Arabic Study Abroad Programs in Rabat, Morocco

One of the best parts of my study abroad experience was my homestay. They made sure I had everything I needed and were committed to helping me learn Arabic. They would help me with my homework and provide me with different opportunities to practice my language skills at home.

My experience studying with IES Abroad in Rabat was truly life changing! The small and tightly-knit community that formed here amongst students, program staff, and faculty, as well as our loving and hospitable host families, contributed to a warm, inclusive, and welcoming environment. IES staff went above and beyond to ensure my classmates and I felt supported and safe, and enjoyed our experiences in Morocco. Navigating culture shock and language barriers became much more doable and fulfilling with the preparation IES gave us. Our classes were rigorous yet enjoyable, with many opportunities for students to expand their knowledge in fields of interest to them. Additionally, weekly cultural activities and field trips ensured that we saw many perspectives of life in our host country, while also becoming immersed in Moroccan culture. Without a doubt, I would recommend IES Rabat to any students looking for an immersive and exciting study abroad experience different from a typical exchange semester.

One of the best part of IES Abroad's program in Rabat, Morocco is how immersed you become in Morocco and its culture, even to the point where waiters will tell you in Darija that you're "100% Moroccan" by the end of your program! The courses in Modern Standard Arabic and Moroccan Arabic (Darija) induce an almost exponential growth in your language abilities, while our elective courses taught in French help you with the lingua franca of this linguistically diverse country. Then, the weekly cultural activities show you the diverse identities in Morocco such as the indigenous Amazigh nations and the Sahraoui peoples through food, dress, art, and music. Our field trips take you all over the country, and even to our Spanish neighbor to show you the expansive culture and influences of the Maghreb. Finally, I also had the amazing opportunity to intern with the Moroccan Fulbright Commission during my time in Morocco, where I got to develop my interests in international education and gain some priceless professional development and experience. Overall, I found myself fully entrenched in Morocco, especially while living with my loving host family for the entire year, and now I can confidently call Rabat my home away from home.

As an Arabic and French speaker, I firmly believe the significance and indispensability of cultural exchange. Being a Chinese provides me a different lens in observing from an “outsider’s” view toward the Islamic world fused with heterogeneity and diversity, either in terms of languages or cultures of social domains. My main objective is to uproot Eurocentric and essentialist viewpoint toward the Third World, Morocco in particular. Both language courses and area studies courses have equipped me with manifold lenses of experiencing and contemplating. Even general history courses of Africa and Morocco taught in French could be intriguing in its wide scope and focused attitude toward the inter-cultural and intra-cultural reflections. Doubtlessly, a year in Morocco has offered me a unique and wonderful time frames in shaping myself in perceiving the Islamicate arena at large. Languages are merely tools for their insights but worthwhile upholding the multilingual perspectives in delving deeper into the Arabs!

The only words to describe the experience was life changing. Incredible staff, interesting course topics, and an even better host family. Adjusting is a little challenging but so so worth it. As a woman I often felt safer in Rabat than in the US. I got very close to my host family, and the other students in the program become your extended family, too. One of the fondest memories of my life.

My study abroad in Rabat, Morocco was unlike any academic or cultural experience I'd ever had before. In a city rich with religion, language, and life, the history and culture of Morocco were embedded into every corner, every view and every interaction I had. Along with taking relevant courses on North African politics, North African cultural identities, and media in the Middle East, all taught by Moroccan professors, my study abroad experience was enhanced through my experience living with a host family, and the relationship I cultivated with them throughout my four months in Rabat. IES Abroad Rabat also did a fantastic job of hosting weekly cultural events and organized numerous group trips to different cities and regions across Morocco; some of my favorites included Chefchaouen and the Sahara Desert! This experience not only allowed me to further explore academic interests in North African post-colonial politics but also develop personal ties in the exploration of potential career paths that could take me back to Morocco.

While I knew I wanted to go to Morocco to study abroad, I was stuck choosing between two extremely prominent, strong programs, with IES being one of them. I had all but settled on the other option when I found IES, and began to explore the website. From its online presence alone, IES stood out as a transparent, direct program that provided students with the aid and information needed to successfully study abroad; ultimately, this was what swayed me to choose IES. The communication and willingness to help students by IES only got better when I arrived in Rabat. Although I had wanted a bit more pre-departure information regarding class schedules, etc. it became clear once I arrived that some information was inherently difficult to provide, especially with housing in the medina (Rabat’s old city). However, we were taken care of every step of the way. The professors, regardless of their subjects, were always willing to help us understand different topics (even if they weren’t a part of their class!) and were so great about giving travel tips, study tips, or even just to talk about course material more conversationally. They were so eager to help and really, genuinely cared about our learning experiences. This goes beyond the professors, though, to the staff as well. Our coordinator worked (literally) day and night to make sure we were always doing okay, from having check-in meetings, to homstay inspections, to always responding to our WhatsApp messages, to even just having an open door policy where students felt comfortable walking into her office to talk. Our experiences in Morocco were improved a thousand times over because of her hard work, which often went hand in hand with the director’s work. Although he was always really busy, he always found a moment to help us out, even with figuring out travel plans. The faculty and staff at IES Rabat played a huge role in helping us feel comfortable during our time in Morocco. Beyond school though, Morocco could not have been more beautiful, or more inviting, if it had tried. Although the bustle from the walk to and from school was overwhelming at first, it soon became comforting to hear shop owners calling out their prices as food sizzled on grills in the background. We laughed with taxi drivers, bargained with shop owners, and bantered with the waiters at our regular cafe in a way that I never could have expected. I’m still so grateful for the way Morocco welcomed us, and for how its people, and especially my host family, extended their hospitality through food, sarcastic (but loving) jokes, and joy at our immersion in the culture. The people enriched every single experience, from camel rides through the Sahara to driving tours in the peninsula of Dakhla. When I think of the times I miss in Morocco, I find that what I miss most is the people that were there, and how they made each memory so much better. I don’t think I’ll ever know how to fully show my appreciation for my time in Morocco, but I do know that I’ve been home for over a month, and I still think about its beauty every day. I can’t recommend this program, or this country, enough as one of the most rewarding places to study abroad and learn about so many different topics that are rarely discussed in the Western world. I can never thank IES enough, and I know that someday I’ll be back in Morocco to adventure (and eat so much tagine) again.

My time at IES Rabat was a quality experience, getting to live with a host family and enjoy the immersion into the culture. There was something highly rewarding about implementing my Arabic learning in a true environment. Though Rabat is at times not the most lively city, it was a good introductory city that was not very overwhelming, even given the cultural differences.

Rabat, Morocco was not the first place I thought I'd be when studying abroad in Spring. But it was the place that brought forth everything I was looking for in a study abroad experience. 1) I wanted a cultural encompassment. I wanted to learn from a perspective outside of the Western scenario I’d grown up in all my life. How does a little difference highlight the gems of human life? How does it question our unquestioned habits? In Morocco I learned that difference is the warmest reason for people to reach out and connect to each other. A little willingness to speak Darija, the local dialect, and every Moroccan I met wanted to have a conversation. My host family was my real family, with astounding hospitality I could never have expected. The religion I most often heard about in news allegations at home became a cultural foundation rich in history, art, science, and morality. 2) I wanted a vibrant experience. To see lots of color, pleasing architecture, and varied nature surroundings. To taste delicious food as the true foodie I am. To surround myself in beautiful difference as loud as my senses could experience. In Rabat, I met the land of color. Where every wall, floor, and pillow can be a different pattern and official buildings were never bland. If you love food, you will LOVE Rabat. My host mom prepared every meal for her family and encouraged me to try new things. My walk home was a path of temptation from bakeries, sandwich shops, smoothie stands, fresh fruit carts. The U.S. dollar was worth about 9 Moroccan Dirhams, adding to how inexpensive it was to eat. I could enjoy a restaurant meal and dessert for less than 10 USD. 3) Coming from a wintery U.S. university, I wanted to be warm by the beach! Welcome to Rabat, where a jacket will do from January to April, and May was finally warm enough spend a day at by the water. Being so close to the ocean was amazing! If you study here, be sure to take advantage of the view, the sunscapes, soccer on the beach, and more. 4) I wanted travel opportunities and the chance for all kinds of cities and nature. Who knew Morocco is a gradient of desert, mountain, and forest terrains. Rabat’s location was excellent for reaching well known Moroccan cities for under $40 both ways. The ONCF train system made it very easy to travel. There was a train station only about a 15 minute walk from the IES center. Once in a city, I could stay in a hostel for $10 a night or split an Airbnb with friends. 5) Probably my BIGGEST reason for studying abroad was language-related. I wanted to continue learning French with native speakers. Living in Morocco meant I could start learning standard Arabic, another language goal of mine. Here I could see what it was like to live in a society where most people speak about three languages. The language dynamics and feeling on multilingualism was amazing. Moroccans were so encouraging to non-native speakers who tried to communicate. Morocco is rewarding place to learn a new language if you’re nervous about practicing. For learning standard Arabic with no prior experience, this program was a gift. I had one of the best professors who was patient, determined, and informative of the language. I communicated in French with my host family, took three classes in French (1 was at the local university), and sometimes used French to talk to barter or order food. Overall, I began to feel like Darija was the language of choice for the Moroccans I encountered. My host family spoke with each other in Darija, and not every Moroccan spoke French, which was often treated as a more academic or prestigious language. I was surrounded by both French and Arabic writing. I wouldn’t say Morocco is the best place to learn French if you want to really engage with the people there. It was a good place to practice using the French I already knew with confidence. In this way, I know I improved in my pragmatic French skills. I would still like to live somewhere where I had no choice but to speak French with locals all the time. ~~~And that is why I give a grateful shout-out to the Everything that Morocco brought me. Before ending, another subject I can touch on is my academic experience. I took 3 courses including the double-credit Arabic course, I audited 1 course, and I attended a university course in French that began later in the semester. The workload was manageable enough to travel or explore most weekends, but I did feel busy studying every week day. There was not as much work as I expected in similar subjects at my home university, but the subject material always seemed to permeate my day to day life, and time to learn outside of the classroom was much needed. If you’re heart is set on taking a university course with local students, just keep in mind that the University schedule doesn’t always work out with the IES course schedule. The limited options and university timing changes meant that not all students were able to do so.

This past summer, I traveled with IES Abroad to Morocco for a seven-week intensive language program. Overall, the experience was terrific and I would highly recommend it. The biggest strength of this program is its cultural and linguistic immersion, with classes taught solely in the focus language and an important homestay and cultural activity component. Before departure, the information provided seemed a bit sparse, but upon arrival it became clear that things like homestay address were inherently difficult to provide - due to the simple reason that many of the program's homestays had no codified address. Upon arrival, the staff was very helpful with cultural integration and navigating the new locale. Academically, the language-intensive program was very beneficial. The Modern Standard professors were excellent at teaching Arabic to English-speaking learners. The homestay structure was incredibly useful for learning the language as well. Overall, I would highly recommend this program.

Experiencing Morocco with IES Abroad was life-changing to say the least. From pairing me with the most wonderful host family imaginable to arranging immersive travel experiences, I was consistently impressed with the program. The staff at the IES Center in Rabat were welcoming and ready to help whenever we needed it. They also went to great lengths to have genuine connections with my fellow students and me throughout our time in Morocco, helping us to feel comfortable enough to ask questions and seek advice. On the administrative end of things, IES made every aspect of the experience really easy to understand. From the moment I submitted my application, a very coordinated system of knowledgeable people made sure that I was always in the know about scholarship opportunities, deadlines, updates, safety information, and useful tips. Moreover, IES offers plentiful opportunities to go above and beyond the regular program structure through opportunities to participate in internships, take classes at the local university, and research.

Everyone should study abroad if possible. Life changing. I loved SIT's field learning curriculum. We went on several fun excursions throughout Morocco and really immersed ourselves into the culture. SIT is unlike many other programs that are similar to going to college at home. We did most of our learning outside of the classroom.

From the thorough orientation in Meknes to the ultimate trip to the Sahara Desert, IES Study Abroad in Rabat is an underestimated gem of a study abroad experience. Our program staff was wonderful and dedicated to helping us transition in orientation, and making sure they provided cultural activities for the students. The IES Abroad Center becomes a home away from home and a comfortable space, where all the students of the program study, work, hang out, exercise and bond. Every day was an adventure in Morocco, which was largely due to our homestay housing in the traditional Rabat Medina. The homestays, along with much of the program trips to Meknes, Volubilis, Fez, Merzhouga, Tangier, Chefchaouen, Asilah, and Spain, are planned with the goal of cultural immersion. Even a core component of the classes are geared toward exposing students to a deeper, richer, wider understanding of Moroccan culture. Morocco is still, for the most part, an unconventional location to study abroad and for that reason our program was relatively small, 33 students. This program is usually small, which sometimes can isolate us as a group because we don't interact with as many young Moroccans in college. Nevertheless, the program works on other ways for young Moroccans and Americans to meet. Furthermore, you still have the opportunity to do extensive travel while studying abroad in Rabat. The IES Program in Rabat is a convenient and well-placed city to base the Center. Although it may not be the most cosmopolitan city or have the most exciting nightlife, it is the capital of the country , which makes it a central hub for other cities in the country. Rabat and Casablanca also have cheap flights to European destinations and the lax visa policy for American passport holders makes traveling in and out of the country all the more easy. Above all, there is so much within Morocco itself, and about Moroccan culture and Moroccan people that cannot be written--it simply has to be experienced and embraced, just as Moroccans will embrace you. I recommend IES Abroad to everyone, it is hands down the BEST STUDY ABROAD SITE IN MOROCCO!

I loved this program, first and foremost because I absolutely loved my host family--they were so kind and welcoming, and they made this program for me. My host mother cooked delicious meals for us (my American roommate and me) and treated us like her own children. I loved hanging out with my little host brothers and meeting their friends. My host family brought us on outings to the beach and the medina (the old city) and the market, and we had movie nights together and ate dinner together every night. They included us in their holiday celebrations during Eid al-Fitr, which was an amazing experience. Living in Rabat turned out to be a wonderful experience, even if it's not the first typical destination you'd think of in Morocco--maybe that was why it was so great, it's not overrun by tourists. It's a fascinating mix of cultures--beautiful French architecture and restaurants leftover from the colonial era, and the medina and markets and Moroccan food--on the picturesque Atlantic coast. The city itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site! AMIDEAST is the reason I was able to have this amazing experience, and they do a fantastic job at running this program. Doha, the program manager, has been doing this forever, and she is like a kindly aunt that everyone just loves. AMIDEAST staff are very flexible and available to listen & help with the slightest problem you might have--like planning a trip or finding cold medicine. They bring the students on several excursions to different Moroccan cities like Fes, Meknes, Tangier, Chefchaouen, and Marrakech; those trips are a lot of fun. AMIDEAST also offers great courses--a good variety of political science, Middle Eastern culture, history, women's studies, etc.--and their Arabic classes are fantastic. I loved my Arabic professor and my language skills improved an incredible amount during my semester in Morocco. All in all, a fantastic experience!

Living and studying with IES in Rabat, Morocco for four months was one of the best eras of my life. I lived with a wonderful family who introduced me to Moroccan mint tea, miloui and couscous, who took me to visit cousins in neighboring towns and taught me Arab dances. My teachers at the IES Center went out of their way to make sure I understood Arabic grammar, had the vocabulary to watch Moroccan media coverage of conflicts in the Middle East and religious celebrations in North Africa. I was able to travel each weekend as far north as Granada, Spain, and as far south as Western Sahara. I shopped in the suq for vegetables with my host mother, saw snake charmers on the outskirts of a rap show in Meknes, visited women's associations in the Atlas Mountains. IES Rabat allowed me to return to the states with too many stories, too many strange souvenirs, and a beautiful new perspective.

I studied in Rabat for an entire academic year, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything! I took classes in French, took a class at University Mohammed V, learned basic Arabic, and learned so much about Moroccan culture and history. Spending the year seemed daunting in the beginning, but at the end of my first semester I was happy to be staying. I had finally gotten into the groove of things and that allowed me to get an even deeper, more fulfilling experience. I loved my host family, who I stayed with for the entire year and am still in contact with on a regular basis. I also enjoyed the exploring that I had the opportunity to do living in such a vibrant country in an amazing part of the world. I am glad I didn’t just pick any old French program and instead found myself with an interest in a part of the world I hadn’t known anything about before my adventure.

I spent the year with Amideast and couldn't be happier with my experience. The staff is incredibly helpful and knowledgeable with anything from helping you plan an awesome trip to the Sahara with your friends to finding you a doctor. I've studied abroad a few times and no one compares to Amideast when it comes to promoting cultural immersion and awareness. In addition to leading awesome cultural excursions and dialogues with Moroccan students, they also really encourage you to get out and explore Morocco on your own, something I didn't find to be true for many of Rabat's other programs. The courses were interesting, the professors were the top of their field in the region, and the class sizes were small. I improved a ton linguistically in both French and Arabic while there. Couldn't have had a better experience with Amideast and would highly recommend them!

I studied in Rabat, Morocco for three and a half months and it was the most unforgettable experience I’ve ever had. Morocco is different from anything I had ever known and even though it was intimidating at first, I felt one with the country and the people in no time. The IES staff was so great at getting us to be immersed in the culture and was always there for us if we did not understand something. The classes were very interesting and taught me a lot about Morocco’s culture, Islam and issues that concerned North Africa and the Middle East. There are even classes taught in French so that French speakers could improve their French language skills while learning Arabic. One of my favorite parts about the trip was my homestay. My host family was welcoming and treated me like their own daughter. My house was in the medina (the old city) where a lot of traditional families live which was very interesting to see every day. I was also near a lot of little shops, cafes and even the beach! I definitely recommend studying abroad in Morocco with IES because it was one of the best decisions of my life.

Studying in Rabat was one of the most profound experiences of my life. It gave me the opportunity to come to know an entirely different language, culture, and how much of a role religion plays in everyday life. It is impossible to compare this experience to our way of life back in the states, and if this is the intention you will be disappointed, but from the Atlas Mountains to the Sahara Desert to the numerous beach towns, this country offers so much adventure. Whether it is haggling for that jalaba in the souk or walking the blue streets of Chefchaouen, I have learned so much and met so many people that I could not and would not have come to know anywhere else. Don't get me wrong, it was definitely difficult at times, but I would not trade this experience or this time for anything else.

IES Abroad Rabat, Morocco provided one of the best semesters of my college experience. One of the great things about this program was the placement with two host families – one during orientation and one for the rest of the semester. The organization chose great families and homes for us to live with. My first family had the smallest home I’d ever seen, but they were kind and so very loving; my second family had the most beautiful home I’d ever seen but the family was less talkative. It was nice to have the chance to experience two different local families. IES places you about a 30-minute walk from their school. This walk to/from school was always very exciting, as you get to experience the old medina streets full of merchants and neighboring families, and the busy Rabat streets full of taxis and buses. IES also provided amazing organized excursions and field trips. I was able to camp in the Sahara Desert, spent a night with an Amazigh family in the Middle Atlas Mountains, and explore southern Spain. However, one downfall while abroad was when I became very ill from severe food poisoning. IES Rabat directors were very helpful in getting me the help I needed (from doctors and pharmacists) but also providing comfort and support during my recovery. It was one of the scariest moments of my life, but with their help, my study abroad semester was still incredibly amazing. I never learned so much, and I wish I could do it again. The only major downfall of this program was the lack of opportunities to meet local Moroccan students. Unless you opt to take a course at one of the local universities or have contacts of your own, it's very difficult to make local friends outside of your host family.