Salam (Hello) y'all! My name is Arleana, but I usually go by Arlee. I'm thrilled to be able to share my journey in Morocco with you all! Originally from Fort Worth, Texas, I'm currently a fifth-year senior at UT Austin, majoring in International Relations and Arabic.
My journey with Arabic began in 7th grade, and studying abroad in an Arabic-speaking country! I have been learning Arabic since I was in 7th grade therefore when I was heading to college studying abroad in an Arabic-speaking country has always been my goal! Growing up in a Congolese household, French was my first language. Over the years, I shifted primarily to English while helping my parents improve their English skills, inadvertently losing proficiency in French in the process. However, discovering that Morocco is bilingual in Arabic and French made it the ideal destination for my study abroad experience, as it offered the opportunity to regain my French proficiency while also learning Arabic!
Traveling the world has long been a dream of mine, and studying in a country that encompasses African, Arab, and European cultures felt like the perfect fit for me. Growing up, I always wanted to help bridge the gap between the U.S. and Africa by breaking stereotypes of both continents and showcasing the real Africa to Americans (and the real America to Africans). I can't wait to immerse myself in the rich tapestry of Moroccan life and culture, and I'm thrilled to share with you all the authentic side of Morocco!
