What do students say?

“My adventure in Morocco was so remarkable, so surreal, that I sometimes have a hard time remembering if it was a dream or not. Through URSA I had the privilege to meet and have a great time playing with excellent musicians in a culture previously unfamiliar to me. Because of that, I have formed more nuanced perspectives on people, the world, and the importance of music as a worldwide social ritual.

Charlie Jacobs, URSA, 2025

"Morocco was the most beautiful and hardest experience of my life, teaching me more about myself in six weeks than in my entire college career. My research on prenatal care allowed me to connect with women whose stories were both inspiring and heartbreaking. Living in a culture so different from my own taught me to be present, appreciate the beauty in differences, and constantly check my privilege. Though it wasn’t always easy, I’ve learned that discomfort fuels growth, and this experience will shape the way I live, connect with others, and one day practice medicine."

Avery Berg, URSA, 2025

"Morocco taught me how to love and appreciate the things that make me unique, reminding me to be proud of who I am and how much I've grown."

-Jamie Pierce, URSA 2025

"Living in Morocco was truly one of the most amazing, eye-opening experiences of my life. I got so much more out of the URSA program than I could’ve ever imagined possible. It pushed me out of my comfort zone, leading to so much growth. It was a beautiful thing to be so fully immersed into Moroccan culture and way of life. URSA positively impacted me in so many ways and is nothing short of extraordinary. I am so grateful for the experience.”

Sarah Diamond, URSA, 2025

"The URSA Morocco program is so much more than just a study abroad opportunity. It's a chance to fully immerse yourself in a very unique and fascinating culture, guide yourself through an independent research project as an undergraduate, and push yourself out of your comfort zone in more ways than you can possibly imagine. This program will change your perspective on so many facets of life." 

Ryan Schabert, URSA, 2025

"It was a journey full of emotions, challenges, eye-opening, and transformative all at once. There were moments of discomfort, but in those moments, I learned so much about myself. I met some of the most incredible people, whose kindness, and openness will forever stay with me. Morocco became a place where I not only grew and reflected, but also felt a deep sense of connection to the people, the culture, and to myself. It’s an experience I will carry with me forever, and I am endlessly grateful." 

-Warda Nur, URSA 2025

"This program taught me so much about myself and opened my eyes to the entire world. I learned so much about life and love, and how to be curious. I had the opportunity to witness a new, beautiful way of life and meet so many kind and wonderful people. Morocco is a place I will always hold near and dear to my heart. I cannot thank URSA enough for this experience of a lifetime."

-Alex Oberton, URSA 2025

"URSA was a gift I could never possibly repay. It opened the door to a world I want to spend the rest of my life in. Thank you Ryan and Dana. Love you always."

Andrew Godes, URSA, 2025

"I don't know where to start or how to write about such a journey that took me on a roller coaster of emotions. The intensity of my Moroccan experience still echoes in my mind and heart. In Morocco I found a sense of home, family, comfort, safety, freedom, and community. Being a part of a community that was so connected by shared values and traditions was a magical experience."

-Mariama Mohamed, URSA 2023

"URSA was exactly what I needed. It gave me an opportunity to get out of my comfort zone as well as prove to myself that I can do difficult things. After Morocco, I am more confident, compassionate, and curious about the world. I am incredibly thankful for everything Morocco has given me, and being immersed in it has shaped my perspective more than I could have imagined."

Anna Johnson, URSA, 2025

"I can thank URSA for the greatest self-discoveries of my life. I gained a deeper understanding of research which served as a stepping stone into my graduate program. I learned more about my own identity and gained a new perspective on the world. I returned a better version of myself. My advice... go to Morocco with just one expectation - it will change your life." 

Jensen Rice, URSA 2022

“This program helped me see the world from broader, lighter eyes, and helped me meet amazing people both in the program and in Morocco.”

Andrew Pickering, URSA, 2025

"There is no way to fully articulate how transformative my time in Morocco was. URSA is an incredibly unique opportunity, as it allows students to explore their own identities as global citizens while simultaneously developing their capacity for rigorous research. URSA is the only program I know of that leads to such immense personal and scholarly growth."

Isaac Conrad, URSA 2022

"I've travelled quite a bit before but never have I gotten to immerse myself in a culture before like this. Every experience connected to not only my research, but my cultural understanding as a whole. I wouldn't trade this experience for the world." 

Adam Chiarella, URSA 2023

 "Morocco was everything I thought it would be & then some. It was unquestionably the best experience I've had in college. I truly feel that the best version of myself mentally, emotionally, & spiritually emerged in Morocco." 

-Joshua Strong, URSA 2022

"Such complete immersion into their language, food, lifestyle, and perspective has undoubtedly caused me to question my own perception and understanding of the world I thought I knew. Because of URSA I have the opportunity of prestigious internships abroad, to publish, to present at conferences. The doors that have been opened would have remained closed if it weren't for URSA." 

Cora Rose Michel, URSA 2023

"Morocco was amazing, and I wish there was something I could point to and say 'that, that's what made this so great.' Ryan and Dana have put so much into making it that wild and free experience. URSA is a work of passion. That work of passion definitely got passed to the students. I grew with that passion, and I hope to keep growing after such an amazing experience in such an amazing place."

-Gavin Dobson, URSA 2025

"Never had I imagined that I would have this experience in Morocco. I grew both as a student and individual and loved every minute I spent there. I learned to take things as they come and have immensely improved my confidence in trying new things." 

-Linnea McClinktock, URSA 2022

"Morocco was the best thing that could have happened to me. This program connects you with people who are excited to nerd out about their own things and happy to listen to you do the same. You encourage and help each other. The URSA program built me a system I could never imagine forming from something else."

-Maddie Lepisto, URSA 2023 

"My experience in Morocco, simply put, was life changing. URSA allowed me to pursue my passion without constraint. Now I am applying to my dream schools with confidence. I tell every underclassman I meet to apply for the program and not to think twice about it."

-William McMillan, URSA 2023

"This program will always be close to my heart. I might not remember applying for URSA—but I will never forget its impact. It was not a walk in the park, but that's okay. A hike through a river can be just as nice."

Sam Schmall, URSA 2025

"My experience in Morocco was one I'll never forget. Sometimes I have a hard time finding the words because it was so powerful. You create bonds with your URSA crew and Moroccan family that are so special and memorable. I feel truly blessed to have had the opportunity to experience Morocco and all it has to offer. I can't wait to go back. THE FOOD IS INCREDIBLE!

Payton Carlblom, URSA 2022

"My time in Morocco and with the URSA program was one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of my life. It taught me how to truly connect with others and reminded me that growth often comes from discomfort. Through my research on college students' knowledge of eating a healthy diet, I learned how complex health really is — shaped not only by science but also by culture and lived experience. As I prepare for medical school, I know these lessons will continue to guide me in the way I approach patients and practice medicine."

Anna Ranallo, URSA 2025

"In short, my study abroad experience in Morocco was life-changing... Going from a westernized way of living to the way of living in Rabat, Morocco was something I've never experienced before. Through struggling to navigate a new environment, a completely independent research project, and adapting to a culture so unique compare to my own, I could see myself grow significantly as a person, student, and future professional. 

Madeline Mitchell, URSA 2022

"Morocco was an experience that can't really be described. The URSA trip, unlike any I have previously taken changed everything about me from the way I think to the way I dress. I am fundamentally a different person, and for that I am beyond grateful." 

Daniel Gustafson, URSA 2023

"When I am in my 50s and look back on my life on what I am proud of the most, I know for a fact studying abroad in Morocco will be on that list. Take Morocco as a chance to challenge who you are as a person, and how you see the world. It is rare to be provided the chance to immerse yourself in a culture so different form the one we live in... There is something so rewarding about going to a country like Morocco... learning and growing from it.

Karlee Severson, URSA 2022

"I would have never imagined that Morocco would be the space in which I would have the energy & mental clarity to really think about and define what I would like to accomplish in my lifetime. I am so incredibly grateful for this opportunity. I cannot wait to see what doors I will be able to kick down with the skills and confidence I gained from this experience.

Brianna Raddatz, URSA 2022

"The URSA Morocco program was a life-changing experience. Although research abroad was a big challenge, the program rewarded me with the ability to discover a wonderful culture, create new friends, challenge my own ideas, and create self-confidence. I can't wait for the day that I am able to go back and visit the beautiful country of Morocco!" 

Broden Bunnell, URSA 2022

"Morocco is a place that I don't think I am ever going to have the words to truly explain, leaving Morocco truly made my heart ache. My biggest recommendation for this trip is to take every opportunity there that you can, you'll regret it later if you don't. Those moments of fear and self-doubt will be greatly outweighed by everything you accomplish from your research to just bonding with a wide variety of people." 

Morgan Gould, URSA 2022

"Studying abroad in Morocco wasn’t just a trip, it was a journey into unfamiliar streets, new languages, and unexpected friendships that reshaped the way I see the world. It didn’t just show me a different culture, it showed me more about myself. I realized that real growth happens when you dive into the unfamiliar with curiosity and an open mind. I didn’t just come home with memories of cool places, I came back with a stronger sense of independence, gratitude, and openness that I know I’ll carry with me moving forward."

Emma Hansen, URSA 2025