The breathtaking landscapes, intricate architecture, and rich culture and history of Morocco were among the factors contributing to my desire to travel to the country. However, because of a combination of antiquated ideas about the way women are treated in the MENA region (Middle East and Northern Africa), combined with my own self-limiting beliefs, I thought it would not be possible to visit Morocco as a solo traveler. When I initially applied to SPC’s study abroad program to visit the country, I did so because I thought traveling with a group would be the only way to visit safely.

By experiencing Morocco through my own eyes, not only were Western mythologies of an antiquated, repressive anti-women culture dispelled—but so were many mythologies I had believed about my own inner world and the outer world at large. Firstly, I think it is very important to note that even walking outside alone with another girl my age at night, I felt safer in Casablanca than I do in St. Petersburg after dark. Most importantly though, in the absence of an explicit danger, I learned that I possess the courage within myself to step outside of my comfort zone, try new things, make connections, and expand my heart and mind in ways I did not previously know were possible. I am eternally grateful for the opportunity studying abroad provided me to see beyond my little world here at home .

– Naiyah, SPC Morocco Study Abroad Program, May 2025