Integrating into a community can be hard at the beginning, but after awhile it becomes easier. In order for me to successfully integrate into Moroccan communities, it was important that I knew Morocco's culture. Culture is a way of life of a particular group. It determines what is right or wrong, acceptable or unacceptable, important or unimportant.
My first important form of integration into my Moroccan community was learning how to greet people. Not the American way, but the Moroccan way.
Imagine that you are walking in the park and you see your friend walking towards you. You and your friend say "Hi" to each other, but continue to walk past each other, not stopping to have a conversation with each other. Although this is common in America, this is considered rude in Morocco. Now imagine that you and that same friend see each other again. This time, instead of saying "Hi" and walking past each other, you both greet with a handshake and have a small conversation. This is more acceptable in Morocco than the first meeting with your friend. But, it's not a Moroccan greeting.
I learned that in order to have a Moroccan greeting, I needed my cheeks to be okay with hugging, and to have a conversation talking about my self, friends and family.
Now, imagine yourself in Morocco and you are walking in the park.
