Kennesaw State’s Annual Country Study Program set its sights on Morocco for the 2018-19 school year, giving students a chance to learn about the country’s historical significance and dynamic change.
KSU students, faculty, staff and members of the community can get involved with KSU’s Year of Morocco by attending various events where participants discuss and learn about the society, culture, cuisine and music of Morocco.
One such event is “The Taste of Morocco Food Bazaar” hosted by the Department of Culinary Sustainability and Hospitality. The event will feature recipes that highlight traditional dishes and ingredients of Morocco.
“Some people may elect to simply attend one or two events. Others may attend more regularly,” said Dr. Dan Paracka, director of Campus Internationalization.
During the spring semester, students can get involved in a number of projects such as the “Moroccan Solar Tree build” on the Marietta campus.
Year of Morocco also hosts a literacy project where students research literacy in relation to Morocco. Students that take part in the literacy project will have an opportunity to present their findings at the Year of Morocco conference in spring 2019.
Year of Morroco will also have a seminar abroad program taking place from March 28 through April 7, 2019, in Morocco.
Paracka believes that studying abroad is a “very effective means for promoting deeper levels of understanding” he said. “It is both humbling and empowering, helping students to understand how much they have to learn as well as how inspiring this wonderfully rich world is.”
According to Paracka, the program aims to teach students to appreciate and understand just how complex and interconnected the world is by providing opportunities to develop the intercultural awareness needed to work effectively in differing environments.
KSU has long-standing partnerships with Hassan II University located in Casablanca and with Al Akhawayn University in Ifrane, which made Morocco an ideal location for the program.
KSU’s ACSP has been around for 34 years and helps break down stereotypes, build connections across the world and develop intercultural awareness. Each year, the program rolls out new courses and curriculum, research projects, education abroad programs and global partnerships.
“When we select countries for the ACSP, we always select countries from different world regions,” said Paracka. “The undergraduate student who studies at KSU for four years can learn about four countries in four different parts of the world.”
Students interested in participating in Year of Morocco projects and classes can go to the program’s website for a complete list of projects and steps on how to get involved.