Morgan in Morocco: Students Explore History, Culture, and Connection in the Heart of North Africa

Spring Break Study Abroad Trip Offers Immersive Experience in Marrakech and Essaouira, Strengthening Morgan’s Global Education Reach

For a group of Morgan State University students, Spring Break 2025 was more than just a pause from classes—it was an academic journey that brought lectures to life in the vibrant streets of Morocco. As part of the University’s new interdisciplinary course, MENA100: Introduction to Middle East and North Africa, 12 students traveled abroad for an immersive study abroad experience that deepened their understanding of the region’s complex history, diverse cultures, and enduring connections with the African Diaspora.

Offered through Morgan’s Office of Study Abroad and the School of Architecture & Planning (SA+P), the trip was fully funded through a U.S. Department of Education grant, making it both accessible and transformative. It also marked a milestone for Morgan—the launch of the first MENA program at an HBCU with a specific focus on the African Diaspora. The Study Abroad initiative and the MENA program represent a true collaboration between faculty from the School of Architecture and Planning and the College of Liberal Arts.

“MENA100 was developed not only to introduce students to the politics, cultures, and histories of the Middle East and North Africa but also to challenge preconceived notions and provide direct engagement with local communities,” said course instructor Dr. Samia Rab Kirchner, who led the study abroad experience.

Prior to departure, students from a range of academic disciplines, including musical theatre, chemistry, social work, marketing, architecture, and finance, among others, studied the colonial history, environmental challenges, and cultural dynamics of the region through readings, film analysis, and online cross-cultural dialogue via the Soliya Global Connect Program. Their learning culminated in a weeklong visit to Morocco, where they explored the layered cultural and spiritual identity of the nation firsthand.

Learning Through Living

The itinerary, designed by the Center for Languages and Cultures (CLC) in Marrakech, balanced structured learning with cultural immersion. Students participated in hands-on workshops like learning Darija (the Moroccan dialect of Arabic), practicing traditional Tagine cooking, and reflecting on the significance of Ramadan during an intimate Iftar dinner hosted by a local family.

Experiences ranged from the historic to the contemporary: from marveling at the intricate architecture of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Madrasa Ben Youssef, to exchanging aspirations with local students through English language workshops, to connecting with activists and artisans in the port city of Essaouira.

“The lessons we learned in Morocco went far beyond the classroom,” said one student. “We engaged with people who opened their homes and hearts to us, giving us a deeper appreciation of Moroccan hospitality and resilience.”

Students also traveled to the Atlas Mountains, visiting Ighelmoussen, a remote village where they learned about rural life, agriculture, and the preservation of indigenous traditions. 

Following their return to the U.S., students continued their engagement through Soliya’s virtual exchange platform, connecting with peers across the MENA region to reflect on shared insights and challenge cultural assumptions. They’re also creating journals to document the journey, using writing and visuals to share their perspectives on cultural fusion, spirituality, and global citizenship.

By bringing theory into conversation with lived experience, the MENA100 study abroad trip showcased the transformative potential of international education.

Morgan’s Office of Study Abroad encourages all students—regardless of major—to consider the benefits of international education. Through semester-long exchanges, faculty-led courses, and fully funded grant opportunities, students can expand their worldview and gain the intercultural skills that today’s employers seek.

Whether it's learning to cook in a mountain village, debating environmental policy across continents, or seeing history etched into the walls of ancient cities, studying abroad empowers students to become informed, empathetic leaders in an interconnected world.

Interested students can learn more about upcoming programs and how to apply by visiting Morgan.edu/studyabroad.