<p>Hey, I'm a sophomore transfer student and my new school requires that students complete their language requirement through the intermediate level (so 4 semesters). I decided to start from the beginning and take French, instead of continuing with my lackluster high school Spanish. Because I'd want to study abroad my junior year, I assume that means I should go to a French speaking country in order to complete my language requirement.</p>
<p>I've been to France before and although I loved it, I kind of want to branch out and do something different. As a likely History major with interests in international affairs and Islamic and Middle Eastern history specifically, I thought Morocco would be a good place to fulfill that requirement and my own interests. I was wondering if anyone knew anything about study abroad in Morocco or other countries besides France where French is a prevalent language and could be studied during a study abroad experience.</p>
<p>I don't know much about Morocco or how prevalent French is vs. Arabic in the country, so please correct me if I am off base here.</p>
<p>I would also look into Algeria, Tunisia, Senegal, and Lebanon as all have large French-speaking populations and I believe they all use it officially to some extent. Algeria has a fascinating recent history in it's struggle for independence with France and if the programs are available, i'd assume it would be a great experience.</p>
<p>When I went to Morocco, I heard Arabic and French almost equally in the larger cities (Tangier, Fes...) but I heard Arabic much more in the more rural areas (Azrou, Ifrane...). Since you would probably go to university in a city, you'd be fine with French.</p>
<p>I like the look of the Senegal and Madagascar programs. I'll probably end up trying to lobby to go to Morocco but these all look like really cool places as well. Out of curiosity, does anyone know anything about French Guiana? Is that a place worth going, or is it pretty dry on history/intrigue other than the indigenous peoples?</p>
<p>Although a part of France and the EU and home to the EUs space-launching site, French Guiana is largely underdeveloped, has a very small population, and is pretty much completely covered by the Amazon. Very little historical/cultural importance.</p>
<p>I wonder if there are programs to French Polynesia? I bet it would be nice to "study" in Tahiti lol</p>
<p>Also not in the Middle East, but Switzerland is a beautiful country and they speak French there (depending on where in Switzerland, it's either French, German, or Italian). I just got back from spending a year in a really nice French-speaking town in Switzerland, and it was amazing :-)</p>
<p>cambodia is also a great place to go to. theres evidence of french culture everywhere, most of the people that speak french are adults as kids dont learn it in school anymore</p>