Myths, legends and folklore tales – they all seem too far-removed from this fast-paced, metropolitan age we live in. Nevertheless, both the ancient Greeks and the Romans were certainly unmatched in their abilities to create extraordinary tales which continue to stand the test of time.

But which classical myths are most relevant to today’s world? Let’s delve into these fascinating classical myths to find out. And if you’re fascinated by classics and want to study it at university level, you can view the latest ranking for this subject here.

The myth of Phaethon can explain global warming

The narrative of this particular myth stands out more than any other when it comes to our most perilous modern issue: climate change and global warming. The myth of Phaeton, son of the god Helios, seems like an eerie prophecy of our current climate crisis, and bears a striking resemblance to reality.

The story goes that Phaeton, who had lived with his mother, swore to prove to his peers that his father was Helios, by driving the sun chariot across the sky – an act that even the gods were uncapable of. Helios decided to meet his father for the first time, who was so delighted to see him he promised to grant him his first wish. Phaeton didn’t hold back from demanding he be given the chance to drive the sun chariot across the sky for a day – a request his father scorned at first, but against his son’s stagnant stubbornness, eventually fulfilled anyway.

He advised him against all the risks and dangers, and most importantly, to never use the whip. Blinded by excessive pride and quick hold of the reins, Phaeton disobeyed his father, and used the whip anyway. This caused the horses to go wild, and he eventually lost control of the sun chariot, which inevitably caused havoc in the sky and the earth.

Ultimately, when news of Phaeton’s misdemeanor reached Helios’ brother Zeus, he angrily struck a lightning bolt into the sky, which hit Phaeton in the chest and sent him hurling down towards Earth and into the river Eridanus. The gods have managed to spare the earth from further disaster, and the planet’s slow road towards recovery had begun…so they said.

Some philosophers and theologians argue that today, just like Phaethon, humans have deluded themselves into believing that they're able to take advantage of their free will and control the 'reins' of nature, even if it means polluting the earth to such a point of destruction. 

Hercules and his 12 Healing Labors teaches us to differentiate typical punishment from penance

In modern psychology, we’re often told that the best ways in which to communicate our negative feelings is to release them through more positive means such as creativity, exercise, and other therapeutic tasks which often involve hard work and intense physical exertion.

Similarly, when we do something wrong, most of us immediately feel guilty and try to make up for it. Because of this, it’s important to recognize the difference between punishment and penance: punishment essentially serves to impose a penalty on the offender for his or her offence, whilst penance is often inflicted upon ourselves, and bears a meaningful level of suffering and pain that should prove more effective in preventing the offender from committing the same wrongdoing again – something which is evident in the story of Hercules and his 12 Healing Labors.

Hercules was one of the sons of Zeus, and is often noted for his chivalrous character and strong, courageous demeanor. His real story, of course, is much darker than the Disney film - he certainly harbored a dark side, which later became evident when he went mad and murdered his own wife and children in their sleep.

Despite claims that this horrific decision was wholly fuelled by his arch-nemesis, the goddess Hera, the gods were livid and consequently sentenced Hercules to 12 years of almost impossible life-threatening tasks. Of course, from this, it’s clear that those in authority (the gods) didn’t take into consideration the likelihood that Hercules might’ve acted on insanity, and that, considering his respectful past, shouldn’t have been held this accountable for his terrible crime – another notion that’s commonly raised in criminal court cases today.

Nevertheless, Hercules was able to successfully complete every one of the impossibly gruelling labors, and was cleared of guilt and granted mortality by the god Apollo – sounds very fair to me.

The Olympic Games

Traditionally held once every four years, the modern Olympics Games were held for the first time back in 1986. Though it’s now known as an international multi-sport event, its origins lie in Ancient Greece, almost 3,000 years ago. But what does this have to do with mythology?

From the eighth century B.C. to the fourth century A.D., the ancient Olympics were, like today, held once every four years in Olympia, in the western Peloponnese peninsula in southern Greece. Legend has it that it was Hercules, son of Zeus, who founded the Games to celebrate his war victory against the city of Elis, and to pay homage to his father. The tradition went on to become extremely popular and a key event in ancient Greek society.

However, during the last decade of the fourth century (12 centuries later), the Roman emperor Theodosius I, who was a devout Christian, considered the Games to be a ‘pagan’ practice and put an end to them. The Games didn’t make their return until 1,500 years later, when in the 19^th century, Baron Pierre Coubertin – following a visit to the ancient Olympic site – attended a meeting that would change the course of history: The Union des Sports Athlétiques in Paris. Here, he proposed the idea of reviving the Olympics as an international sports competition held every four years, and just two years later, the idea was approved, giving him the green light to establish the International Olympic Committee (IOC) – today’s governing body of the modern Olympic Games. 

Want more content like this? Register for free site membership to get regular updates and your own personal content feed.

For many students, the beginning of the new year is the perfect time to start some smart strategic planning for the year ahead. I always suggest starting these strategic planning exercises early in your time as a student, as it will help you develop skills which will become important as you progress with your studies and develop your entrepreneurial abilities.

Here are six easy steps you can follow to help ensure you can plan strategically like a successful entrepreneur in 2019.

Set your strategic vision

Almost every single textbook about strategic planning suggests setting up strategic goals to achieve in the long-term. This is easy to say but so difficult to do when your plans for the year ahead can often feel quite vague.

I usually suggest exercising your imagination by brainstorming at least one full page of 15-20 goals and ideas – whatever comes to mind.

The next step is to downsize this list to five long-term goals and objectives using the methods of exclusion, SWOT analysis, scenario planning or other analytical tools.

At this stage, don’t worry if your goals and objectives might need regular revision in the future. After all, strategic plans shouldn’t be written in stone, and should be regularly revised if adjustments are needed.

Identify the resources and tools needed to achieve your goals

At this stage, it’s important to avoid the “simplification trap” – many students often immediately start considering and calculating only their financial resources, but the reality is that other, non-tangible assets may be more important to your goals.

For example, you might have access to certain professional software, equipment, conference rooms or office space, which you can use to accomplish your objectives.

Find a team you can work with

Basketballer and Space Jam star Michael Jordan often said: "Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence win championships".

It’s vital to remember that success depends not only on financial reports but also on how well you mobilize people and build your teams.

So, you need to identify your “strategic drivers” – the people who will help you accomplish your goals. These people could come from your network of alumni and classmates, or from visiting business executives and investment angels.

Skillfully mobilizing and teaming up with strategic drivers is essential for long-term success in implementing your vision.

Use a five-step action plan to stay on top of things

One of the simplest ways to develop your plan is to use a five-step action matrix which divides the execution of your vision into specific steps (set, plan, assess, mobilize and execute).

In addition, your strategy should include at least three routes of advancing forward: working with people; working with documentation, data and research; and working with social media and cyberspace.

Be prepared to constantly review your plans

Experts in the field of strategic management suggest you should periodically review and revise your strategic vision, goals and action plans.

One useful trick in creating a competitive environment is to discuss your strategic plans with your classmates and friends and make them hold you accountable for your goals. Maybe even offer to cook them dinner if you fail to achieve certain targets.

Nothing is a better motivator for keeping people on track than a healthy contest, a competitive environment and the desire to win.

Stay well-informed about how new technologies could aid your work

The best business leaders stay ahead of the competition by planning strategically and adapting to include new technologies in their plan as they become available.

Recently, we’ve seen many managers in large and small corporations begin to integrate apps and software into their strategic planning process, with several strategic planning apps available. Some companies have even begun integrating AI into their products.

So, experimenting with these new apps and technologies will ensure both your planning and your business idea stay one step ahead of the competition.

The three-day railway journey from Perth to Sydney consists of 4,352km of mountains, native bushland, desert landscapes, and a variety of flora and fauna. You may be wondering—why travel such a long distance by train when you can simply take a quick flight? Well, traveling this way rather than taking a cramped flight is an experience in itself. By the end of the journey, you’ll have witnessed the many different landscapes that this country has to offer and come away with a better understanding of the sheer size of it.

Read on to find out more about what you can expect from the Perth to Sydney train ride.

The hotel on wheels experience

When the Indian Pacific train began operation in 1970, it was used as a cheaper alternative to air travel. However, now that budget airlines have been introduced, train travel has become about the experience rather than saving money. You definitely don’t take it if you’re in a rush to get from one place to the next!

The cabins offer bunk beds that fold into a lounge in the day time, with Gold and Platinum classes including en-suite bathrooms.

Luxurious dining

While a Gold class ticket may seem like a lot of money to fork out, it actually isn’t the worst deal in the world since it includes all meals and drinks for the duration of your trip. The food is also out of this world, with local ingredients from the area the train’s passing through at that time. And hey, it wouldn’t be a train journey without a full-service bar, would it?

The diverse landscapes

I guarantee you’ll be wanting a window seat on the Perth to Sydney train journey, with so many diverse and jaw-dropping landscapes to be seen along the way. Some of these landscapes include the Blue Mountains outside of Sydney, the golden fields east of Perth, and rolling hills and green countryside through Adelaide.

One of the most amazing sights you’ll witness from your cabin window will be the Nullarbor Plain, an unchanging view for 478km—the world’s longest stretch of dead-straight landscape. You would think you’d be bored of a view that boasts, well, nothing—but it is quite an amazing thing to witness as you’ll probably feel like you’ve stepped inside another galaxy.

Unique stop-overs

If the idea of spending three full days stuck on a train sounds awful, you don’t have to worry: you’re definitely not expected to spend the entire journey onboard, with many stop-overs along the way, making the experience that much better. Among these stops are art galleries, bush reserves, lookout points, wine tastings, and cheese and chocolate tastings (uhm, yes please). There’s even a drag queen performance at the Palace Hotel in Broken Hill. These excursions will definitely keep you on your toes.  

The price tag

Unfortunately, the three-day journey from Perth to Sydney certainly doesn’t come cheap, with a price tag of AU$2,000 for one way, although you’ll find that fares tend to be lower in off season. Many people will say it’s worth the price though, as an experience that can’t be beat.

Want more content like this? Register for free site membership to get regular updates and your own personal content feed.

Are you in the UK, longing for a mini-break, but feeling quite skint? You’re not the only one. Luckily, you don’t have to fork out on expensive flights and accommodation abroad to have a good holiday – there are plenty of fun day trips right on our doorstep in the UK. Just remember to book your train tickets as far in advance as possible, and take advantage of student discounts!

Obviously depending on where you’re living, some of these may be more of a literal ‘day trip’ than others – for some of them you might prefer to make it into a long weekend!

So read on to discover some of the UK’s most exciting day trip spots, given in no particular order…

1. Brighton, East Sussex

OK, so the first in our look at great day trips in the UK is probably more of a summer option, but I’ve been to Brighton in the depths of winter and it’s still just as pretty (not to mention a lot quieter!). If you fancy getting some fresh sea air, this student-friendly city is just an hour by train from Central London. As well as having the classic British seafront, top-notch fish and chips and a huge pleasure pier, Brighton has more sights to offer, such as the stunning Royal Pavilion, a former royal residence in a unique Indo-Saracenic style, with adjacent gardens.

2. Bath, Somerset

Take a break from arguing about its pronunciation and take a step into the Georgian era with a relaxing trip to Bath. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bath is obviously most famous for its, well, baths – with the well-preserved Roman Baths dating back to around 70 AD, allowing you to walk through history. There’s also a fine selection of Georgian architecture, from the imposing Royal Crescent, Queen Square (in which you’ll find the former home of Jane Austen) and the Grade I listed Pulteney Bridge. You’ll be spoilt for choice for pretty pictures to post on Instagram!

3. York

I could pretty much write a whole separate article on day trips in Yorkshire – not only is it the largest county in the UK, it’s also one of the most beautiful. You really shouldn’t miss county town York – a historic walled city originally founded by the Romans in 71 AD as Eboracum. Head to the historic Shambles to enjoy a unique shopping experience on the cobbled, narrow street – Harry Potter fans will be particularly enticed by The Shop That Must Not Be Named. There’s also the York Minster, one of the most iconic cathedrals in the country, Clifford’s Tower, the York Museum Gardens, and the fascinating Jorvik Viking Centre, a museum including life-size mannequins and a ride experience which transports you back to the sights, sounds and smells of 10^th century York.

4. Aberystwyth, Wales

OK, so I’m a bit biased, seeing as I went to uni here. If we’re friends IRL, you’re probably sick of me droning on about how great Aber is any opportunity I get – but I can’t help it, I legitimately love this little town. It’s probably my favorite place in the whole world.

Climb up Constitution Hill for some epic views of the whole town (or, if like me you’re not into trekking, you can take the Cliff Railway), walk the whole length of the picturesque promenade and ‘kick the bar’ on either end (a local tradition) then take a break by enjoying a delicious box of fish and chips – just watch out for the seagulls!

And if you fancy a day-trip-within-a-day-trip on a sunny day, head down to Borth or Ynyslas, both just a short drive away, both of which have better sand than Aber. At low tide, you can even see the remnants of an ancient forest emerge on the beach. Or if you’re in the mood for a nature walk, head to nearby Devil’s Bridge (Pontarfynach), a place of outstanding natural beauty.

5. Cambridge

It’s a tough call on which one to feature out of the iconic university towns Oxford and Cambridge, but Cambridge gets the pick over its rival for being just a bit prettier (sorry Oxford!). Cambridge is an ideal day trip from London and boasts a wide range of stunning historic architecture, mainly in the form of university buildings such as King’s College Chapel, St. John’s College and the Fitzwilliam Museum, which boasts a huge range of incredible works of art and antiquities from ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome. Head here on a warm, sunny day and have a go at punting on the river Cam, then soak up the sun in the university’s beautiful 40-acre botanic garden.

6. St Ives, Cornwall

I couldn’t not include somewhere in Cornwall somewhere within my list of the best day trips in the UK, although admittedly Cornwall probably isn’t a day trip for most of us, as it’s very far from the likes of London and Birmingham. However, St Ives is my pick due to its stunning sandy beaches, with Porthmeor Beach, one of eight Blue Flag beaches in the county, coming particularly highly recommended and enjoyed by swimmers and surfers alike. But there’s more to St Ives, with a number of great galleries, cafes and museums to explore, such as the Tate St Ives, which exhibits inspiring work by local artists.

7. Edinburgh, Scotland

Heading to the Scottish capital for the next in our look at the best day trips in the UK, Edinburgh is undoubtedly one of the prettiest cities in the country, as well as one of the most culturally active. Every August, thousands of people flock to the city for the iconic annual Fringe Festival, the largest arts festival in the world. But there’s plenty to see all year round: you can climb Arthur’s Seat for spectacular views of the whole city, head to one of the cafés where JK Rowling wrote Harry Potter, and see the famous Edinburgh Castle (which dominates the city’s skyline). And if you’re a fan of all things spooky, take a tour of the creepy Edinburgh Vaults.

8. Alnwick, Northumberland

A fantastic day trip location for students in the North East of England, Alnwick Castle was a major filming location for the Harry Potter films, and a tour of the castle will give you great behind the scenes insights - a must for any committed Potterhead!

The extensive castle grounds also include The Treehouse Restaurant, one of the best gourmet dining experiences in the North East, and the Poison Garden, which is home to hundreds of varieties of the world’s deadliest plants. The disused Alnwick Station now houses Barter Books, one of the largest second-hand bookshops in Europe, attracting over 35,000 bookworms a year. And if you’re interested in Titanic, it might interest you to know that luxurious fittings from its sister ship, the RMS Olympic, can be found in the White Swan Hotel in Alnwick.

9. The Lake District

Ideal if you’re based in Lancaster or Preston, the Lake District is one of the most stunning national parks the UK has to offer, and is home to some of the country’s largest lakes and highest mountains. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the views here are simply epic everywhere you look, with its mountainous area formed by the Ice Age. Attracting more than 15 million visitors per year, lovers of the Great Outdoors will be in heaven here, with ample opportunities for lake cruises, water sports and, of course, mountain walks.

10. Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire

The final in our look at the best day trips in the UK is ideal if you’re based in the Midlands and a Shakespeare fan. The birthplace of the Bard, this cute medieval market town is just a short distance from Birmingham in the West Midlands. Explore Shakespeare’s childhood home, Anne Hathaway’s cottage (in the nearby village of Shottery) and the amazingly preserved Harvard House, home to the wealthy Rogers family. The ‘5 House Pass’ gives you the best deal, as you get unlimited access to five Shakespeare family homes for £22.50 (or £21.00 with a student card) for a year – ideal if you find you can’t get round to them all in one day.

And if you’re in the mood for even more history, the impressive Warwick Castle is just a 15-20 minute drive away, and dates back to 1068 when it was built by William the Conqueror.

--

Do you have any recommendations for day trips in the UK? Share them in the comments below!

Want more content like this? Register for free site membership to get regular updates and your own personal content feed.

As well as offering rankings, guides and events to help you choose the right degree and university for you, QS also runs regular webinars offering tips and advice for students on a wide range of topics. Below you’ll find just some of the available webinars to view through QS Leap.

Study MBA in Germany

If you’re exploring your postgraduate study options and want to learn more about the MBA options available in Germany, this webinar featuring QS employee Keara Nicholl is a great place to start.

This webinar will help you gather information, facts & trends about studying in Germany - which is fast emerging as a highly popular destination among international students. You’ll gain an understanding of the caliber of MBA and master’s programs at business schools in Germany, learn about application cycles, what you’ll need for the admissions process and post-graduation employment opportunities.

Study Masters/MBA in Canada

Canada is an exciting and rewarding experience for many students from around the world. A multicultural country with easy access to education and affordable living, thousands of international students flock to Canada each year to study in Canada.

In this webinar, you’ll hear Aneesha share her insights about what it takes to do a master’s or MBA in Canada today, how the application processes have evolved and what you need to do to be eligible for a scholarship.

How to Finance Your MBA & Build a Career in California

In this webinar, watch QS’s Aled Owens connect with Courtney Elmes, Executive Director of Recruitment and Admissions at the Merage School at UC Irvine in California. Aled and Courtney discuss the opportunities available to students looking to study and work in California, as well as Courtney’s insider tips on how to give yourself the best chance for admission and scholarship opportunities at the school.

Aled and Courtney also discuss career opportunities available to Merage graduates and how they are succeeding as the next generation of leaders in a digitally driven world.

Study Masters in the USA

Over the years, the United States has been the most popular destination for students across the globe planning to study a master’s degree. Interestingly, even with the growth of English-taught options in other countries, levels of interest in the US continue to remain high.

If you’re one of the thousands of candidates interested in studying in the US, this webinar offers practical advice on how to find the right program for you, navigate the applications process and find out about scholarships to help cover your costs.

Why Consider an International MBA in Business?

Run by Alessandro Giuliani, Managing Director at SDA Bocconi Asia Center, this webinar covers the International Master in Business (IMB) available at his school. This specialized program is built with a combination of solid theory, case-study methodology, international experiences and corporate exposure. It is specifically designed to create responsible, reliable, and effective business leaders.

Learn more about the faculty profile, program requirements and eligibility, scholarship and fee waivers, plus loads of other useful information about the school and program.

Sponsored by EDHEC Business School

By 2026, employment opportunities in the finance and business sector will increase by 10 percent according to the US Bureau of Labor statistics. So, there are plenty of opportunities available for talented graduates, particularly those who are willing to embrace the modern technologies and globalized approach found at many of today’s leading employers.

A typical business master’s degree will incorporate elements of studying finance, accounting, management and increasingly, technology, as well as business itself. This means the world is pretty much your oyster when it comes to pursuing a career with excellent salary prospects, job security and the inevitable opportunity to climb to the top.

Using data from Payscale and Prospects, we’ve listed below some of the careers you could pursue with a master’s in business. 

Data business analyst

Average salary: US$58,609

Ideal for those who have a keen interest in blending both business and technology data analysis, in this role you’ll have the technological know-how when it comes to generating crucial information about the company. Your main responsibilities include collecting and analyzing data to then devise and implement solutions to any problems which may arise.

You should have an eye for detail as you’ll need to be able to quickly identify recurring patterns or anomalies within the data. As a data business analyst you’ll also have close working relations with senior managers, meaning your work can impact practically any aspect of the company. 

If gaining a better understanding of how industries and organizations manage and utilize big data analytics to devise new and improved business strategies is something which sounds right up your street, then the Master of Science in Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence at EDHEC Business School, may be for you.

The master’s program equips students with the know-how and skillset to expand and explore their business decision intelligence while learning to bridge their knowledge and understanding of data science and business management.

Business development manager

Average salary: US$70,966

If you like the idea of leading a team, you’ll also need to be a self-starter who’s highly motivated and ready to take on any challenge. An excellent blend of business intelligence, communication skills and desire to succeed will make you stand out as well.

As a business development manager, your job is to devise and manage the future business plans of a company by building and maintaining positive professional relationships with partners, including clients and suppliers. It’s your responsibility to understand how the company works and see the ‘bigger picture’ to seek and implement both new and amended strategies to meet the aims and objectives of the business.

German student, Maximilien Taut, studied the MSc in Global Business at EDHEC Business School. He really enjoyed his experience, saying: “The interaction with global companies showed me what was on offer in terms of international career opportunities and I landed my first internship thanks to that. I highly value the combination of analytical skills and strategic thinking which I gained.”

This coming September, the revised Master of Science in Global and Sustainable Business will be introduced at EDHEC Business School. It’s been co-created with the help of EDHEC students and with a clear focus in mind – to actively encourage and develop students’ expertise and skills surrounding business focused solutions for a healthier environment and more sustainable industries. It’ll offer modules in global business disciplines, as well as managerial competences and industries to ensure students can prepare and develop global business solutions for both today and the future.

Strategy consultant

Average salary: US$89,990

How does the idea of being able to turn an idea into reality sound to you? You’ll be responsible for identifying gaps in the current market for a company, to then demonstrate how they can benefit from plugging that gap.

You’ll need to highlight the risks involved and present the company with a strategic framework demonstrating how to do this, and also how to make effective business decisions to improve and expand.

SEO specialist

Average salary: US$43,766

It’s safe to say that should you wish to pursue a career in search-engine-optimization (SEO), you should have an excellent grasp of technology, as well as marketing and analytical skills to match.

This job role is all about being able to read, understand and produce effective SEO content in order to drive new traffic to a website while also maintaining a loyal base of users. As an SEO specialist, you’ll need to be able to successfully identify technical strategies and tactics to the company’s website developers to ensure audience traffic to the website is strong, and that the website places highly in web search results.

There’s a lot of career scope for this type of job. However, you will need to possess a strong understanding and knowledge of certain web-programming and coding, such as HTML code, JavaScript and PHP to get started.

The cold and gloomy weather is a definite mood-killer for many of us, and the lack of sunshine can really affect our energy and concentration levels. If you’re in the mood to study abroad in a hot country, you may like to consider Morocco.  

One of the world’s most attractive tourist destinations, Morocco not only boasts some of the world’s most beautiful cultural attractions; it’s also a great place to study, with its relatively affordable living expenses and host of international study opportunities, among many other factors.

In the QS Arab Region University Rankings 2019, four of the region’s top 100 are based in Morocco - read on for a brief insight of each.

1. Al Akhawayn University Ifrane

Ah, the alpine town of Ifrane – admittedly not a very warm study abroad destination to open our list (particularly around this time of year), but certainly not one to miss out! Situated within Morocco’s Middle Atlas Mountains, Ifrane is also home to the kingdom’s top university; the Al Akhawayn University, which also ranks 46^th in the Arab region this year. This public, non-profit institution has a curriculum based on the American liberal arts system – making it an ideal choice for English-speaking international students.

Al Akhawayn University alumni have successfully gone on to secure roles in sectors such as international business, diplomacy, and non-profit organizations, among many others.

Although daytime temperatures are quite low at the moment, they’re expected to rise between 20°C (68°F) and 35°C (95°F) starting in mid-spring and all the way through till the summer months.

2. Université Mohammed V de Rabat

Founded in 1957, Mohamed V University in Rabat, Morocco’s capital, was formed through the merger of two separate institutions: Mohammed V University at Agdal and Mohammed V University at Souissi. It offers a selection of both undergraduate and postgraduate programs, and currently ranks in the 51-60 range in the Arab region.

As the capital of Morocco, Rabat undoubtedly combines all the apparent features of a typical capital city: work and business opportunities are at their height, prices are typically soaring, and it’s a city that never sleeps. But, as the heart of the North African kingdom, one thing sets it apart from most European capital cities – its generally sunny climate. You’ll be happy to know that the seasons here are warm and cheery for most of the year, apart from the occasional cloud and rain, and consistently low temperatures at night, particularly in the winter months. 

3. Université Hassan II de Casablanca

Based in Morocco’s largest city, Casablanca, Hassan II University is a relatively new institution, having been officially established in 1975. However, following a merger between two Hassan II universities in 2014, Mohammedia and Casablanca, the university considered itself a newly-created institution.

Offering a selection of courses in a variety of disciplines, the Hassan II University is home to 123 laboratories, 10 research centers, two technological platforms, an observatory, and 10 doctoral study centers providing 46 doctoral courses. It’s important to note that, as is the case in neighboring Francophone countries, the main languages of instruction at this university are Arabic and French; with technical and scientific courses taught solely in French.

Because of its location in the central-western part of the kingdom bordering the Atlantic Ocean, Casablanca can get quite windy and rainy during the winter months, though some days are rather warm and sunny during daylight hours; and of course, summers spent here are the best!

4. Cadi Ayyad University

Cadi Ayyad University is a new entrant to this year’s Arab region rankings, taking a spot within the 91-100 range. Situated in Marrakech, this public university was established in 1973, and is one of the largest in Morocco, with a reported estimate of 102,000 students enrolled. It currently has 13 branches of study, most of which are in the field of science, including biology, physics, and geology.

Marrakech is Morocco’s former imperial city, and is famed for its swarm of mosques, palaces and gardens, as well as its medieval city center (the Medina), which is home to thriving souks (marketplaces) and various historical sites of attraction. True to the vibrant and colorful energy it exudes, Marrakech is typically warm and sunny all-year-round, with temperatures at around 21°C at this time of year, and soaring during the summer months - the heat may even be too much for some!

More reasons to study abroad in Morocco

In comparison to other Arab countries, Morocco – like other North African nations such as Tunisia and Algeria – encompasses a comfortable mix of eastern and western cultures. Most Moroccans are either bilingual or multilingual; though the main languages of communication here are Colloquial Moroccan Arabic (Darija), Amazigh (Berber) and French, Spanish and English speakers are also very common – making it an ideal and easy environment for adventurous student visitors.

With regards to living expenses, they’re relatively affordable in Morocco, particularly if you’re traveling from Europe. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant will typically cost you 30.00 Moroccan Dirhams (US$3.13), and in addition to traditional Moroccan dishes and local street bites, you’ll also come across typically-western food chain restaurants, such as McDonalds and KFC. When it comes to rent, costs for a one-bedroom apartment vary between 1,934.17 MAD (US$202.66) and 4,562.50 MAD (US$478.06) per month, depending on whether you’re renting inside or outside the city center.

Tuition fees also tend to vary depending on where you choose to study, with tuition at Al Akhawayn University in Ifrane currently costing 3,045 MDH (US$318.35) for undergraduate international students, and 3,780 MDH (US$395.19) for postgraduates. Tuition is calculated based on credits taken, which are usually 15 – 17 credits per undergraduate course, and 12 credits per postgraduate course.

No matter what city you’re in, there’s so much to enjoy in Morocco, and the locals are generally extremely warm, hospitable and friendly. A visit to a traditional local bathhouse (Hammam) here will cost just 10 to 20 MDH (US$1.04 – US$2.09), and transport is also readily available and generally affordable.     

Things to look out for…

Because of the country’s background in tourism, Moroccans have plenty of experience with dealing and interacting with foreigners. Add to that Morocco’s multicultural history, and you’ll get a fine blend of multilingualism and a pretty relaxed outlook at others’ cultural differences and norms.

Of course, since the country is Muslim-majority, there will undoubtedly be a few things to bear in mind in order to stay respectful to your host country while you study abroad. For example, it’s important to remember to remove your shoes upon entering someone’s home, and to try to be discrete about eating in daylight hours during the holy month of Ramadhan, when everybody else is expected to fast until sunset. You may also want to take note of Friday, as this is considered the Muslim holy day of rest, when most shops close down at around lunchtime.  

Depending on what city you’re in, it’s usually best to have company with you, particularly when you’re out and about after it gets dark. Cities like Casablanca are notorious for moderate to high crime rates, so it’s important to make sure you’re wary and never look like you’re lost or don’t know what you’re doing! You don’t want to attract the wrong type of attention, and it’s easy to get scammed or taken advantage of if you’re clueless or inexperienced.

In pretty much all major Moroccan cities, haggling is a way of life, and you’ll find that in places like the Medina in Marrakech, this is even more evident. Some souk merchants may even come across a little too demanding and forceful, which can be intimidating. But don’t let it put you off – you’ll soon get used to it, and quickly learn to either smile and walk away, or haggle back! You could be on your way home with an impressively good bargain.

Want more content like this? Register for free site membership to get regular updates on your own personal content feed.

University life doesn’t come cheap, so many students decide to work part-time during their studies, either to help fund their living or study costs or just to get a bit of extra cash. Part-time work is also useful for building up real-world work experience to add to your CV and show off to employers.

However, working whilst studying isn’t a decision to be taken lightly – it’s important to consider whether you have the time to fit it around your studies, whilst still leaving time behind to have a social life and enjoy yourself without being exhausted!

We asked people for their thoughts on whether you should work during your studies – watch our video above for their thoughts, and let us know what you think in the comments below.

Video by Pavel Petrov for TopUniversities.com - subscribe to our channel for more.