For m
y STEP signature project, I decided to go on a study abroad trip through OSU to France and Morocco. The program’s name is, “Between France and Morocco: Diversity and Inclusion in the Francophone World.” The program’s main activities consisted of lectures with amazing guest lecturers, visits to well-known museums, such as the Louvre, visits to mosques, visits to Morrocan palaces, visits to well-known sites such as the Eiffel Tower, and delicious group dinners.
Immersing myself in both French and Moroccan cultures transformed me as it heightened my cultural awareness; interacting firsthand with locals from both countries with different backgrounds and experiences taught me to be more open-minded and showed me how important diversity is. In addition, this program made me realize how adaptable I am. While navigating through unfamiliar environments, such as figuring out the Parisian metro system, I further ameliorated and strengthened my adaptability skills. Furthermore, this program helped me grow as the enriching experience and great academic discussions/lectures changed my perspective on the world while also helping me step out of my comfort zone. My experiences during this program helped me become more self-reliant and resilient.
Before the program, my understanding of Parisians, from what I would see online, was that they could be rude. However, my experience in Paris was far from that; all of the Parisians I met were kind and welcoming. In addition, I realized that Moroccan culture is rich, and multifaceted beyond its touristic representation seen online. Furthermore, the discussions we had helped me gain a deep understanding of the issues different societies have with diversity, equity, and inclusion, and how they address these issues. As a public policy major, I enjoyed understanding how both countries address issues related to DEI. Visiting sites such as the Eiffel Tower and Moroccan markets and palaces deepened my understanding of how important it is to understand and preserve different cultures.
During the Paris portion of the program, we visited Islam prayer spaces and engaged with individuals about their experiences with Islam in a country where the French principle “laïcité” disproportionately affects Muslim communities. In France, the implementation of laïcité has resulted in islamophobic laws that marginalize the identities of Muslims. It is because of this law that Muslim women are not allowed to wear a hijab in public spaces including schools. Being able to directly speak to those who this problem affects was very eye-opening and helped me understand the importance of advocating for religious freedom and inclusivity in policy-making. In addition, visiting many historical and art museums, such as the Louvre was another eye-opening experience. Seeing the beautiful art, and then learning later through lectures and readings that much of it was stolen during colonial times was shocking. However, it deepened my understanding of the various issues colonized countries faced and the ongoing implications they faced, emphasizing the importance of cultural preservation.
In Morocco, we visited plenty of NGOs including one that housed single mothers called Association Solidarité Féminine (ASF). ASF primarily focuses on unmarried mothers, providing them with educational opportunities and training them in different skills such as cooking and sewing. The end goal is to reintegrate them and their children into society, empower the women to secure a stable job and help them gain independence. At ASF, I learned a lot about the societal struggles and stigmas Morrocan women face. Another NGO we visited, served as a refugee camp. At the camp, I had a deeply personal connection with an Ethiopian woman who shared her experiences as a refugee. As a first-generation Ethiopian American myself, our conversation reminded me of my family’s experiences as refugees. Speaking with her was like speaking to a younger version of my mother, who was also a refugee. My experiences at both NGOs further motivated me to advocate for marginalized groups through inclusive and informed policy-making.
My interactions with other classmates and guest professors while abroad made me realize how important reading is. Everyone I talked to, including my classmates and guest professors were very educated and knowledgeable on various topics and subjects. When I asked them how they were all so knowledgeable about the topics we discussed, they all shared that reading is crucial. Before this program, I never willingly read books, but this experience opened my eyes to its importance. After the program ended, I made the effort to incorporate reading into my daily routine. Since I have gotten back, I have read three books; this newfound appreciation for reading will enhance my critical thinking skills and positively impact my academic growth and professional development.
The transformation I experienced throughout the program will have a great impact on me personally, professionally, and academically. Personally and professionally, this transformation has deepened my appreciation for human connections and the importance of cultural sensitivity. Engaging with people from different backgrounds has inspired me to advocate for vulnerable groups. In addition, my new appreciation for reading will enrich my knowledge, supporting me academically as a Buckeye and professionally as a future policy analyst. Academically, I gained more understanding of the importance of DEI; these insights are very important in public policy for developing policies that are reflective of the needs of all people and diverse populations. The lectures on various issues in both countries, such as islamophobia in France, and homophobia in Morocco have broadened my knowledge of the intersectional barriers individuals in both countries face because of policies that discriminate against them. The lectures and readings have ignited a passion for addressing social justice issues through public policy. My transformation through this program has equipped me with new skills and perspectives needed to meaningfully contribute to the field of public policy and to work towards a more equitable and inclusive world.