Mt. SAC student studying abroad in Morocco

July 15, 2024 - 05:12 PM

The world of opportunities at Mt. SAC isn’t limited to the boundaries of the campus’ 420 acres of land.

For students with a globetrotting spirit, expanding educational and career horizons starts by learning on the other side of the planet. Mt. SAC’s Study Abroad Program can punch the tickets for those with bags packed full of ambition.  

Joseph Fasheh Jr. was ready for his boarding call, but he wanted to go off the beaten path. Destinations like England, Spain, and Japan – available departures for all Mounties with the travel bug – didn’t line up with where Joseph wanted to land. So he charted his own course for Meknes, Morocco.

“I've always had the desire to learn a foreign language,” says Joseph, who is studying Arabic and earning a degree in Political Science, “and I was feeling particularly motivated to do so through a study abroad program, but that's not particularly something the average Mt. SAC student can afford.

“Mt. SAC's Study Abroad Program is excellent, but with the limited choice in classes, I didn't feel like my interests would be entirely catered to. To find some funding, I dug deep and found where most of our federal study abroad aid comes from: the Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. After searching, I eventually landed upon the Critical Language Scholarship at the U.S.'s flagship foreign language studies program.”

Joseph researched the requirements, applied for the scholarship, and waited to receive a response, which came while he was working here on campus.

“I remember celebrating my victory during one of my shifts at the Writing Center,” he says.

The gravity of the situation brought the jumps for joy back down to Earth for the freshly-minted world traveler.

“I’ve never traveled internationally, so when I got my finalist notification, I realized I would be uniquely challenged during this two-month escapade abroad,” says Joseph, who will return to campus for the upcoming 2024 Fall Semester. “In the sun-kissed mountains of Meknes, Morocco, I’m undergoing an intensive language program that coalesces in total immersion for language learners.” 

When Joseph says total immersion, he means it.

“Finalists sign a language pledge, signing themselves up for eight weeks of conversation only in Arabic, especially in the classroom and with your family – the lovable and generous people who invite you into their home, house you, and feed you for the eight-week stay in Morocco,” he says. “To say it is a culture shock to some is an understatement, but the beautiful palm trees, rolling hills, and earthy, orange tones of the sun remind me so much of home; it often feels to me like I've never left California, and that the world has simply learned to speak in Arabic to me.”

By diving headfirst into this experience, Joseph plans to become somewhat fluent in Arabic and transfer into the University of California system or a private university after the 2025 Spring Semester.

“My goals are relatively simple and line up quite well, almost stereotypically, with the program's goals: to come back with an increased ability in the Arabic language, to hopefully speak and listen to it comfortably in conversation, and to experience Moroccan culture in all its forms,” Joseph says. “True mastery comes from understanding and engaging with those around you. I want to bring that experience home and pursue further studies abroad in the region, using this newfound knowledge and ability.”

Joseph has fully embraced this journey and meets every step of the way with curiosity, wonder, and excitement.

“Studying abroad isn't for everyone – the stress is real, and the things you must keep track of often are overwhelming,” he says. “If you feel safer at home, there is no shame in that. If you cannot afford it, there is no shame in that. Just know that you always have the opportunity to do so and that taking advantage of your opportunities will often lead you to unexpected places and situations – but you are forged in these states of stress and mettle-testing. You come to understand better who you are, where you're going, and what exactly you'd like to do with this information – something a lot of us need help with.

“It isn't an end all, be all, but it certainly isn't just a footnote in my life; it's been a remarkably formative experience for me.”

For information on Mt. SAC’s Study Abroad Program, visit https://www.mtsac.edu/studyabroad/ or call (909) 274-4534.