Walking around the bustling streets of Tangier, Morocco, an American student will often feel lost, anxious and as if they stick out like a sore thumb. This is one of the most challenging parts of studying abroad, as many students at the University of New England in Biddeford, ME choose to do. The university is known for its’ Morocco campus and is credited with creating the first American college campus in Morocco. This campus would not be able to run or give students the guidance that they need to adjust to life in a new country, without their staff and faculty. One of the most important people on the Tangier campus is Mourad Benikrane, the facilities manager of this campus.
Mourad’s job title may be facilities manager, but he goes far beyond this job title in his work with students. Mourad can often be found walking the streets of Tangier along with his students, doing everything from taking them on a day out to explore, or introducing them to people across the city who might have knowledge of students’ particular fields. There is a reason why students often refer to Mourad as “the most popular man in Tangier”, as walking down the street with him, he seems to know everyone.
“People are always calling out to him on the street, and he would always stop and have a full conversation with them. He seemed to know everyone we would come across.” Said Annika Doeppers, a junior marine biology student who studied in Tangier in Fall of 2023.
Mourad spent his childhood in the city of Tangier, only leaving to study in Fez for college. His father was a police officer, and his mother stayed at home. He grew up with one brother and two sisters, and his family was always very close.
“A very happy life full of joy and big expectations,” Mourad said when describing his childhood.
He spent his college years in Fes, Morocco, and continued his studies at the University Lyon II in France.
“[Morocco] was not the same country I left for four years, to adapt oneself to some situations were not easy,” Mourad states when reflecting on his reunion with his home country.
