Jahzeer, a junior marketing major and entrepreneurship and innovations minor, participated in the "Between France and Morocco: Diversity in the Francophone World" education abroad program in May 2018.

“Exploring the world has always been a dream of mine since I was old enough to understand that there were more parts to the world than where I lived in New York City,” Jahzeer Hibbert said. “Understanding this, I have always desired to go to two specific places in my life time, and that was Africa and Europe because of its history and culture. My education abroad was very interesting as I was able to witness certain things first hand such as the difference in norms between Europe and America, traditions within the Islamic community in Morocco and also having to conform to them out of respect for the people that resided there.”

“As I stood on top of the Eiffel Tower and stared down into the streets of Paris, France, with all of its beautiful history-rich architecture, I knew in that moment anything was possible for me, and I was extremely fortunate because not everyone gets to have that experience abroad. I also discovered that being in the presence of the history you are being taught is the best way to be learn.

Studying abroad is definitely an experience of a lifetime, and I urge all students who attend Ohio State to study abroad at some point in their collegiate career. You gain a deeper understanding and respect for other cultures when you are there experiencing it as opposed to reading about it. I would say my journey in France and Morocco was life changing, to say the least. And I promise, you will walk out with a different outlook on life.”