Montclair in Morocco: Students Hone Language, Culture and Media Skills

The spring semester marked a significant milestone as students from World Languages and Cultures and the School of Communication and Media participated in Montclair’s first-ever study abroad program in Morocco. The Language, Culture, and Media program offered students enrolled in Dr. David Sander’s International Travel Product (FMTV 299) class and Dr. Enza Antenos’ Capstone Course in Language, Business & Culture (MLLT 475) a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in Morocco’s rich linguistic and cultural tapestry, blending academic learning with real-world experiences across several of the country’s most iconic cities. 

Antenos and Sanders, who have co-led summer study abroad since 2013, developed a program that aligned with their areas of teaching and research. “David and I currently lead interdisciplinary programs—Recording Arts and Production and Language, Business & Culture, respectively,” stated Antenos. “We saw an opportunity to expand the reach of our vibrant campus and its neighboring communities by connecting them globally. Morocco’s unique blend of languages and rich cultural heritage made it an ideal destination that significantly internationalized their in-class learning with professional and cultural insights.”

The journey started in Rabat, Morocco’s capital, a city rich in history and culture. Rabat’s medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the Kasbah of the Udayas were stunning backdrops for exploring the country’s intricate blend of Arab, Berber, and French colonial influences. The adventure continued in Casablanca, where they were greeted with a rare opportunity to tour Hiba Studio, Morocco’s first professional recording studio, and had an insider’s view of Morocco’s evolving music industry and its role in the global artistic landscape. This visit underscored the intersection of culture and media, offering invaluable insights into the professional world of sound production and the dynamic cultural exchanges.

The group traveled to Meknes, one of Morocco’s four imperial cities, known for its grand architecture and historical significance as evidenced by the Bab Mansour gate and the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail. In Fez, students visited the city’s labyrinthine medina, another UNESCO World Heritage site, where they explored Moroccan craftsmanship, from traditional leather tanneries to intricate mosaic work. Students delved into the interplay between business, culture, and craftsmanship in shaping the daily and economic life of the city. Hospitality, Sports, Events & Tourism major Kate Aristizabal remarked “We observed the pottery-making process and were impressed by the remarkable talent and skill of the artisans.” 

The ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis offered students a tangible connection to the region’s ancient history, illustrating the deep historical roots of Morocco’s cultural landscape. Walking through the well-preserved ruins, students reflected on the influence of the Roman Empire on North African culture and its lasting legacy. A hike in Ifrane, often referred to as “Little Switzerland” due to its Alpine-style architecture and lush surroundings, provided a unique perspective on Morocco’s diverse environmental landscape.

In Chefchaouen, the “Blue Pearl” of Morocco, students were mesmerized by the town’s vibrant blue-washed buildings and the serene atmosphere. This picturesque town offered a peaceful retreat and a chance to experience the slower pace of life in Morocco’s Rif Mountains. The journey concluded in Tangier, a city with a storied past as a cultural crossroads between Europe and Africa. With Spanish also included in its rich multilingual and multicultural tapestry, students had an even deeper understanding of Morocco’s role as a gateway for cultural, media, and business exchanges between continents.

Arabic minor Yuleisy Gomez valued how the program reinforced “the universality of human life across borders regardless of language or culture. I was able to interact and communicate with people in different ways if we couldn’t understand each other with words. I loved becoming friends with locals and feeling like a friend instead of a visitor.”

The Language, Culture, and Media program in Morocco was more than just a study abroad experience; it was a transformative journey that brought classroom concepts to life. Through their travels, Montclair students not only deepened their understanding of culture but also developed a global perspective that will shape their future careers. Baba Ly, an LBAC major with a concentration in French, declared:

This study abroad experience was memorable and provided many life lessons that can only be learned through traveling.