Hey yall, so I am a sophomore at university and have always had a fascination with the Middle East since I was a child. Fast forward to college and I am narrowing in on my focus of study and considering topics like culture, human rights, international studies, etc. I know I want to travel and see the world and help people. I also think I want to join the Peace Corps after college.
I am deciding between studying in Rabat Morocco and Amman Jordan. These are not places I or anyone I know has much knowledge about so it is hard to base my decisions based off of articles and videos as opposed to talking to people who really understand the culture, and people.
What I am looking for: I want a really authentic experience with a culture completely different, and that hasn't been too Westernized. I apologize if any of this sounds offensive or ignorant I am just trying to explain my predicament. I have been out of the country before to Peru and South Africa. In SA I was so submerged in tourism and Western influence that it almost felt like I just went to another version of my own culture, and that isn't what I want. I want to feel uncomfortable, out of place, and most of all experience The Middle East. I have always ben told it is so this or that and it annoys me and I want to see it for how it truly is and not how Westerners ignorantly claim it to be.
I understand Morocco is a North African country but I'm under the impression that due to it being an Islamic country it still has a lot of Arabic influence. I am also learning French so that is a positive of Morocco since they speak a lot of French. I am just afraid that it will have to much European influence or be too touristy. Is Jordan going to be more of an authentic Middle Eastern experience? Between the two, which is less Westernized and touristy? I am open to learning Arabic and continuing French on my own so the language definitely isn't a big deal, it is just a pro of Morocco. UGH someone please say something that will help me decide. I am so excited at the prospect of doing either that I cannot contain myself but I just want to make the right decision!! I think I am leaning more towards Jordan, please just give me advice on the differences between the 2 if you can think of anything that will help me. Thanks guys.
Also again sorry if anything I said sounded stupid or offensive, let it be even more of a reasoning as for why I need to go get cultured lol (:
