Arabic Language Schools in Morocco

Morocco is home to a great deal of striking diversity. In the north you can find beaches and lush forests contrasted by the mountains and Sahara desert in the south. Whether you prefer to be on the coast or up in the mountains, you will find the perfect city in Morocco to learn Arabic. The official languages of Morocco are Arabic and Amazigh (also known as Berber), but each city has developed their own spoken vernacular known as Darija. While locals throughout Morocco know Arabic, you will have a different experience with Arabic dialects depending on which city you select.

Rabat. The capital of Morocco is an obvious choice for many travelers. Though not the biggest city in Morocco (that title goes to Casablanca), Rabat is a major political, business, and administrative hub. Located in northwest Morocco along the Atlantic Ocean, Rabat is home to historical sites dating back to the Roman and Almohad eras. The Medina (old town) is one of UNESCO’s World Heritage sites and is marked by a stark contrast between Muslim history and Western modernism. This is an excellent place to take intensive Arabic classes in Morocco due to the strong cultural ties to historical Arabic and access to numerous language programs to fit your individual needs. Be careful not to slip into your native tongue in this international city, and know that many major businesses and corporations in Rabat utilize French instead of Arabic.

Tétouan. Just south of the Strait of GIbraltar, only an hour ferry ride from Spain, is the port city Tétouan. With a perfect mix of sandy beaches, soaring mountains, wide reaching orchards, and the Mediterranean Sea, Tétouan has been home to a variety of different religions and cultures. With a strong Spanish influence due to colonization, Tétouan is known for its architecture resembling the Alhambra in Granada. The Medina of Tétouan is also on UNESCO’s World Heritage List thanks to the lively squares, 15th century buildings, and detailed houses. Several different forms of Arabic are spoken on a daily basis here in addition to Spanish and French. Learning Arabic in Tétouan is a unique experience that will provide you with insight into unique dialects of Arabic while also allowing you to learn more traditional Arabic.

Fez. The former capital city of Morocco, and current capital of the Fes-Meknes administrative region, Fez is the second largest city in Morocco. You will find yourself surrounded by the Atlas mountains and expansive pedestrian zones that host a continually bustling street life in the tight compact alleys. Home to the oldest continually operating university in the world and two Medina’s, Fez has impressive walled cities, labyrinths, and gardens that landed it on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. This massive city is a great place to learn Arabic in Morocco because there are numerous opportunities to learn either Moroccan colloquial Arabic or Modern Standard Arabic.

Tangier. In northwest Morocco, near the Strait of Gibraltar, is the third largest city in Morocco: Tangier.  Thanks to its proximity to Spain, Tangier is a popular spot for day visitors and tourists. With rapid development and modernization, there is a beautiful juxtaposition between modernity and historical cultures. Tangier is known for its beautiful leather, wood, and silver working along with traditional Moroccan clothing and shoes. The colloquial version of Arabic most commonly spoken in Tangier is influenced heavily by Spanish and is different from the rest of Morocco. French is commonly used in universities and businesses along with English and Spanish in tourist areas.

No matter how you prefer to learn, you will find Arabic language programs in Morocco that suit your needs and set you on the path towards fluency. There are options for one-on-one language sessions, small group lessons, and university classes that broach a wide array of topics. Language schools are widely available and flexible, immersion programs are intensive but set you up for fluency in a short amount of time, and university courses offer you class credit and a variety of course options.

Language Schools. A popular option for learning Arabic in Morocco, language schools are available in most cities. Classes are taught either individually or in small groups and are available in beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels. Most programs have you commit to 15-20 hours of Arabic language courses a week for anywhere between a few weeks to several months. You usually have the choice between standard programs and intensive programs depending on how much time you want to spend in the classroom. Many companies arrange for you to live with a host family during your Arabic classes in order to augment your language learning.You also will generally have the option to live in an apartment or school dormitories, and though private, these living arrangements can hinder your Arabic progress.

Immersion Programs. If you are looking to work hard and be rewarded with fluency in Arabic, you should consider an immersion program. Lasting between two weeks and several months, immersion programs cram a full year of language classes into a short period of time. Appropriate for all levels of Arabic, immersion programs are tailored to your individual language proficiency. Expect to take around 30 classes a week (six classes a day, five days a week) in either a one-on-one or group setting. Typically immersion programs help connect you with a homestay, apartment, or hotel. Living in a homestay will give you the extra push to fluency by forcing you to practice Arabic not only at school, but at home too.

University Courses. Learning Arabic in Morocco is beneficial in and of itself, but if you’re looking for some extra incentive, university courses typically offer college credit. Available to students of any Arabic level, university courses can last as short as a a few weeks or as long as a semester or even an academic year. Rather than only taking Arabic language courses, you will usually be able to take many other types of classes to help you learn more about Moroccan art, culture, and history. While taking Arabic classes, it is common to live with a host family although some programs have the option for group apartment living. Living in a homestay is an important choice should you choose to take university classes, because the academic setting will surround you with people from all over the world who may tempt you to speak in your native tongue.

Arabic is known to be an exceptionally difficult language for people to learn. As if learning to speak and understand wasn’t hard enough, it also uses a totally different writing system. Luckily, written Arabic differs greatly from the Arabic that is spoken on a daily basis and it is not always necessary to learn how to write.

Morocco has two official languages: Modern Standard Arabic and Amazigh (Berber). Moroccans are taught standard Arabic at school and utilize it in business, literature, culture, and writing. Derived from the Classical Arabic of early Islam, Modern Standard Arabic is hardly ever used in day to day conversations. Moroccans have developed what is known as Moroccan Arabic, or Darija, which is the colloquial spoken Arabic. 

The Darija dialect is a unique form of Arabic largely influenced by Berber, French, and Spanish. Marked by short vowels and long strings of consonants, Moroccan Arabic is similar to Algerian Arabic. Though hardly ever written, Darija is the most commonly used language in Morocco, differing slightly city to city. Most language programs give you the choice to learn either Modern Standard Arabic or Moroccan Arabic, depending on which is more applicable to your goals and desires.

Mix of Cultures. Thanks to Morocco’s location, it has hosted a mix of different people and cultures over the years. Still a popular spot for tourists from around the world, you will not only see the mix of cultures in Morocco’s beautiful architecture but also in the people. From France to Spain to Moors and beyond, you will have the chance to explore ancient history while getting to know people from many different backgrounds.

Cultural Assimilation. Due to the difficulty of attending Arabic language schools in Morocco, most programs place you in a homestay. Living with a host family is not only the best way to be pushed closer towards fluency, but is also a great way to learn Moroccan culture first hand. You will taste all the local delicacies, participate in the daily lives of a Moroccan family, and glimpse a world completely different from your own.

Language. With numerous dialects and a completely different alphabet, you will have to dedicate a lot of time and energy to learning Arabic in Morocco. If you can push through the difficulty, you will be rewarded with knowing what is considered a global language.

If you’re going to take on the challenge of taking Arabic classes, you deserve to enjoy where you’re learning! No matter what city or type of school you end up in, your language skills are going to soar and your quest for adventure will be fulfilled.