Description

The Arab American Language Institute in Morocco (AALIM) is a language and culture institution recognized by the Moroccan Ministry of Education and with a legal status as a business both in Morocco and in the United States (offices in Virginia). The AALIM Institute in Meknes, Morocco is located just inside the walls of the old city, the historic Medina, in a newly renovated riad, or small palace. The building has been remodeled by the finest Moroccan craftsmen, while at the same time incorporating the modern conveniences necessary to our goal of providing high quality educational programs that satisfy American standards. The area around the riad is typical of the traditional Moroccan city, with narrow shady streets and almost exclusively pedestrian traffic. The institute is accessible, however, by car or taxi if necessary. It is located in direct proximity to an entrance to the Medina, which faces a verdant zoological park. The AALIM Center is also only a short walk or taxi ride from the modern, or "European" city.

AALIM offers classes all year in Modern Standard Arabic (MSA), Moroccan Dialect (Darija), and North African Culture, as well as Cultural Discovery (cultural tourism) programs. AALIM's instructors have all been trained in teaching Arabic as a foreign language by using a communicative, interactive approach. AALIM has made a significant investment to provide language-teaching workshops to our instructors by well-known experts in the field of Arabic language acquisition. Some of the instructors work as Arabic professors in Moroccan universities or high schools, some hold PhDs. They are supervised by AALIM's Academic and Program Director, who holds a PhD from the Sorbonne in Paris and has had nearly 20 years' experience teaching Arabic to American students, including many years teaching and directing intensive overseas language programs. All other instructors are held to AALIM's high standards, and renewal of their teaching contract is dependent on evaluation in the classroom setting by Dr. Cherkaoui, student evaluations, and verification of student progress under the instructor's guidance. In other words, AALIM expects the instructors not only to look good on paper, but to live up to their potential in the classroom.

Highlights

The Academic Component
High quality interactive communicative courses in:
- Modern Standard Arabic (MSA), all levels from complete beginner to very advanced
- Moroccan Colloquial (Darija), all levels from complete beginner to very advanced
- North African Culture, classes offered in MSA, Darija or English

The Cultural Component
AALIM believes a language is more than words and grammar and that understanding the cultural context is essential. For this reason, AALIM's cultural component is a significant part of its programs and included in the basic fees. This component includes lectures, visits, demonstrations and student interaction. Directed independent student experiences are also part of AALIM's cultural program.

The Setting
The AALIM center is a traditional Moroccan riad, or small palace. It has been completely renovated by master craftsmen and is located in the central city of Meknes. This city is a UNESCO World Heritage site, easy to travel to and from, and of manageable size. The Medina, or medieval walled city, within which the AALIM center lies, is still a vibrant and essential part of the life of Meknes. At the same time, students are only a short walk away from the modern European style city.

Degree Level

Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Minimum Education

High School

Languages

• Arabic

Languages Used as a Medium of Teaching

• Arabic
• English

Subject Areas

• Arabic

Cost in US$:

USD2100 to USD11,000 depending on the program

Program Fees Include:

AALIM's fees include:
- Orientation session
- Placement exam
- Tuition (4 class hours per day)
- Teaching assistant outside class
- Certificate of study
- Documentation for credits
- Lodging
- 2 meals per weekday
- Two excursions within Meknes
- Day trip to Volubilis (during summer intensive programs only, of 6 weeks or longer)
- Day trip to Fez (during summer intensive programs only, of 6 weeks or longer)
- Farewell dinner party with music
- Lecture series
- Cultural activities (specific activities may vary from one program to another; not all activities listed on AALIM's site are offered during every program)

Experience Required

no

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Guest House
• Home-stays

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

in Groups of 3-15

Scholarships are Available

Scholarship money is available for the semester length programs only. The Ibn Khaldoun Scholarship offers up to a USD3000 reduction in tuition on the USD11,000 programs; application is by written statement and letters of recommendation.

Application Process Involves

• Letters of Reference
• Physical Exam/Health Records
• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

2-4 weeks

AALIM, the Arab American Language Institute in Morocco's Mission Statement

AALIM is committed to providing the highest quality language learning programs in Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) and Moroccan dialect (Darija) during its study abroad programs in Meknes, Morocco. AALIM also offers North African culture courses, conducted in MSA, Darija or English and strives to make every student's experience a linguistically and culturally enriching one. AALIM proposes cultural discovery programs in English for those wishing to learn more about Morocco first hand. AALIM's American office provides pre- and post-program help and support to students and their families.

Year Founded

2006