Internships in Morocco

A major port for many centuries, it’s easy to see Morocco’s global appeal. Steeped in a rich history, internships in Morocco offer individuals the opportunity to learn more about the Arabic and Islamic traditions that are shaping our interconnected world of today. The majority of internships in Morocco are offered in Rabat, however there are still competitive internships in Fez, Marrakech, Meknès, and Tangier too, and each city has a little slice of its own history to share with interns.

Fast-paced Rabat promises to teach interns about its history starting with their first taxi ride. You will undoubtedly find yourself immersed in conversation with the driver who will tell you to wander the streets of Rabat’s famous Kasbah les Oudais, colored in white and blues. For a slower pace, interns need look no further than the sandy beaches, just a ten-minute walk from the city center, that stretch all the way down to Casablanca. The core of Moroccan and international business, Rabat is the perfect city to participate in business, government, or human rights internships.

If you want a little more of a Western filter on your Moroccan experience, Marrakech is the place for you! A major tourist destination, it is a great city to pursue a hospitality or journalism internship in Morocco. Also home to the largest Berber market, interns will undoubtedly find snake charmers and henna masters, or merchants tempting CEOs and families on holiday with their brightly colored scarves and shinny metal teapots. Sit and enjoy a cup of sugary mint tea while people-watching for hours.

Fez, a charming city in the middle of the country, is home to one of the oldest universities in the world and the most intricate medinas. The Medina of Fes el-Bali, or “old Fez,” is the most visited area of the city; interns will enjoy wandering through its narrow streets, just beware of speeding motorbikes or the odd ambling donkey. Interns can experience the age-old tradition of the Hammam, a popular steam bath, something that has remained untouched by modern technology during their free time in Fez. But if bathing with strangers isn’t for you, we recommend a trip to the fabric district, where you can cover yourself in the softest Moroccan scarves in the world.

Morocco has some of the best NGOs in Northern Africa and is therefore a leader for internships in the areas of human rights, business, education, healthcare, and much more! Some internship placement providers even have partnerships with UN groups, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and Freedom House, among other major organizations, allowing interns to gain professional experience that will be recognized and valued around the world.

Human rights internships in Morocco are highly sought after, especially by future lawyers, government workers, and individuals seeking out careers in fields where international law experience is highly valued. Most human rights internship placements in Morocco offer a variety of hands-on experience, including working on campaign initiatives, policy building research, and fact-finding missions.

Business or marketing students will be able to take advantage of opportunities to work in the highly esteemed textile industry in Morocco, dissecting the Arab, Berber, French, and Spanish influences present in Moroccan textiles. There are business internship placements available all over the country, whether students desire big city life or a less crowded, smaller city atmosphere.

Healthcare internship placements in Morocco are highly competitive, as interns will often be given the opportunity to work directly in local clinics. Some medical internships in Morocco require interns to have previous experience in the field or significant educational background, as interns are given a high-degree of responsibility in placements.

Are you a business or marketing student interested in interning in the international port town of Rabat? Then our service learning internships are just for you! You will have a chance to work with the highly esteemed textile industry, dissecting the various Arab, Berber, French, and Spanish influences. For those interested in business, but would desiring a smaller city, Meknèz and it’s short four-week program are a perfect fit. Meknes is the perfect place to step back from the crowded city and take in the blend of Arab, Berber and French cultures that merge in Morocco.

The healthcare internships in Morocco are highly competitive but interns will be given the opportunity to work with clinics in Tangier who have internships open throughout the year. Another option is a medical internship in bustling Rabat. Experienced nurses or medical students can expect a high-degree of responsibility.

For those interested in building their language skills while interning in Morocco, there are internships offered in partnership with local universities that offer interns the opportunity to take courses in both Arabic and French alongside their placement. There are also internships that include TESOL or TEFL courses, which once certified will give interns the chance to potentially find employment in the highly competitive Moroccan job market after their internship.

A typical internship in Morocco lasts a minimum of four weeks, although the average program lasts three months, which is the recommended duration for those who want to get the most out of cultural and language immersion during their time in Morocco. Daily work hours will vary wildly, depending on the field and specific placement. Most internship placements in Morocco don’t require previous experience in the field (aside from the aforementioned medical internships). 

If you are eager to intern abroad in Morocco, there are a few things you should know. First off, most internships in Morocco are unpaid. Secondly, living in Morocco won’t be be like anything you’re used to. Interning in Morocco will be hard work; however, the prestige and hands-on experience you’ll gain, along with the incredible opportunities to network and potentially find jobs in NGOs or international non-profits after your internship, will be worth any number of challenges you face.

That being said, Morocco is an affordable country to live in, with a relatively low cost of living, especially compared to its European counterparts. Indulging in the local food, including tagine, will set you back only 35 MAD, or $3.50! For those interested in making the most of their time abroad, international and domestic transportation is easily accessible and flights in and out of nearby countries, including Spain and France, are cheaper than you’d think.

Most internships in Morocco offer interns homestay accommodation, providing interns with unique insight into Moroccan cultural practices and allowing them to take full advantage of language immersion opportunities. Living with a host family allows interns to build relationships with locals beyond their internship placements, and helps them feel more settled in their new home. If you are looking for more independence than a homestay may be able to offer, dormitories and apartments are also commonly provided housing options for those interning in larger cities. Dormitories offer interns the ability to meet fellow foreign interns, which can be both positive and negative, since it will limit language immersion but may also combat homesickness.

European and U.S. citizens do not need to obtain visas to intern in Morocco for less than 90 days. For internships in Morocco that last longer than 90 days, most placement providers or employers will assist you in obtaining the appropriate visa. If you decide you want to extend your stay past 90 days after arrival, you’ll simply need to inquire at your home country’s consulate in Morocco and they will help you extend your visa.

For the latest information on visas to Morocco, consult GoAbroad’s Moroccan Embassy Directory.

Religious Traditions. Morocco is an Islamic country, with the call to prayer happening five times a day and relatively conservative customs followed throughout the country, which can be off-putting to some. Just remember to view it as a culturally-enriching experience and be respectful of their traditions for the duration of your internship in Morocco.

Extreme Adventures. For interns looking for thrilling activities outside of their internship placements, there are many opportunities to get your adrenaline pumping in Morocco, including trekking the High Atlas mountains or heading to Taghazoute for surfing. Another popular, and recommended, adventure is camel riding in the Sahara Desert and sleeping under the stars. No matter what, don’t forget your camera!

Community Engagement. Morocco is a country filled with compassionate and interesting people, who love meeting students and travelers genuinely interested in their culture. All you need to do is sit down and share a pot of mint tea, and soon you’ll have life-long friends.

There are many exciting and enriching internships in Morocco to choose from, and once the culture shock wears off you’ll find yourself completely infatuated with the country and culture, we are sure of it!