Jeanne, 20 ans. France
As part of my university training, I spent one month volunteering in Morocco, and it turned out to be one of the most learning experiences of my life. While the program officially counted to be as an academic training, it was much more than that: it was a chance to grow, to learn, and to build real connections across cultures.
Teaching in 2 community centers: Rabat & Salé
My days were split between two community centers. In the mornings, I was teaching French and English in Rabat and in the afternoon, I go to the center in Salé, where I was working with both women and children.
The students I worked with had very different levels. Some have already had some very basic knowledges of foreign languages, while others were still learning alphabet. Both groups I worked with were either beginners or even completely illiterate, which made the teaching process both challenging and incredibly rewarding. I was fully responsible for planning the lessons and leading the classes, something I had never done before. This autonomy pushed me to be creative, flexible, and more confident in my communication.
By the end of the month, I developed a real bond with many of women. Seeing them becoming more comfortable in speaking few words in French or English was incredibly fulfilling. It reminded me that the effort doesn’t always have to be big to be meaningful.
Living with internationl volunteers
One of the most enriching part of the experience was the time I spent in the volunteer residence. I shared a room with a volunteer from China, and the house brought together people from all over the world. Despite our different backgrounds, we quickly became close, we shared meals, traveled together, supported each other through teaching challenges, and learned from the perspectives of each other.
Our meals were prepared every day by a Moroccan family, which gave us the chance to enjoy traditional home-cooked food in a family setting. From couscous to tagines, we discovered the country’s culinary culture in the most authentic way possible.
Living in such diverse group also taught me a lot about communication and openness. It was amazing to see how easily friendships formed, even between people who had just met and came from completely different cultures.
Weekend Trips
Weekends were our chance to explore Morocco. I visited Marrakech, Tangier and Chefchaouen, the bleu city, which was definitely my favorite place. I also had an unforgettable opportunity to spend a night in the desert under the stars.
Traveling with other volunteers made each trip more fun and memorable, but I also chose to travel alone on some weekends. It was my first time traveling solo, and it gave me a real sense of independence and confidence. Morocco is an ideal country for this kind of adventure: it’s easy to get around, and there’s an incredible variety of landscapes and cities to explore, all with their own history and charm.
More than a volunteering experience
Although I came to Morocco as part of university training, what I took away from this experience goes far beyond academics. It helped me grow on a personal level, by learning to adapt, to take initiative, and to connect with people despite language or cultural barriers. It also gave me a clearer sense of how I want to contribute to the world around me, both professionally and personally.
Volunteering in Morocco is not just about helping others, it’s about learning with and from others. It’s about stepping out of your comfort zone, discovering a new culture from the inside, and building friendships that cross borders.
For any student looking to do something meaningful, enriching, and a little bit different, I would highly recommend this kind of experience. It’s a practical way to learn, to give, and to grow.