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  Morocco

Term: Academic Year, Fall, Spring 
Dates: Fall 16 weeks: late Augustmid-December; Spring 16 weeks: late Januarymid-May Academic Year 30 weeks: late Augustmid-May

Description: The goals of the Language and Culture program are for students to develop an understanding of contemporary Morocco; to gain insight into Morocco's role in the Arab world and its ties to Europe; and to develop Arabic language skills at the beginning through advanced level. Students with strong French language skills can take elective courses in French, adding to the overall cultural and linguistic experience. In addition to the 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 Supe?rieure de Direction et de Gestion (ESDG), Universite? Mohammed V, and Institut Agronomique et Ve?te?rinaire Hassan II (Institut Hassan II). Most classes are held at ESDG and occasional class lectures and special events are also held at Universite? Mohammed V and Institut Hassan II. The program is designed to provide students with intensive Arabic language training and a multifaceted academic analysis of Moroccan culture and history. In addition to the courses offered, students can engage themselves locally through internship and volunteer opportunities. 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.

The program is suitable for students with a strong interest in Arabic language and coursework in French, and a variety of academic disciplines including Moroccan studies, religion, business and economics, and literature.

Academic Culture
Teaching methods involve lectures, tutorials, seminars, and fieldwork. Guest lectures, field trips, and excursions are an important part of the academic curriculum and add to the total number of official contact hours each week.

Highlights:

• Arabic language training at beginning through advanced level
  
• Elective courses in English and French focusing on Moroccan and Arab studies
  
• Colloquial Moroccan Arabic to learn the local dialect
  
• Community engagement through local volunteer opportunities; for-credit internship in the second semester for academic year students
  
• CIEE core course with one-week intergrated module in either Fez or Marrakech
  
• Local excursions and cultural activities in and around Rabat

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, and a Moroccan wedding for practical language training opportunities. The program also includes a one week stay in another Moroccan city such as Fez or Marrakech.

Community Engagement and Field Studies
Students may choose from a variety of volunteer activities with local NGOs, schools, and other organizations. Possible examples include projects with blind students, mentally challenged youth, women's groups, Berber groups, the World Health Organization, and the World Bank.

Subject Areas: Arabic, Business, Economics, Literature, Political Science/Politics and Religious Studies

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, two meals per day, orientation, cultural activities (such as concerts and music and theater performances), local excursions (to the Medina, Kasbah, and the ancient ruins of Chellah), 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 equivalent

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants. .

Typical Living Arrangements: Group living and Home-stays

Participants Travel to Morocco Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently Or in Groups

Scholarships Are Available. - We have several scholarships that students can apply for. Contact CIEE for details.

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