Tyler Noll '26

Tyler Noll '26 is an Environmental Studies major with a minor in Marine Science. He studied at the Al Akhawayn University at Ifran, Morocco with his girlfriend Izzy Grosswiler during the fall semester of 2023.

What made you choose the location you studied at? How did you pick your program?
I’ve always been one to go off the beaten path and Morocco seemed like the perfect place to do that. It is such a unique country situated between Europe and the rest of Africa I thought it would be an incredible opportunity to study there and I was right.

How were the classes there different from the classes here?
The classes were so different than VWU classes mostly due to the background of the professors. I had professors with unbelievable stories from living in Kenya to escaping revolutions in Bulgaria and Egypt. The professors became passionate educators because of these profoundly impactful experiences they faced throughout their lives and it was evident in their lessons.

What was your favorite place you visited during your time abroad? [Please provide us with a picture of this place, if you can]
While in Morocco I was fortunate enough to live an experience I have dreamed of since I was a little boy watching National Geographic: I explored the dunes of the Sahara. It was by far the coolest place I have ever been. Some friends and I rode camels to the top of a dune to watch the sunrise, it was epic.

What is your favorite word or phrase that you picked up in the language of your study abroad location?
My favorite word I learned while studying Arabic was “Inshallah” which means god-willing, or if god allows it. I am not Muslim and I do not practice Islam, but this word carries a sort of appreciation and awareness with it that is not necessarily prevalent in the United States. It recognizes that all our plans in life can only happen if we see tomorrow, which not everyone will, so it’s important to plan and act in a way that recognizes that tomorrow might not come. It reminds us to plan for tomorrow but live for today.

Did you cross off anything from your bucket list?
I experienced life in Morocco meeting incredible people from all walks of life, I rode camels, ate goat tajine, and studied the native Amazigh’s culture and history. I saw the Sahara, the Straight of Gibraltar, and the street markets of the Maghreb. I think I need a whole new list.

What is the most interesting thing you learned about the culture you were part of?
The most intriguing part of the culture was how much it has progressed in such little time. It gives me faith in the power of always progressing toward what is right, especially when we see in the United States a lot of the same horrible policies and attitudes we saw 50, or even 100 years ago.

What is the most interesting thing you learned about yourself?
Morocco taught me how to be independent, which is important, but it is not the most important. The most important thing I learned about myself was how similar I am to people who I once believed were so different from myself. Although it may seem hard to believe at times, we really are all human, we belong to the same family and we all want the same things out of life. I believe that carrying this knowledge with me will profoundly impact the way I live life.

What was the most common thing people there asked you about?
Hilariously, the most common thing was people wanted to know about my political beliefs. Mostly if I voted for Trump or who I thought was going to win the next primary. I think that in a lot of ways the United States elections and politics influence the rest of the world and this places even more significance on the decisions we make here in this country.

Did you face any reverse culture shock after returning home?
YES! Returning home was amazing for plenty of reasons, but it was also like seeing my home country for the first time again. Things and people move so fast here compared to several places around the world. I found myself trying to slow down not just myself, but even the people around me. We miss so much with our faces down in our phones and when we don’t take our time to enjoy the little things we are unfathomably lucky to have.

What advice would you give to anyone studying abroad? Studying at the location you chose?
Overall, I would encourage anyone who goes abroad to skip the touristy places. Try your absolute hardest to become a local, try to learn and speak some of the language, and try to appreciate the history and culture not just the beaches and resorts. You will be rewarded in so many ways when you truly immerse yourself in the places you end up. When things get frustrating and you miss home try to remind yourself how fortunate you are to do what you are doing and to be where you are.