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  Morocco

Term: Summer 
Dates: Summer 2008

Description: The goals of the Language and Culture summer program are to help students develop an understanding of contemporary Morocco, gain insight into Morocco's role in the Arab world and its ties to Europe, and develop Arabic language skills at the beginning through advanced level. In addition to coursework, the program goals are met through a variety of community engagement and field-based research opportunities.

Academic Program
The CIEE Study Center in Rabat, established in 2008, gives students the opportunity to enroll in classes taught by faculty from Ecole Superieure de Direction et de Gestion (ESDG), Universite? Mohammed V, and Institut Agronomique et Ve?te?rinaire Hassan II (Institut Hassan II). Classes are held at ESDG. The program is designed to provide students with intensive Arabic language training and an academic analysis of Moroccan culture and history. Students wishing to focus a larger percentage of their studies on Arabic language may opt to take an elective language course in Colloquial Moroccan Arabic.

Academic Culture
Teaching methods involve a mixture of lectures, tutorials, seminars, and fieldwork. Guest lectures, field trips, and excursions are an important part of the academic curriculum.

Highlights:

• Arabic language training at beginning through advanced levels
  
• Innovative elective course focusing on Moroccan and Arab studies
  
• Colloquial Moroccan Arabic to learn the local dialect
  
• Homestays with local Moroccan families

Culture
Cultural Activities and Field Trips
The program includes a series of required and optional cultural activities and field trips in and around Rabat. Examples of local cultural activities include concerts, group activities in the Medina and Kasbah, the ancient ruins of Chellah, the Andalucian Gardens, local elementary schools, government agencies, and festivals. As part of the language courses, students may visit local markets, music and theater performances, or a Moroccan wedding for practical language training opportunities. Students also enjoy a multiday stay in another Moroccan city such as Fez or Marrakech.

Subject Areas: Arabic, Culture and Intensive Language

Cost in US$: Please check the CIEE website for current program pricing

Cost Includes: The CIEE fee for 2008-09 includes an optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, tuition, housing and two meals per day, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, visa fees, most course materials, and a CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits.

Experience Required: yes

* Overall GPA 2.75
* 2 semesters of college-level French or Arabic

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants. .

Typical Living Arrangement: Home-stays

Participants Travel to Morocco Independently

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Other
• Transcript
• Written Application

CIEE's Mission Statement: Since 1947, the Council on International Educational Exchange, known as CIEE, has been in pursuit of its mission, "to help people gain understanding, acquire knowledge, and develop skills for living in a globally interdependent and culturally diverse world." Our services to young people studying, working, teaching, and traveling abroad are more important than ever. As we look ahead, we reaffirm our commitment to the principles and values that guide this mission statement.

Year Founded: 1947