CAES Morocco: Leading Across Differences

  I think there have been many differences I have encountered since visiting Morocco, but something that definitely stood out to me is how central religion and gender are to Moroccan culture. Although religion does not have a firm place in the government, as in many Islamic countries, it is more socially embedded in a way that is more stark in comparison to the U.S. After visiting the Hassan II Mosque and seeing firsthand how important the Islamic religion is in this country, I had a great appreciation for their faith and the community it creates. Although there are no laws (that I am aware of) that govern the people on important parts of the faith such as prayer and visiting a Mosque on Fridays, or even what religion anyone is at all, it is still very culturally relevant in the workplace (breaks for prayer on fridays, breaks during the day for prayer, prayer rugs in every building), in gender norms (roles of women vs. men, segregation of genders), and social expression (modest dre...

  The past few days in this country have been a whirlwind of emotions, mostly feelings of appreciation and gratitude. Morocco is a beautiful country filled with diverse landscapes and cultures, and we are fortunate to have the opportunity to explore its beauty. Although there are many cultural differences between the people of this country and American culture, I have felt a strong sense of connection with the people I have met and interacted with, perhaps because of the insurmountable hospitality, but also because I have noticed so many similarities between our lives as human beings and not as citizens of different nations. I have become overwhelmed with this profound sense of empathy, and as a result, have begun to compare my life to the people I have met. While I may not be the wealthiest person, I have begun to truly recognize how fortunate I am. The fact that I am even able to have the opportunity to visit this country at all is telling of my socioeconomic status.  Morocc...

     There are various identities that one identifies with or that can be placed on different groups of people. When it comes to ability or social status, there can be a mix that all relate to an individual. Thinking specifically about students at the school in Meknes, their intellectual ability is as high as you can get in Morocco, their social status on campus can vary, and their overall social identity can be in so many groups.      Going to a school that made me average after high school was a large adjustment, but for the students at Meknes, they went to college knowing that in order to attend that college they had to be the highest in their classes and the country. This is now a part of their identity that also acknowledges their ability. They have more ability and less ability than me in more ways than one. They are smarter than I could dream of being, but for us in the US, there are ranges of grad and PHD schools to be accepted to, but for them it i...