Independent Study Project (ISP) and Fieldwork in Morocco

On every SIT: World Learning study abroad program, each student is required to complete and Independent Study Project (ISP) and complete original fieldwork in the host country. Since April 5, I have been shaping my research question, visiting government agencies and NGOs, and doing interviews and fieldbased research in rural Morocco. Last week, I went back to Ouled Ghanem, the village I visited in early March, to conduct 20 interviews for my ISP. Take a look at my topic below...

Title

Motivations to Migrate: Migration from Morocco and the “Failure” of Rural Development during the Eurozone Financial Crisis

Abstract

This study examines the situation for Moroccan migrant workers amidst tightening European Union borders and a slimming European frontier for employment. The Eurozone financial crisis, as well as right-wing anti-immigrant politics, has made it increasingly difficult for Moroccans to migrate to Europe to find stable employment. Young Moroccan migrants without visas and working papers are forced to enter Europe illegally, and often dangerously, in search of opportunities. Furthermore, while migrants who hold proper documentation are able to migrate freely, they are faced with a weak job market and dwindling wages. EU’s closing borders are impeding a fifty-year pattern of Moroccan migration to southern Europe to find work, prosper and provide for their families back home. Moroccan NGOs, as well as Spain and Italy, have recently invested in rural development initiatives aimed at increasing employment opportunities in Morocco and deterring workers from migrating. Yet Moroccans keep risking their lives and continue to migrate illegally every day as these initiatives are proving to be ineffective. This study aims to explore the social and economic motivations of Moroccan migrant workers and determine whether or not domestic development initiatives will ever satisfy these motivations. The results show that rural development projects are not effective in stopping migration from the village to Europe, although they do aid in providing means and opportunities for Moroccans who chose not to migrate. This outcome is relevant to the Moroccan government, receiving EU countries, private investors and developers, as well as the rural Moroccan population; it can be used for the Western Mediterranean region to better adapt and grow to meet the challenge of closing borders and economic recession. 

40 pages due May 5...wish me luck!