Program Details
- Location:
- Rabat, Morocco
- Program Type:
- Study Abroad
- Degree Level:
- Undergraduate
- Term:
- Academic Year, Fall Semester, Spring Semester
Program Overview
- Program Description:
As you walk the boulevards of Rabat, it’s hard not to be enchanted by the mystery and tradition of this timeless city. From the bustling souqs (open-air markets) and energizing atmosphere of the city to the serenity of the nearby sea, Rabat is an ideal place to learn about the languages, cultures, and religions of North Africa and the Middle East.
Our curriculum focuses on North African, Middle Eastern, and Islamic Studies, and IES Abroad courses introduce you to the many influential forces shaping the fascinating history and compelling culture of Morocco. Cultural events organized by the IES Abroad Rabat Center, such as an elaborate Moroccan mock wedding ceremony, cooking classes, a henna party, and more, are all designed to help you better understand and integrate into this culture. You’ll have the opportunity to bond with your homestay family, as well, and perhaps even adopt a life-long obsession with couscous.
You’ll further dive into the fascinating culture of this North African nation as you learn Modern Standard Arabic with courses at the beginning, intermediate, and advanced levels. Learn Colloquial Modern Arabic to communicate with Moroccans, and if you have already taken advanced French, you can take French-taught area studies courses at the IES Abroad Center or at our partner institution, Université Mohammed V.
Rabat will be your classroom. Rich in cultural heritage and diversity, Morocco has been influenced by many different ethnic and religious groups that have settled in the country throughout its long history. Visit treasures like the Rabat Archaeological Museum, the Hassan Tower, and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V to see ancient artifacts and learn more about the Islamic cultural influences.
You can also add international work experience to your résumé while earning credit by participating in an internship placement—in either English, French, or Arabic—and accompanying English-taught academic seminar, all at no extra cost.
Additional Program Information
- Scholarships:
- Yes
- Scholarships Description:
- IES Abroad offers $5 million dollars in need- and merit-based scholarships and grants that can be used toward an IES Abroad study abroad program. Apply online using our universal Aid Application, and we’ll pair you with the scholarships and grants.
Program Reviews
Overall Rating
Based on 2 Reviews
- A Wonderful Challenge02/10/20
Morocco is rich in culture, language, and learning. My semester there with IES Rabat pushed me to think in new ways and step out of my comfort zone. I took a course at the University Mohammad V in Rabat which allowed me to learn about the university system
there, which is significantly more chaotic than in the United States! It also helped me fulfill my goals of taking as many courses in French as possible. The Moroccan faculty at IES Abroad are the top in their respective fields, whether that is literature, language, or religion, and they care about their students' wellbeing. My host family was wonderful, and I was able to foster a close relationship that I see lasting many years. Morocco contains so much history and knowledge that it was worth the daily exhaustion that comes from living in a culture different from the United States. We got to see different regions of the country through program-sponsored trips, and I particularly enjoyed the Sahara trip and seeing Volubilis, and ancient Roman city. IES also helped me get an internship at an AIDS hospital, which was an incredible learning experience and gave me another window into Moroccan culture. I will take this experience with me through the rest of my time in college and even into my career, as I gained invaluable intercultural skills and understanding.
read moreBottom Line:Yes, I would recommend this to a friend - Incredible academic and cultural experience!02/02/20
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 the opportunity to participate in a part-time internship with a local organization. Also, through my experience living with a host family and the relationship I cultivated with them, I was able to experience what felt like a more authentic reality and integration into the culture and customs of Morocco. IES Abroad Rabat did a fantastic job of hosting weekly cultural events and organized numerous group trips to different cities and regions across Morocco, including Tangier, Chefchaouen and the Sahara Desert!
read moreBottom Line:Yes, I would recommend this to a friend