My CIEE trip was focused on language and culture and based in Rabat, Morocco. I heard about the program from Mr. Dagher, the Arabic teacher at CRLS, and was immediately intrigued by the possibility of learning more Arabic as well as exploring another culture I knew nothing about.  The exposure and immersion I had while abroad gave me a much better understanding of not only Moroccan culture, but my own American culture. Not until after I left Morocco did I really feel any sort of culture shock. Back in the US, I am constantly thinking about the important characteristics  of American culture that we don’t always realize. The stereotypes that surround Muslims and Arabs in America, the difficulty of immigrating here, the desire to search for opportunity in America, language, and class-associated barriers were all things that were immediately more noticeable when I returned. Additionally, the assumed privileges of American life, such as money, opportunity, and the idea that all products are better in America stood out to me in a way it hadn’t before.

As the end of May approaches, it is hard for us to believe that our four years at the Register Forum are coming to an end. For both of us, this paper has been “The Thing” we spent hours on, met hundreds of people through, and dedicated practically all 180 days plus entire summers to for all of high school.