meeting new people are certainly a fun experience and contribute to your personal...

Sustainable Development Goals in times of COVID-19

Sustainable Development Goals in times of COVID-19

2015 the United Nations General Assembly set The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) or The Global Goals. These goals aim to tackle and find solutions to various issues, such as poverty, climate change, etc., and should be achieved by 2030. However, on the journey to...

Why Should You Volunteer?

Why Should You Volunteer?

Volunteering seems a waste of time and effort without gaining anything in return to some people, are you one of them? It’s okay if you are, because in this blog we will explain to you why you should consider doing volunteer work and how it will be beneficial to you...

My Experience in Ghana

My Experience in Ghana

In the summer of 2019 I participated in the Medicine Project, organised by AIESEC. I got the chance to go to Ghana for 6 weeks to experience the culture and work at the hospital there. Before I left I was already in contact with people from AIESEC in Ghana. They...

Interested?

Take the first step.

Book a free consultation call in one of our cities to explore your opportunities!