The journey took students to six locations, travelling about 1,500 km across the country
Riding camels through the Sahara desert, exploring the vibrant bustling markets of Marrakech, and taking in the sights of ancient ruins in Volubilis – this is just a sample of what students from the University of Guelph-Humber’s (U of GH) study abroad trip to Morocco had the opportunity to experience.
The Culture of Moroccan North Africa was a six-week study abroad course offered for credit during the spring semester, open to students of all programs at U of GH. It took students outside the classroom on an immersive 11-day adventure to Moroccan destinations including Casablanca, Fez, Merzouga, Todra Gorge and Tinghir Oasis, Ouarzazate, and Marrakech. Students had the chance to learn about the country’s rich history, see famous landmarks, absorb the local culture, and learn about topics like sustainability, globalization, anti-colonization, and alternative models of economic enterprise such as co-operatives.
“I don't know many people who have been to Morocco personally, so I thought that it was a unique opportunity,” Chantal Soutar said, who was on the trip prior to graduating from the Media & Communication Studies program this spring. “Seeing that culture firsthand is definitely something I'll always take with me, and it'll make me a better global citizen.”
Justice Studies Chair Gary Galbraith, who served as the course director, explained that students brought unique perspectives to the course, using an interdisciplinary lens, because of their varying educational backgrounds. He shared that he was also “deeply impressed” by the group’s curiosity and innovative final projects.
“My hope is this course was a transformative experience in terms of expanding the students’ perspectives and horizons to developments and changes at a global level, as well as the immersion in the ancient and rich cultural environment of Morocco,” Galbraith said.
For Soutar, that memorable and transformative experience was notable in Merzouga, at the Sahara Desert. In a moment she’ll never forget, Soutar was mesmerized by the sand dunes whilst on the back of a camel – a sight she said she could stare at “for hours.” One of her fellow students described the journey as “one of the wildest and most unforgettable parts” of the experience, with “endless golden dunes, peaceful camel rides, and a beautiful desert resort that felt like a hidden oasis.” The group even experienced a sandstorm.
“Sand was blowing at us from everywhere. We had to sit behind the dune for a bit just so we weren't getting hit. But then on the way [to our destination], there was also a nice sunset. I got a mix of both experiences,” Soutar said.
Other destinations the students on the study abroad excursion visited included: the Bahia Palace and the secluded gardens of the Jardin, the Todra Gorge and Tinghir Oasis (where the group witnessed the marvellous High Atlas Mountains), and the Kasbah Taourirt (a historic fortified residence in Ouarzazate). The Kasbah has also appeared in several famous movies and TV shows, like Gladiator, Game of Thrones, Lawrence of Arabia, and in the upcoming Christopher Nolan film, the Odyssey (starring Matt Damon, who Galbraith met in February 2025 during his pre-trip to Morocco).
“You can learn so much from a textbook. But seeing something in person, talking to people in person, gives you that other real firsthand experience,” Soutar said. “It reminds you that there's people all around the world who have stories to tell and that is really important to me.”
But for her, this adventure was more than a life-changing learning experience; it was an opportunity to grow closer to the U of GH community before she graduated in June.
And as the course was open to students of all programs, Soutar said this gave her a chance to share the experience with a friend she has known since first year. Since that friend studied in a different program, the pair never had a class together – until now. Study abroad also allowed her to meet other students she hadn’t previously as the course welcomed students of all programs.
Ultimately, study abroad is designed to give students unique experiences to broaden their perspectives – and students like Soutar absolutely love the adventure.
To learn more about study abroad and global learning possibilities, click here.
