By Kelsy Nelson, Program Advisor in our New York office and a recent visitor in Morocco

Hailing from the fashion Mecca of the United States (representin’ Brooklyn y’all!), it’s impossible to travel and not notice how ladies around the world make Tyra proud. For me, the most stressful part of packing is trying to be culturally sensitive while feeling comfortable in my clothes. So, as we beckon on spring and volunteers making bold fashion choices in our destination countries, I present you with the first ever Projects Abroad style guide:

*~*Rockin’ au Maroc*~*

Country Director Saad Rbiai and myself in the ferocious Projects Abroad Morocco office

1.) Head and Shoulders

I know the whole of North Africa can get pretty hot, but ladies keep those shoulders to yourself! I have to admit I was surprised with how liberal some Rabatonians dressed, though I would advise to strut conservatively on Mohammed V’s catwalk. Lightweight cardigans and button up shirts ensure you’re covered while staying fashion forward with layers.

2.) Scarves, Scarves, Scarves!

Keeping your chest covered is important for being respectful. Since turtlenecks probably aren’t everyone’s ideal outwear during the heat of summer, so full bodied scarves are a good alternative for dressing modestly. They’re useful for covering up shoulders, collar bones, or simply looking fabulous.

A volunteer utilizing the scarf method on a Teaching Project

3.) The Bottom Half

When it comes to pants, anything goes in Morocco. Loose pants are preferable in the hotter months, but if you want to go Sienna Miller style with skinny jeans, then more power to you. As far as skirts go, make sure they at least hit your knee (but longer is better). Short shorts are always a no.

4.) Footwear

Rabat is a very walkable city, so shoes you can wear for hours are important. Sneakers are a must, but having sturdy sandals for the warmer weather (and desert if you’re lucky enough to go) will come in useful. Maybe throw in a pair of fun flats for the volunteer socials.

n conclusion, keeping your sense of style while dressing for the culture of Morocco is easy as 1,2,3,4. As Hardy D. Jackson once said, “Above all, be true to yourself, and if you cannot put your heart in it, take yourself out of it.” Word

Passport? Check. Plane tickets? Check. Guide Book? Check. Goofy photo of myself? Check

Our 2 week summer specials for High School students between the ages of 16-19 have been a big success since we introduced them four years ago and applications have set record numbers for this upcoming summer.

Programs range from Medicine in Argentina to Marine Conservation in Thailand, so there is something for everyone.

North Americans on several programs have the option of flying to their destination with a Projects Abroad staff member on an escorted flight from New York-JFK airport.

In Ghana, volunteers for the Care and Community and the Sports 2 week specials starting July 20th can fly with a staff member to Accra.

In Peru, volunteers for the Inca and Conservation 2 week specials starting August 3rd through August 16th can fly with Jessye, a Program Advisor in our New York office to Cusco and Puerto Maldonado.

If you are already signed up or plan on joining us on the Medicine or Veterinary Medicine summer specials in India starting July 20th, you could sit my row on the plane to Chennai. I promise I am not an armrest hog!

If you have any questions about the escorted flights for the 2008 2 week summer specials to Peru, India and Ghana, please give us a call at 1-888-839-3535.

A view of Terminal 4, New York-JFK airport

A street side shot of the office before the Open House began (we’re on top!)

Guests at the office

Yesterday, we in the Toronto office prepared for our first Open House BBQ and to great success! The office was bustling with perspective volunteers, parents, and friends from the moment our doors opened at 4pm. It was well worth the planning to see so many gathered with collective interests, similar goals and a desire to explore.

We were fortunate to have received generous donations for the BBQ and were able to raise awareness of our initiative to help in the refurbishment of Peruvian schools in the Sacred Valley.

The Journalism and Conservation Leaflets

Projects Abroad Canada would like to take this opportunity to thank the alumni and local businesses that helped make this event a success. Thanks in particular to our Romanian alumna, Illana and Maegan for manning the BBQ and bearing the weather!

We’re looking forward to hosting future events that share a similar goal and to meeting new volunteers and their families.

To all those who came, it was a pleasure meeting you and I look forward to hearing of your adventures to come! Many thanks for a successful Open House!

-Kyra

We’ve got a weiner!

This video from the Projects Abroad Youtube Page is the new favorite in the US office. Which video should we feature next week?

A scene from our Care program in India