University of Chester student Hafsa revels in ‘fantastic opportunity’ to study in Morocco

Business Management and Marketing student Hafsa Ashraf was picked out of hundreds of possible applicants by the International Student Exchange Programme (ISEP) as part of the Study Abroad initiative. Hafsa faced fierce competition and was the only British student selected in this round of the global programme to become a Digital Ambassador.

ISEP Study Abroad delivers affordable and immersive study, intern and volunteer programmes in more than 50 countries, working closely with university partners to make students feel supported throughout their experience, and Hafsa has been making the most of her opportunity at Al Akhawayn University in Ifrane, Morocco.

She said: “It seemed like a fantastic opportunity, but I knew I would be up against serious competition given the popularity of ISEP. I always say you don't know until you try, and I'm glad I did try because I was accepted and, in fact, the only British person and student abroad in Morocco that is a part of the Digital Ambassador programme.

“I read the email and honestly screamed. I ran excitedly to tell my mum, as I owe nothing but all credit to her for encouraging me to reach for every opportunity she didn't have growing up as an ethnic minority.

“Attending Al Akhawayn University has been the best thing I have ever done. Honestly, I have learned so much during my time here and adapted to many cultural aspects. The people in Morocco are lovely and helpful; nothing is ever too much. I have learnt so much about others but also so much about myself; it has really moulded me as a person, I believe.

“I have made many Moroccan friends, but I have also had many other exchange students. Knowing that other people are in the same boat as me also brought its own comfort. During my time here, I am learning Arabic, which has been challenging but always makes locals’ faces light up when they see you went out of your way to understand their mother tongue.

“Being neurodivergent growing up, sometimes I felt like I was doing things wrong or maybe ‘getting carried away’ with my dreams, but now I see this as my superpower. I push myself towards every opportunity, which, as a result, has grown my confidence massively and has ticked off some huge bucket list moments of studying abroad.”

Hafsa added she chose Chester as the University’s courses stood out to her, with the range of modules making the course “interesting and enjoyable”, with the “cherry on the top” being the opportunity to take a sandwich year in the industry or a year abroad.

Hafsa added: “Take the leap, apply to study abroad, and use it to do the digital ambassador programme, because what an amazing opportunity it has been to document such a fantastic time in my life!”

Candida Darling, Overseas Learning and Study Abroad Lead at the Centre for Student Exchange and Language Development, said: “Huge congratulations to Hafsa! Being selected as a Digital Ambassador from a massive field of applicants is an outstanding achievement.

“As the only UK student in this intake, Hafsa is a trailblazer, proving that neurodiversity and a diverse background are powerful assets that lead to global success. Approximately 15-20% of the population is neurodivergent; many face significant barriers in traditional recruitment. Hafsa’s ability to navigate a high-volume application process speaks to her exceptional communication and technical skills.”

For more information about ISEP, visit: https://www.isepstudyabroad.org/

You can follow Hafsa’s journey on https://www.instagram.com/hafsa.smm/ and https://www.tiktok.com/@hafsurrrr.