American Student Discovers Cultural Parallels in Morocco Study Abroad Experience

"I had never experienced an Arab culture and I thought it would be a good opportunity to get out of my comfort zone," said Ilana Zeldin. This management information systems specialist believes that the differences between Morocco and her home are striking but the similarities amaze her.

These include the Friday night tradition of gathering as a family. Zeldin’s family celebrates the Jewish Sabbath by dining together on weekends, according to Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI). The same practice is observed in Morocco where families gather on Friday evenings to share a couscous meal.

"There was a cultural similarity that I didn’t even know existed," Ilana Zeldin said. "It taught me that you should never be afraid to make connections with people different from yourself. Since then, I’ve been less afraid to try something new. It really changed my perspective," she said.