Study Abroad in Morocco

Find study abroad programs in Morocco!

Morocco, whose full Arabic name translates to "The Western Kingdom," is an exciting and accessible study abroad destination. Among the bustling souks, fertile valleys, sun-soaked beaches and snow-capped mountains, students will discover 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.

Rabat, the bustling political capital of Morocco, is home to Mohammed V University-Agdal, the country's first modern higher education institution. Amideast, in partnership with Mohammed V University, offers an undergraduate semester program in the social sciences and humanities, taught in English and complimented with specialized French-and Arabic-language courses. The program also includes excursions, internships and service-learning opportunities.

The Center for Cross-Cultural Learning is located in the 'old city' or medina of Rabat, and offers language programs in Fus'ha (Standard Arabic) and Darija (Moroccan Arabic). Study of Moroccan, Arabic and Islamic culture is combined with homestays and cultural activities.

Considered to be Morocco's most important museum, Rabat's Archaeological Museum has an exceptional collection of Roman-era bronzes. Also in Rabat are the remains of an unfinished mosque and accompanying Hassan Tower, intended to be largest in the world when they were started in 12th century AD. Students of archaeology, architectural studies and history must also visit Chellah, a site of ancient and medieval ruins on the outskirts of Rabat.

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.

The focal point of Fez is the medina, an intricate maze of nearly 10,000 winding alleyways where pedestrians give way to horses and donkeys delivering goods to the souks. Housed in a large villa, the Arabic Language Institute is the ideal setting for exploring this historic area. ALI offers three- and six-week courses in all levels of Modern Standard Arabic and Colloquial Moroccan Arabic. The Al-Karaouine University in Fez, founded in 859, is considered to be the oldest continuously operating university in the world.

Meknes, once the capital of Morocco, is filled with many mosques, palaces and gardens. It's much quieter than Fez, its main attraction is the 17th century imperial headquarters of Moulay Ismail, the second ruler of the Alaouite Dynasty. The Moulay Ismail University is one of Morocco's newest higher education institutions, and offers courses in a variety of fields, including architecture, art history, gender, interreligious/interethnic relations, political science, languages and linguistics.

Set against the backdrop of the Rif Mountains is the small city of Tétouan. Students can easily immerse themselves in the local culture, with close access to some of the most beautiful beaches found on the Mediterranean. Dar Loughat-Cross-Cultural Language Center provides intensive courses in Modern and Colloquial Arabic, and North African and Middle Eastern studies.

During the hot summer months, Moroccans flock to Ifrane, in the Middle Atlas region, as the surrounding cedar and oak forests make it a relatively cool city. The town does host a large student population year-round, however. Al Akhawayn University, a campus of Alpine-style chalets and squares on several acres, is Morocco's only English-speaking university. Undergraduate and graduate study abroad students can pursue programs in the arts and sciences, including Islamic and North African studies.

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, singers and sorcerers. 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.

ONLINE RESOURCES
IIEPassport.org: www.IIEPassport.org
Study Abroad Funding: www.StudyAbroadFunding.org
Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program: www.iie.org/gilman
AMIDEAST: www.amideast.org
U.S. Embassy, Rabat, Morocco: rabat.usembassy.gov

Find study abroad programs in Morocco!

Find study abroad scholarships in Morocco.

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