Description

The summer Language and Culture study abroad program in Rabat, Morocco is appropriate for students who have a strong interest in developing their Arabic language skills and learning firsthand about contemporary Morocco. Through language courses and an innovative course that explores Morocco's rich history and culture, students improve their Arabic skills while gaining greater insight into present-day Moroccan society.

Academic Program
Established in 2008, the Language and Culture summer program gives students the opportunity to take Arabic language courses taught by Arabic language specialists at the at the Qalam wa Lawh Center for Arabic Studies (Qalam Center) and take the CIEE Contemporary Moroccan Society and Culture course taught by faculty from the Universite Mohammed V-Souissi campus.

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 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 a combination of lectures, tutorials, seminars, and fieldwork. Guest lectures, field trips, and excursions are also an important component of the academic curriculum.

Highlights

* Learn Arabic at your level, and learn the local dialect through the elective Colloquial Moroccan Arabic course
* Focus on Moroccan society and culture in an innovative elective course
* Live with a local family and immerse yourself in Moroccan culture
* Visit museums, festivals, the Medina, and Kasbah and take field trips to the ancient ruins of Chellah and the Andalucian Gardens; explore another Moroccan city on a multi-day stay

Culture
Cultural Activities and Field Trips
The program includes a series of required and optional cultural activities and field trips in and around Rabat, including concerts and festivals, as well as visits to the ancient ruins of Chellah, the Andalucian Gardens, local elementary schools, and government agencies. Group activities are also held in the Medina and Kasbah. As part of the language courses, students may visit local markets and attend music and theater performances, which provides practical language training opportunities. Students also enjoy a multi-day stay in another Moroccan city such as Fez or Marrakech.

Degree Level

Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Subject Areas

• Arabic
• Culture
• Intensive Language

Cost in US$:

Please check the CIEE website for current program pricing.

Program Fees Include:

The CIEE fee includes an optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, tuition, housing and most meals, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, 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 Arrangements

• Home-stays

Participants Travel

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.

Year Founded

1947