Introducing Spring 2019 Blog Correspondent: Max Aboko-Cole
How’s it going everyone! My name is Max Aboko-Cole and I’m a Junior at American University studying International Relations and Journalism with a minor in French. I soon will be travelling to Rabat, Morocco to embark on my first study abroad experience. Throughout the trip I will be blogging about my time there through different types of posts highlighting my experience in my new host country.
Road and Culture Map from the Moroccan Consulate. Photo Credit: M. Aboko-Cole, Spring 2019
For me, Morocco, unlike all the other times I've been abroad traveling, is different from any place I've traveled to due to its culture and region. This more than anything attracts me to Morocco specifically because I see it as a challenge to what I'm used to and a place that I want to learn more about. This is why I believe Morocco would be the perfect place for me.
Interestingly, although my father was born and raised in Sierra Leone, West Africa, I have never actually been on the African continent meaning this will be my first time visiting Africa which is pretty significant to me. I cannot wait to explore Morocco and assimilate into the rich and vibrant Moroccan culture as a student and as simply a visitor. I can only imagine the amount of insight and experiences I'll take with me while I'm abroad in Morocco. If there is anything I hope to get out of this experience, it is simply to expand my world view and get closer to French fluency.
My acceptance notification! Photo Credit: M. Aboko-Cole, Spring 2019
I'm excited to be part of AMIDEAST's Regional Studies in French program and have been brushing up on my skills in preparation for the program. I've been in love with French ever since I was introduced to the language at a very young age. From listening to the Belgian pop star Stromae, to watching French comedians on Youtube, I have for the longest time been in love with the language and its intricacies. I hope to become fluent in French during my time in Morocco. I also eventually hope to enjoy addressing others in French and be able to utilize my knowledge as a useful tool in my future career and/or to help me learn even more languages. I know there are many challenges to mastering a language. This is why my hope is to overcome these challenges by studying abroad in Morocco to reap the many rewards of being multi-lingual and exposing myself to a culture I've never experienced before. As I continue my education, I think traveling abroad and learning a new language will be absolutely vital to my success and will be a true capstone to my university education. I also think this experience of blogging, which is also new to me, will help me better appreciate my time spent in Morocco as well as be able to share it all with you. Stay tuned to keep updated on the hopefully fun and wild adventures I go on. See you guys soon!
