Marrakesh Living

We are lucky enough to be staying with host families while in Morocco for two weeks. The host families have to apply through the Center for Language and Culture (CLC) in Marrakesh and meet certain criteria to be eligible. We are paired up with another student and placed with one of the families spread across the city. I am paired with Alfe, also from Northeastern.

We are living in the northern part of Marrakesh in a neighborhood called, Firdaouss. We were graciously introduced to our host sister, Ilham outside the CLC and made our way to her home. She lives with her mother in a spacious and beautifully decorated villa. From the detailed front door to the salons, Ilham’s house was beautiful. Three floors of clean, open space covered with Moroccan tile. The roof overlooked the quiet neighborhood and the mountains were seen in the distance.

At first we were confused as who lived in the house since people were always coming and going.  As time progressed, we started to see the dynamics of the family as the home is also open to her father and a few brothers that are around Marrakesh. Family is highly important in Morocco and it was not a surprise if Ilham’s sister and her niece and nephew spent hours or nights with us.

I feel very grateful to be staying with a Moroccan family while in Marrakesh as we are able to gain insights into the culture which wouldn’t be as easily accessible if the program were staying together in a hotel.  For instance, having home cooked Moroccan meals, exploring a local neighborhood, and participating in the daily routines of a family that has lived in Morocco their whole life is priceless. Hearing other student’s experiences with their host families also allows for a different perspective inside the culture. The only interaction with the other students happens at the program events (lectures, site visits, speakers) or during free time when we explore the city. Most of my time is happily spent engaging with my lovely host family.