Living in Morocco: An Expat’s Experience
Living in a new country as an expat can be both exciting and challenging. The experience of immersing yourself in a different culture, trying new foods, and learning a new language can be incredibly rewarding. In this blog post, we take a closer look at what it’s really like to live in Morocco as an expat, through the eyes of Sinclair, an American elementary school teacher living in Tangier, Morocco’s third-largest city.
Sinclair moved to Morocco in September 2019 and quickly fell in love with the country. She describes how welcoming and kind the people she met were, and how she quickly felt at home in her new surroundings. Despite the challenges of the past year and a half, Sinclair found many positives in her experience living in Morocco, from forming new friendships to advancing in her career. She describes her time in Morocco as an incredible adventure, and a place where she can see herself thriving and following her heart.
One aspect of living in Morocco that Sinclair highlights is the natural beauty of the country. From the vibrant colors and charming streets to the stunning architecture and landscapes, Morocco has inspired Sinclair’s photography with its effortless beauty. She describes the country as photogenic, with each turn revealing tiny moments of art and beauty.
Sinclair also touches on the affordability of living in Morocco, noting that the cost of living is very reasonable. From affordable rent to inexpensive meals, Morocco offers a comfortable lifestyle for expats. The country’s locally sourced fresh produce and delicious cuisine, such as couscous and lamb tajine, make it a food lover’s paradise.
In terms of fashion, Sinclair describes the different styles she has observed in Morocco, from more conservative dressing in the north to freer and more American styles in big cities like Rabat and Casablanca. She notes the love for Birkenstocks in Tangier and the diverse fashion choices of the local population.
One of the challenges Sinclair faces in Morocco is street harassment, which she experiences regularly. Despite this, she rarely feels unsafe and chooses to ignore the remarks and stares she receives. Sinclair also shares her experiences with dating in Morocco, highlighting the complexities and restrictions that come with relationships in the country.
Overall, Sinclair reflects on the best and worst parts of living in Morocco. While she finds the lack of freedom in some aspects frustrating, she values the connections she has made with the people of Morocco and the rewarding experiences she has had in the country.
Living in Morocco as an expat has its ups and downs, but for Sinclair, the positives outweigh the challenges. From the beautiful landscapes and delicious food to the welcoming people and unique experiences, Morocco has become a place where she feels at home and can see herself thriving. It’s a reminder that stepping out of your comfort zone and embracing a new culture can lead to incredible growth and fulfillment.