During my stay in Rabat, we had the pleasure of visiting several schools. The schools were mainly private or international baccalaureate, a rigorous program that is recognized the world over. As such the students mainly came from middle to upper class backgrounds.
At Moulay Youseff High School we observed many classrooms, met with administrators and toured the dormitories. Many students come far from Rabat to go to this prestigious school. During the tour, a group of students pulled me aside to talk. They were curious about my impressions of Morocco and their school. One student in particular wanted me to understand that his school was very different from others in the city. He said that my visit should not be like "when diplomats visit North Korea. They put on a show". He wanted me to see the real Morocco, to see schools and neighborhoods that reflect how most people in the country live.
Students: how would you advise a person visiting New York for the first time? Where would one go to see the "real" New York?