By Anna Lister, Global Engagement at Texas A&M University
RABAT, Morroco — July 9, 2025 — When Munzy Kabbara boarded a plane to Morocco for a required study abroad program, he wasn’t expecting to fall in love—with a country, a culture, and a new version of himself.
“I thought I needed my Walmart and Target,” Kabbara joked. “But I realized I love the way people live here—simple, fulfilling, and full of heart.”
Through the Arabic and North African Studies program in Rabat, Kabbara immersed himself in Moroccan life. The program, led by Dr. Salah Ayari, an instructional professor of Arabic and Arabic Studies in the College of Arts & Sciences, combines intensive Arabic language instruction with cultural excursions and local engagement, offering students a front-row seat to the rhythms of daily life in North Africa.
Though already fluent in formal Arabic, Kabbara dove into the local dialect, Darija, with enthusiasm—and a sense of humor. One of his most memorable moments came while speaking Arabic when he accidentally told a group of swimmers there weren’t enough “pregnant women” in the pool, confusing the word for lane lines with a similar-sounding term.
“They looked at me like I was crazy,” he laughed. “But once I explained, everyone cracked up. It’s those moments that make it all worth it.”
While the study abroad program was academically enriching, Kabbara also found a way to keep his competitive edge. Thanks to a connection through his Moroccan roommate, he was invited to compete in the Tangiers International Open swim meet.
Kabbara represented Lebanon and won four gold medals in the 100-meter freestyle, 200-meter freestyle, 100-meter backstroke, and 200-meter individual medley. The meet served as a valuable tune-up ahead of the World Championships in Singapore and reinforced his belief that athletic and academic goals don’t have to be mutually exclusive.
Kabbara’s time in Morocco wasn’t just about medals or memorizing grammatical rules. It was about connection—learning to navigate a new city, building friendships across cultures, and embracing the unknown.
“I like to be challenged,” he said. “I’ll hop in a taxi and just try to figure it out. That’s how you grow.”
He also challenged misconceptions. Before arriving, he’d heard warnings about scams, safety, and cultural restrictions. But what he found was warmth, hospitality, and a deep respect for visitors.
“Even when I spoke Arabic, people were surprised and excited,” he said. “They’d play music in the taxi, and I’d sing along. It was like magic.”
The experience left a lasting impression. Kabbara now dreams of returning to Morocco long-term, drawn by the country’s “peaceful chaos” and the sense of belonging he found there.
“I feel like I’m home,” he said. “This place changed me.”
For other students—and especially student-athletes—considering study abroad, Kabbara offers simple but powerful advice: plan ahead, communicate with professors, and don’t let fear hold you back.
“Don’t be afraid to mess up the language,” he said. “Don’t be afraid to ask questions. People aren’t laughing at you—they’re happy you’re trying.”
And if you accidentally call lane lines “pregnant women”? Just laugh, learn, and keep swimming.
About Global Engagement
The Department of Global Engagement strategically aligns several critical internationally focused units bringing together Education Abroad, International Student & Scholar Services, and Global Partnerships & Initiatives. As a hub of resources and partnerships, Global Engagement fosters the University’s commitment to solving the world’s most pressing problems through a focus on transformational international education and research that serves our local communities and the world at large.
