Semester Abroad Programs in Morocco

Morocco, whose full Arabic name translates to "The Western Kingdom," is an exciting study abroad destination. Among the lively souks, fertile valleys, sun-soaked beaches and snow-capped mountains, students will notice a warm and welcoming society functioning at the intersection of Arab, European and African culture.

Ruled at one time or another by the Berbers, Romans, Byzantine Greeks, Arabs, Portuguese, Spanish and French, Morocco has formed its identity through centuries of interaction with the outside world. Situated in the northwest corner of Africa, Morocco marks the point where the Mediterranean and Atlantic Oceans meet. Morocco is the only African country that is not currently a member of the African Union, and is instead a member of the Arab League. Though Arabic is the official language, French and Berber are also widely spoken.

Fez, Morocco's cultural, religious and culinary capital, is divided into three parts - Ville Nouvelle, the colonial-era French section; Fes el Jedid or new Fez, home to the Mellah or Jewish Quarter; and Fes el Bali, the old walled city where half of the city's population still resides. The spectacular view of the city from the Merenid Tombs on the northern rim will dazzle visiting students.

Casablanca, a modern metropolis, is Morocco's largest city and industrial and commercial capital. Once a Portuguese military fortress and later part of Spain in the 16th century, Casablanca's name comes from the Spanish translation of Dar el Beida, which means "white house" in Arabic. In addition to its Hollywood notoriety, Casablanca is famous for its Art Deco and Art Nouveau architecture.

In the enchanting city of Marrakesh, however, it seems that time has been suspended. At night, the town square of Djemaa el Fna erupts with dancers, snake charmers, acrobats and singers. Marrakesh's centerpiece is the minaret of the Koutoubia Mosque. Rising 203 feet into the air, it is the focal point of the city and a stunning example of mosque architecture.

Few countries offer such a glorious array of natural and cultural wonders as Morocco. For students seeking an experience in a region that is at once timeless and central to our evolving global society, Morocco offers unparalleled opportunities.

AMIDEAST Education Abroad Programs in Morocco

The AMIDEAST Education Abroad Programs in Morocco provide students with two opportunities - a semester/academic year program and a summer intensive modern standard Arabic program. Both provide students the opportunity to immerse themselves in a fascinating culture. The semester/academic year program offers instruction in Modern Standard Arabic and Moroccan Arabic, as well as a diverse set of non-language courses. Students in the program live either with Arabic-speaking Moroccan families or in a private Moroccan student residence hall and attend their classes both at AMIDEAST's facilities in the bustling Agdal area of the city and in the buildings of AMIDEAST's partner, the College of Letters and Humanities of Mohammed V University - Agdal, near the Royal Palace. Courses are taught by English-speaking Moroccan faculty members from the University and other universities in Rabat and neighboring cities. Intensive Arabic program students live with Arabic-speaking Moroccan families and attend classes in AMIDEAST's facilities in Agdal.

The semester/academic year program also includes the following features:

• Week-long orientation program on arrival in Rabat
• Field Trips to sites in Rabat and throughout Morocco, including Marrakesh and Fez
• Language exchange partners program with Moroccan students
• Facilitated Moroccan-American Student Dialogue sessions with Moroccan students
• Service-learning and internships

For more information about these programs, as well as other AMIDEAST programs in the Arab World, please visit www.amideast.org/abroad.