As part of the Middle Eastern and European Languages and Cultures (MEELC) undergraduate degree, students explore diverse perspectives on Middle Eastern and European societies through a study of history, literature and identity politics. Students enjoy the challenge of engaging with new and different cultures, not only in the classroom but living and studying abroad for a year.

MEELC student Molly Crawford shares her experience of studying abroad in at the International University of Rabat (Morocco) in 2024.

Standing on a sand dune in the middle of the Sahara, with Algeria to one side and Morocco to the other, with nothing in sight but more and more sand, was the most surreal experience of my life. 


A young woman wearing sunglasses and a white dress, behind her is a blue sky and sea
MEELC student Molly Crawford on her study abroad semester in Morocco

For years, I had always wanted to travel to Morocco, and so when I saw that Rabat was an Erasmus destination for MEELC students, I jumped at the opportunity to go. It had always been a dream of mine to live abroad, because I love learning about and interacting with new cultures and customs, and I’ve always had a desire to see the world - so the move to Rabat was one fuelled by pure excitement, and the few nerves I had were forgotten almost instantly upon arrival.

Five people sitting on camels walking in a row in the desert
One of the most memorable moments of my life: riding camels across the desert

I spent four months in Rabat, and during that time I met some incredible people from all over the world, drank a ridiculous amount of mint tea and had the opportunity to improve and practise my Arabic with locals. Saying this, however, my fondest memories from my exchange were definitely of my travels. The International University of Rabat prioritised cultural immersion, and alongside hosting a wide range of events allowing us to interact with Moroccan culture, they also ensured we had a long weekend each week so we could see more of the country - an opportunity I made the most of.

Four young woman sit in a garden surrounded by greenery with a blue sky behind them 
A class trip to the Alhambra. Thanks to the university, we were able to access the spaces closed off to the rest of the public

Thanks to cheap trains and an abundance of time, I was able to visit Fez, Marrakesh, Tangier and, most excitingly, the Sahara. Standing on a sand dune in the middle of the Sahara, with Algeria to one side and Morocco to the other, with nothing in sight but more and more sand, was the most surreal experience of my life. Words cannot begin to describe how tiny you feel, surrounded by such vast nothingness, and the way it really makes you consider so much about life and the world. Every time I think of Morocco, I am instantly brought back to that moment, and that feeling of awe will stay with me forever.

Studying abroad made me more curious, and open to embracing new ideas, new people and a new way of looking at the world.

Now, looking back at my time abroad, I can only remember the incredible experiences I had. Of course there were setbacks; adjusting to a very different culture, academic challenges and getting lost in the Medina (a couple hundred times), but these experiences were inconsequential in comparison to the amazing memories I have of riding camels in the desert, surfing on the beaches of Rabat or learning to eat couscous with my hands one Friday afternoon.

Four young woman in a group sitting and smiling holding small cups of mint tea
Sampling some mint tea and bread in the souk in Marrakech

Studying abroad is one of the best educations that college students have the opportunity to experience, as it allows you to truly get to know yourself, but also truly understand a totally different culture, and become more open and adventurous. Studying abroad made me more curious, and open to embracing new ideas, new people and a new way of looking at the world.

We need to break out of our comfort zone, and studying abroad is an easy way to do that. After my time in Morocco, and subsequently in Granada, my passion to move abroad and travel has increased tenfold, and post graduation I hope to move to a new city, and fall in love with the world all over again.

The MEELC undergraduate degree at Trinity is unique in Irish and UK universities This degree gives students a unique opportunity to study the history, cultures and one language of the Middle East (Arabic, Hebrew, Turkish) combined with a choice of a European language and its history and culture.