Feb 27

Feb 27 "Introducing Claire Fink" by Claire Fink

Banner image: Me in front of a pretty door in Kasbah des Oudayas. Photo credit: Nazeer, 2025.

Salaam Blog!

My name is Claire Fink, and I’m a Junior at Fordham University. I’m so excited to spend my Spring semester in Rabat! Even though I’ve only been here for about a week, I’ve already seen and learned so much, and I’ll be so sad to leave in May!

One of the many street cats enjoying the ocean breeze at sunset by the Rabat Marina. Photo credit: Fink, 2025.

I’m a Humanitarian Studies major at Fordham, with a double minor in Biology and Peace and Justice Studies. I’m also learning Arabic, so I’m super excited to continue my studies in Morocco. I’m looking forward to seeing how my language proficiency increases after using Arabic more frequently in a daily, conversational setting rather than just in a classroom twice a week in New York City. There is also so much to do in Rabat to keep me occupied while I’m not in class or doing homework, and I’ve had so much fun exploring the Medina and Oudayas. I can’t wait to see more of the city throughout the semester!

Aziz Mohammed in front of his bookstore in the Rabat Medina. Photo credit: Fink, 2025.

So far, I absolutely love the food here, and all the Moroccans I’ve met are some of the nicest people I know! My homestay mom is an amazing cook (and person), and I'm extremely happy with my placement. Also, even though I only met them a week ago, it feels like the girls in my program are my sisters and that I’ve known them forever! I’m so grateful to have met all the lovely people at Amideast and in Morocco.