Blog Post 2

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Kristian Derrick

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Kristian Derrick

<i>"Hello" in your host country's language:</i> ุฃู‡ู„ุง (Ahlan) <i>Home Institution (your U.S. University/College):</i> University of Tennessee at Knoxville <i>Expected graduation year:</i> 2024 <i>Destination city & country:</i> Rabat, Morocco <i>Program provider:</i> SIT Study Abroad <i>Major/minor:</i> Political Science / Global Studies <i>Demographics:</i> Caucasian/White, LGBTQ+ <i>Future career aspirations:</i> I hope to work in the field of national security or foreign diplomacy. <i>Top 3 goals for your time abroad:</i> 1. To become more proficient in Arabic and its dialects. 2. To gain hands on experience with immigrants coming from sub-Saharan Africa and learning about the reintegration process of immigrants into the EU. 3. To better understand the Moroccan culture.

1. This picture was taken outside of the Hassen II Mosque. I went on a weekend trip to Casablanca with a few of my friends, and while there we toured inside this mosque. This is one of very few mosques that allows non-Muslims to go inside. I respect such practice, but I was surprised upon arrival in Morocco that people were unable to visit such religious buildings. I grew up Catholic, and though I no longer practice, I remember that the Catholic church was always open to people of differing religions. The mosque itself was built by King Mohammad V and Moroccoโ€™s best Artisans out of remembrance for King Hassan II.

2. In this picture was one of my dinners while in Casablanca. There are chicken kebabs, hummus, a mayonnaise-based sauce, vegetables, and surprisingly French fries. While being in Morocco, I have been surprised about how popular French fries are in everyday meals. I assume it is because of the post-colonial French influence, but I always thought French fries were unique to America. Also, the kebabs I ate for dinner were the best kebabs I have had in my entire life. The season was so unique to Moroccan cuisine, and it was something I had never experienced before. Lastly, I was taken back by the price difference here compared to America. This meal cost 40 Moroccan dirham which is equivalent to 4 U.S. dollars.