Embarking on a Journey to Morocco in Summer 2020
Students traveling to Morocco during Maymester 2020 will have the opportunity to explore the Sahara Desert during this once-in-a-lifetime trip.
With diverse agriculture, mountains and deserts, and as the first country to recognize the United States of America as a nation in 1777, Morocco beckons visitors from around the world. Dr. James Anderson II is leading the only current UGA Study Abroad to Morocco, and the inaugural trip to this Northern Africa country kicks off in May.
This two-week study abroad offered during the Maymester summer term offers students the unique opportunity to visit nine Moroccan cities and learn about agricultural production and the public policy challenges the country faces in the 21st Century.
The program titled “Agriculture, Community and Organizational Development in Morocco” is open to all majors both undergraduate and graduate and offers 3 hours of course credit in ALDR 4610/6610 with Dr. Anderson, Assistant Professor in Agricultural Leadership, as the program coordinator and Dr. Abigail Borron, Associate Professor in Agricultural Communication, as the co-teacher. This program is open to all majors and requires no prerequisites and therefore aims to attract a diverse group of students.
“Morocco is such a special place. I am excited to introduce UGA students to this country that has a unique mixture of Berber, Arab, African, Spanish and French influences. I have taken students there in the past and they always come back transformed by this once-in-a-lifetime experience,” said Dr. Anderson.
Agricultural production in Morocco consists of oranges, tomatoes, potatoes, olives and olive oil. Animal production ranging from sheep to cattle is widespread, but the country’s new agricultural strategy, Green Morocco Plan, will be of particular interest to the students as they learn Morocco’s goals to develop agricultural and environmental sectors. Students will delve into Morocco’s current farming practices and how the political, economic and educational complexities compare to that of the US.
Amidst the research center and orchard visits, students will enjoy architectural marvels, open-air markets, desert camel rides and waterfalls tucked into the Atlas Mountains.
Are you interested in studying abroad in Morocco? Do you know a student who would benefit from this trip? To learn more about this program, visit the Maymester 2020 Morocco Study Abroad Information Page or reach out to Dr. James Anderson II with any questions. The rolling application process is now open, and applications close February 15, 2020.
By Allison Fortner