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The 20th-century novelist James Michener said, “If you reject the food, ignore the customs, fear the religion, and avoid the people, you might better stay at home.”
These are important words for anyone planning to spend a significant amount of time in another country. It rings especially true when moving to Morocco.
Due to its geographic location, many regard Morocco as the perfect mix of Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. It's enough like home that Western travelers don’t feel completely out of place, but different enough to be both interesting and scary.
Over the long term, however, differences that were once exciting can lead to frustration. As the novelty fades we may find ourselves struggling to reconcile our own experiences, expectations, and culture with those in our new home.
As much as I adore Morocco and Moroccan culture, I admit it was difficult to acclimate. Had it not been for the many friends I’ve made, my time here would have been very different.
Using my personal experiences and the experiences of others who have also tackled Morocco head-on, let’s take a look at a few facets of expat and immigrant life that you may not have heard about, particularly if you've never moved abroad before.
You Might Experience Language Barrier and Social Isolation
“I moved to Morocco quite unexpectedly and without a whole lot of preparation. I wish I’d known about the isolation one could experience.
Noel L.
The most obvious piece of advice for curbing isolation in Morocco is to learn Darija (Moroccan Arabic) or, at the very least, some French.
You will not always be surrounded by English speakers and being able to communicate with local people will not only help to ease the sense of loneliness you may experience but also give you the independence that is necessary to feel like a normal, functioning human.
I can’t tell you how much of a relief it was for me to be able to go to the store on my own and express my needs without the help of a friend. The only way to do this is to venture out alone and work to break the language barrier.
So go to the store, go to cafes, socialize, and take advantage of every opportunity to practice your Darija with locals. Chances are they'll be genuinely pleased and surprised at your effort, and they might even want to practice their English with you.
The inability to communicate is only one aspect of feeling isolated in a foreign country. Another contributing factor is lack of contact with other people like yourself. That’s why the next point is so very important.
Make Networking a Priority
It is much easier to adapt to a new culture and reduce some of the culture shock if you can balance it out with activities and people that share your native way of life.”
Tracy Bornman
Seeking out friendships with others from your own background is a crucial piece of advice for those deciding to reside in Morocco. We’re all products of the societies and cultures in which we were raised, and no matter where we go in the world, we’ll naturally want to cling to what’s familiar.
For many of us, having a connection to our own culture is essential to feeling balanced in our adopted home. That cultural connection not only includes things that make you comfortable—foods, music, hobbies, etc.—but also people who speak your language and relate to being foreign in a new land.
I can’t stress how important it is to have that kind of social network when you are feeling homesick and out of sorts. It's important even if you can communicate fluently with Moroccans in French or Arabic.
If it weren’t for my American and European friends here, I probably would have returned home a long time ago.
Even if a cross-cultural marriage to a Moroccan means you have a built-in family bond, social isolation is still a risk. Sometimes you just need to speak to someone from your own background, someone who understands you and what you’re feeling.
Facebook Groups for Foreigners in Morocco
All of this is why it’s so important to connect with other foreigners in Morocco. Facebook is the perfect platform for this kind of networking.
There are a few groups that I have been a member of since moving to Morocco. They are invaluable to me, having been the source of so much support, advice, knowledge, and even friendships over the years.
Many of these groups set up weekly or monthly meet-ups for members; it’s the perfect way to meet new people.
Facebook groups that I can personally recommend are:
- English Speaking Women Living in Morocco (female only)
- Women Navigating Morocco (female only)
- Expats in Morocco
- Expats in Morocco (same name; different group)
- English Speakers in Morocco
There are other groups for networking in specific cities such as Marrakesh, Rabat, Tangier and Fez. Seek them out and join.
Experience Moroccan Hospitality
As a European, it was unusual to accept invitations to meet or dine with a family of a friend that I don't even know very well! It turns out, it is one of the greatest things to do. If you are invited you are not a guest but part of their family when you enter their house!
Alexandra O.
In America, it’s quite unusual to receive a personal invitation to a stranger’s home, and you’d rightly be hesitant to accept it, but that’s not the case in Morocco. Someone you have just met might sincerely invite you to tea or a meal.
If you have the honor of being invited into a Moroccan home for a meal, you will learn so much about Moroccan hospitality, something missed out on by people who are perhaps too self-conscious to form close relationships with Moroccans.
This is when you really get to see the true nature of Moroccan people. They are warm, generous, and eager to share their customs as well as their dinner table with visitors to their homes.
Many ask what they should bring to such occasions, and I usually respond with "anything." Moroccans are gracious people and will be happy with whatever you decide to bring.
I will mention, however, in very traditional areas, Moroccans take sugar cones or cubes, cartons of milk, and fruit with them when invited to a meal in another’s home.
If that feels odd to you, take a box of pastries, a dessert, boxed chocolates, or treats for the children in the household. I'm sure they will be pleased as well as impressed that you brought something according to their cultural traditions.
Similarly, if you have the opportunity, break out of your comfort zone and accept invitations from a Moroccan to experience a hammam (traditional public bath) or attend a traditional Moroccan wedding.
Other Things to Know About Morocco
A few things are important to know before moving to Morocco. Being aware of them will make it easier to adapt to your new home.
Beggars in Morocco
Morocco is a country with an unfortunate amount of poverty. It is very common to see the homeless and needy soliciting change at street corners, near banks or shops, and in tourist-heavy areas.
It is okay to give them a dirham or two if you like but never take your wallet out in view of others. This puts you at high risk of having something stolen. For this