Description

Wandering through ancient Moroccan markets that lie within historic walls of city medinas, you are sure to think that you’ve entered another time. Carefully balanced mounds of spices – red, green, brown and deep ochre – flank narrow paths that wend through a labyrinthine souq (or market place). Hiking along ancient trade routes and current nomadic enclaves, we experience a Morocco that few travelers encounter. Our time in remote villages immerses students in Morocco's unrivaled hospitality; families welcome us as kin and our tea cups are never be empty. In the imperial cities of Fes and Marrakesh, the sounds of people bargaining in Arabic fill your ears as the smells of exotic spices fill your nose. Surrounded by such an onslaught to the senses, it is difficult to remember that just a few hours hike will bring you to mud huts in the mountains. Though Morocco shows us a land of great differences, we come to see how devotion to Islam unites the Amazigh and the Arab. Our time in Morocco provides us wonderful opportunities to learn about the history and tradition of Islam and Muslim culture. Whether outside an intricately decorated mosque in Casablanca or walking an unpaved road in a quiet mountain town, we are always assured of hearing the Call to Prayer, and are reminded five times a day that among the vastly disparate lives of Morocco's people, Islamic culture, faith and devotion continues to bring families and communities together as it has for the last 1300 years.

Highlights

Following is a sample itinerary for Dragons Morocco: Crossroads of Mountains and Faith Summer Abroad Program. Our sample itineraries are based on past courses; in order to meet instructor team goals, as well as the goals and interests of particular student groups, future itineraries are subject to change.

Week One:
Fly into Marrakesh and explore the heart of the south of Morocco. Head to the hospitable mountain village of Amghrass, located just south of Marrakesh. Begin language study, introduction to Moroccan culture, and exploration of Islamic belief in this traditional village. Day-hike in the spectacular foothills of the High Atlas mountains and explore the nearby market village of Amzamiz.

Week Two:
Wind out of the Grand Atlas Mountains and begin your 4 day home stay in the bustling medina, walled old city, of Rabat-the kingdom’s capital city. Experience urban life and family dynamics during the evenings and come together as a group during the daytime to continue language practice, hear from local development experts, participate in service projects, begin your Independent Study Projects, and see the religious sites of this world-renowned city. Say goodbye to your host-family and travel to a cool, breezy town in the Middle Atlas Mountains; once a major stopping point for traders traveling between the Sahara Desert and the Mediterranean.

Week Three:
Travel by taxi, bus, and local van south-west to Imilchil, home of the Ait Hadidu Berber tribe, situated in the Eastern High Atlas National Park. Spend a week exploring the largest chain of mountains in North Africa as you hike through an area almost untouched by tourists- beginning in the eastern tip and ending in the heart of the High Atlas Mountains. Encounter some of the most remote villages in Morocco as well as communities of nomads who tend their flocks in these canyons during the summer. Experience the raw beauty of sandstone plateaus and canyons during our morning hikes and continue to learn more about Morocco and its people during our afternoon lessons. Possible visit to some of the few natural lakes in North Africa; the legendary lakes of Tislit (bride) and Isli (groom).

Weeks Four:
Enjoy a 5-day home-stay in a small village near Qelaat M'Gouna and the Valley of the Roses. Learn about traditional Amazigh (indigenous people of North Africa) life, while you live in simple mud homes and learn to cook, tend the fields, or shop at the weekly market with your host families. Experience the unforgettable bathing experience in a local hamman, attend a rural wedding, visit a local artisan cooperative, explore Islam in daily life, work intensively on your ISPs, and volunteer with a local development association.

Week Five:
To Be Determined: Perhaps you will climb the highest mountain in North Africa, study with traditional artists, or arrange a caravan in the mystical Sahara desert. Based on your interests, your instructors will design a travel challenge for your group. You will work collaboratively with your fellow students to demonstrate and perform the travel and leadership skills you have developed over the last four weeks.

Week Six:
Unwind with a few days amid the crystal blue waters along the Atlantic coast or another tranquil location of the group’s choice. Present Independent Study Projects, reflect together about last 5 weeks journeying through Morocco, and prepare yourself for your return home. Circle back to Marrakesh for a last exploration of exciting souq (markets) and to fly home.

Travel Types

• 4th World Studies
• Camping
• Cooking
• Environmental Studies
• Overland Tours
• Nature Tours
• Native Culture Studies
• Volunteering
• Trekking

Type of Programs

• High School Study Abroad
• Adventure Travel
• Community Service / Volunteerism
• Language Immersion
• Cultural Exploration

Languages

• Arabic

Subject Areas

Cost in US$:

6,600

Program Fees Include:

Tuition includes everything except international flight medical insurance and small personal expenses (personal calls home personal snacks aside from meals laundry services, email/internet cafes, etc.)

Experience Required

no

This Program is open to

American, European, Canadian, Australian, South African, Kiwi, Worldwide and Asian Participants.

Participants Travel

in Groups

Typically Participants Work

in Groups

Application Process Involves

• Written Application
• Letters of Reference
• Phone/Video Interview
• Physical Exam/Health Records

Typically The Application Process Time is

1 week

Where There Be Dragons's Mission Statement

Dragons programs are authentic, rugged and profound learning adventures that expose the beautiful and complex realities of the countries in which we travel. Featuring extended itineraries, Dragons programs encourage deep immersion into strikingly different physical and cultural landscapes, combining the best in experiential education, travel, service learning, and physically and intellectually challenging experiences. While programs vary in their focus - with some trekking and wilderness intensive, others strong on service and development studies, and still others language-oriented - all Dragons journeys are designed above all else to be fun, safe and honest educational experiences.

Year Founded

1993