• Description

  The Language and Culture study abroad program in Rabat, Morocco is appropriate for students with a background in Arabic or French who have a strong interest in developing their Arabic language skills while learning firsthand about contemporary Morocco. Through a combination of Arabic language and area studies courses taught in English and French, students gain significant insight into Moroccan society, politics, literature, and religion, and Morocco's relationships with the West and within the Arab world. The program is designed for a wide array of academic disciplines including Arabic language, Francophone studies, African studies, comparative literature, religion, and international relations.

  Academic Program
  Established in 2008, the Language and Culture program gives students the opportunity to enroll in special CIEE area studies courses taught by faculty from the Universite Mohammed V and Institut Agronomique et Veterinaire Hassan II (Institut Hassan II). Students also take Arabic language courses taught by Arabic language specialists at the Qalam wa Lawh Center for Arabic Studies (Qalam Center).

  Area studies courses are held at the Universite Mohammed V-Souissi campus, while all language courses are taken at the Qalam Center. The program is designed to provide students intensive Arabic language training along with 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 choose to take an elective language course in Colloquial Moroccan Arabic.

  The program is suitable for students with a strong interest in Arabic language and in French, as well as 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

• Choose an Arabic language course at your level, beginner through advanced Participate in elective courses taught in English and French focusing on Moroccan and Arab studies, and the CIEE core course with one week in Fez or Marrakech
  
• Engage the community through local volunteer opportunities
  
• Immerse in the culture through trips to local markets and performances at the National Theater and field trips including a visit to the ancient ruins of Chellah, and excursions to Chefchaouen and other popular Moroccan cities

Cultural Activities
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 and festivals; group activities in the Medina and Kasbah; field trips to the ancient ruins of Chellah and the Andalucian Gardens, and visits to local elementary schools and government agencies. As part of the language courses, students may practice their newly acquired language skills by visiting local markets and attending music and theater performances. The program also includes a one-week study tour to either Fez or Marrakech.

Immersion
Students may choose from a variety of volunteer activities with local NGOs, schools, and other organizations. Possible examples include projects with students who are visually impaired, mentally challenged youth, women's groups, Berber groups, the World Health Organization, and the World Bank.