Morocco Programs & Services

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AMIDEAST Education Abroad Program Morocco

AMIDEAST, in partnership with Mohammed V University-Agdal in Rabat, is pleased to offer a study abroad program for undergraduate students in Morocco. This semester program is four months in length and offers the opportunity to earn up to 17 academic credits.

The program consists of three major components:

1. Academic study at Mohammed V University-Agdal, including specialized Arabic and French language classes and courses in the social sciences and humanities taught in English
2. A homestay with a Moroccan family
3. Special activities such as excursions, community service and cultural activities, as well as optional internships
   

   Dates, Fees & Application
   Academics
   Activities
   Student Life
   Program Management
   Why Morocco?

DATES, FEES & APPLICATION

Fall 2008 semester dates:

Spring 2009 semester tentative dates:

Fall 2008 and Spring 2009 Fees (per semester):

Tuition Fees include 2-3 language courses, 1-3 social science/humanities courses, and textbooks

Program Fees include an all-inclusive one-week orientation, most meals, housing with a host family, excursions, supplementary lectures and special events.

Tuition and Fees do NOT cover:

• International airfare
• Travel or health insurance
• Local personal transportation
• Medical, communication, and other personal expenses
• Some meals

Application
Eligible applicants are:

• Enrolled at an accredited college or university and have completed one year of post-secondary study
• have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale); however, applications will be considered holistically
• Physically and emotionally prepared to spend four months in Morocco
• Willing to adapt to a new, potentially challenging environment

Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. If you would like to apply for the Fall 2008 semester, we urge you to complete your application as soon as possible, as well as contact an AMIDEAST staff member prior to submission.

• Download application (PDF)
• Download recommendation form (PDF)

For more information or to submit an application:

AMIDEAST Education Abroad Program in Morocco
1730 M Street, NW, Suite 1100
Washington, DC 20036
Phone: (202) 776-9614
Fax: (202) 776-7014
Email: MoroccoStudy@amideast.org

ACADEMICS

Courses
Courses are designed to increase students' knowledge of the modern Arab/Muslim world, specifically Morocco and the greater Maghreb. The interdisciplinary curriculum forms a comprehensive academic experience that is ideal for students majoring in Middle East studies, anthropology, sociology, history, religious studies, international studies, political science, comparative literary studies, and languages. Most courses will be taught, in English, on the campus of Mohammed V University-Agdal by distinguished members of the faculty. All instruction for social science and humanities courses is in English.

Language Courses (3-11 credits)

All students are required to enroll in Arabic.

Those with no previous Arabic language instruction will enroll in:

Beginning Arabic (6 credits): This course introduces students to the study of the Arabic language. Fundamental skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing are all covered. The emphasis is on spoken Moroccan Colloquial Arabic (MCA), however, the course also covers the Arabic alphabet and the structure of Modern Standard Arabic (MSA). Classes meet for 6 hours per week.

Students who have previously studied Arabic are required to enroll in:

Moroccan Colloquial Arabic (3 credits; required): Studying the local Arabic dialect is very important when living in an Arab country because dialects differ substantially from MSA and people do not communicate with each other in MSA. All students who have previously studied Arabic will enroll in MCA at a level commensurate with their previous study of Arabic.

Students who have previously studied Arabic may also enroll in Modern Standard Arabic at the level determined by a placement exam taken during the on-site orientation.

Intermediate Modern Standard Arabic (4 credits; elective): This course is equivalent to the second year of Modern Standard Arabic at US colleges and universities and is based on the Al-Kitaab textbook.

Advanced Modern Standard Arabic (4 credits; elective): This course is equivalent to the third year of Modern Standard Arabic at US colleges and universities.

Students who have previously studied French may choose to enroll in French:

French (4 credits; elective): Students wishing to enroll in French will be given a placement test on arrival and enrolled at the appropriate level. French courses will be offered at the intermediate and advanced levels only.

Students whose proficiency in French is beyond the advanced level may, through special arrangement, enroll in a directed study on Francophone Moroccan Literature or another topic of their choice (after consulting with the Academic Director); such students also may, by special arrangement, write papers and exams for area studies courses in French.

Social Science and Humanities Courses (3-9 credits)

Cities of the Islamic World (3 credits; required): Taught by one of the field's pre-eminent scholars, this course examines the impact of organized religion, specifically Islam, on the physical and social development of cities. Students will learn about the architecture of the Maghreb and the Middle East, the role of religion in urban and regional planning, and Islam's impact on the rise and decline of major Moroccan metropolises throughout history.

Anthropology of the Middle East and the Maghreb (3 credits; elective): Students will examine the major social issues impacting contemporary Morocco. The class focuses on such topics as gender and family, modernization in the political and economic arenas, urbanization versus rural development, and socioeconomic inequalities. Students will also examine Moroccan society in the context of its Arab-Islamic origins and the impact of Arab cultural identity on Moroccan national development.

Contemporary History of Morocco and North Africa (3 credits; elective): This course focuses on the evolution of modern Morocco, specifically Morocco's integration into the world system during the last two centuries and its influence on traditional society and state growth. Major topics include the traditional Moroccan society and state, Moroccan reactions to Western expansion, Morocco under colonial rule, the emergence of nationalism, politics and society after independence, and the Islamist revival.

Islam and the West (3 credits; elective): In this course students will examine the historical background of relations between Islam and Europe from the 7th century to the present in order for them to understand better the present debate over the Clash of Civilizations thesis. The initial Islamic expansion, the Crusades and the confrontation between the Ottoman Empire and the Habsburgs took place during an extended period that was also marked by major cultural exchanges in art, architecture, philosophy and other fields. Later, imperialism and colonization added new dimensions to the interaction and new forms of Islamic reform and extremism developed in response to growing materialism, the spread of European mores and values, and the imbalance of power between East and West from the 19th century on. The rise of al-Qaeda and the September 11, 2001 attacks once again hardened relations between the Islamic world and the West.

Issues in Contemporary Moroccan Culture (3 credits; elective): This course introduces visiting US-American students to the different facets of contemporary Moroccan culture. Being caught between the North and the South, the East and the West, Moroccan culture has embraced a wide diversity of cultural variants and has integrated them into a homegrown cultural hybrid. Pre-Islamic, African, Berber, European, and modern technological cultures have intermingled to create contemporary Moroccan society. This hybridizing process has resulted in a number of fascinating mixes and paradoxes (linguistic, cultural, religious, ethnic, political). Among the topics covered in this course are Moroccan traditional culture in the cyber age; current popular culture: religious rituals; youth culture; media culture of newspapers, T.V., and radio stations; the impact of modernization on Moroccan social practices; perceptions of time, space and the body; changes in the culture of womanhood; recent reforms in Morocco (education, women, human rights, labor laws); culture of dress, fashion, and traditional clothing; arts, music, and painting; intellectual production in different areas; the language question (Arabic, Amazigh, French, English…); and facing globalization: the Moroccans' conception of the past, the present, and the future (religious, cultural, philosophical, and political implications).

Institution
Founded in 1917 in Rabat, Mohammed V University-Agdal is Morocco's most prestigious public university. It has over 25,000 students in its various schools, and over 5,000 in its College of Letters and Humanities, where the study abroad program is located. Its faculty includes many of Morocco's pre-eminent scholars, while its students are among the most promising in the nation.

Mohammed V University-Agdal is an international academic leader, and is highly committed to the global exchange of ideas and people. In particular, it participates in a wide variety of bi-lateral and multi-lateral research initiatives, hosts visiting scholars from throughout the world, and works cooperatively with several international organizations, most notably the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The University is also home to a growing number of international students.

At Mohammed V University-Agdal, classes will be taught by a select group of Moroccan professors from the College of Letters and Humanities who have both fluency in English and experience teaching in English. The majority of participating faculty received post-graduate degrees from universities in North America and Europe.

ACTIVITIES

Exchange students during an excursion

Excursions
AMIDEAST Education Abroad Program students participate in two supervised excursions outside of Rabat to visit major cities and historical sites in Morocco. These trips are coordinated by AMIDEAST Morocco in conjunction with Mohammed V University-Agdal. Students are accompanied by a university professor. Organized outings are combined with limited free time, allowing students to explore independently within a safe and structured framework.

• Four days/three nights in Marrakesh, including a one-day excursion to a Berber village
• Three days/two nights in northern Morocco.
• An optional excursion to the desert (including one night in tents among dunes)

Special Opportunities
In addition to the academic program, the AMIDEAST Education Abroad Program in Morocco offers a variety of additional learning opportunities to enhance participants' study abroad experience.

• Internships: Students may apply for part-time, non-credit internships in businesses, international institutions, and non-governmental organizations in Rabat. AMIDEAST will match students to relevant organizations according to their skills and interests, coordinate the application process, and monitor the progress of the internship. (Note: internship placements are at the discretion of the host organization; placement is not guaranteed)
• Service-learning: AMIDEAST coordinates organized service-learning projects either for individual students or for larger groups. With many connections to a wide range of organizations in the region, AMIDEAST can adapt projects individual student interests to ensure a unique and satisfying service-learning experience.
• Cross-cultural learning: AMIDEAST and Mohammed V University-Agdal organizes a variety of cross-cultural learning opportunities. Ranging from meet-and-greets to formal presentations, these events give participants the chance to interact with Moroccan students, to learn more about Morocco, and to introduce others to American culture.

STUDENT LIFE

Exchange students with host mother

Housing
Students will participate in a homestay for the duration of the program, living with a Moroccan family in Rabat. AMIDEAST carefully selects host families from a database of qualified applicants. Participants are most often placed with families who have previous experience hosting American students through AMIDEAST. Few, if any, families speak English. The majority of them speak Arabic as a first language and are also fluent in French, while a minority speak Spanish or Berber as well.

AMIDEAST matches students with host families using a variety of criteria. While placement preferences are never guaranteed to be met, AMIDEAST will strive to make the best match to ensure a rewarding and pleasant living experience. In the event of a problem, AMIDEAST will be available to either mediate or arrange a new placement for the student.

Meals
Students will enjoy most of their daily meals with their Moroccan host families. The cost of meals during excursions are included in the general program fee.

Visas and Immigration
American citizens must present a valid passport, but they are not required to obtain a visa to travel to Morocco. Visitors may remain in Morocco for up to three months, after which time they must leave the country or apply for a residency permit. AMIDEAST will coordinate the visa extension process when necessary.

Orientation and Trouble-shooting
Upon arrival in Rabat, AMIDEAST Education Abroad Program students participate in an in-depth orientation designed to introduce them to Moroccan culture and daily life and familiarize them with the logistics of the program. Students will stay in a hotel during orientation, and will begin their homestays at the end of the first week. The orientation combines structured informational sessions with organized field trips to familiarize participants with the city of Rabat. Safety and health, family life in Morocco, cultural differences and culture shock, and other essential information is discussed, as well as program regulations and participant responsibilities. They also are introduced to their professors and to AMIDEAST support staff.

After the orientation, AMIDEAST staff is available to help students resolve any problems that might arise during their stay. With offices open seven days a week, AMIDEAST is always available to assist participants in any way necessary, whether they require a visit to a doctor, a change in host family, or simply a place to check their email.

PROGRAM MANAGEMENT

Photo credit: Kristin Barbee

The program is managed by AMIDEAST/Morocco in conjunction with AMIDEAST headquarters in Washington, D.C. AMIDEAST works collaboratively with Mohammed V University-Agdal to oversee the academic curriculum and implementation of the program. It also manages all logistical elements of the program, including an on-site orientation, homestay placement and supervision, arrangements for travel excursions, and the planning of special events and extra-curricular activities. Finally, AMIDEAST provides comprehensive support to both participants and administrators in the event of any problems or unusual circumstances.

America-Mideast Educational and Training Services, Inc. (AMIDEAST) was founded in 1951 and possesses a well-developed infrastructure, capacity, and institutional record of successful exchange programs rooted in more than five decades of in-region experience administering scholarships and exchanges on behalf of U.S. and Arab governments, private companies, and individuals.

Since 1979, AMIDEAST has been providing quality educational services in Morocco. With offices in Rabat and Casablanca, AMIDEAST reaches thousands of students and professionals annually through English and Arabic language courses, academic advising, standardized testing, and cultural exchange programs. AMIDEAST/Morocco has designed and administered numerous programs for youth, undergraduates, and educators, and has arranged homestays, transportation, excursions, community service, language training, professional meetings, and lectures. Some recent programs in which AMIDEAST has been involved include the following.

• Vassar College: For many years, AMIDEAST administered the Vassar College Semester in Morocco Program in conjunction with Mohammed V University-Agdal in Rabat. Every fall semester, between five and twelve American university students participated in this semester-long academic exchange, living with host families, attending classes at Mohammed V University-Agdal, and participating in travel excursions around the country.
• Yale University: During this two-week arts and culture study tour for university professors and high school teachers, AMIDEAST organized a specialized itinerary that included visits to artisan workshops, lectures and discussions, and guided tours of important cultural sites in five Moroccan cities.
• University of Washington: For this five-week exchange program for students of the University of Washington, AMIDEAST oversaw all arrangements, including host family placements, excursions, orientations, and other logistical concerns.
• One World Now!: Now in its fourth year, this community service program for high school students in Seattle, Washington, combines volunteer work, language learning, and cultural exchange in a three-week tour of Morocco. AMIDEAST oversees logistics, develops community service opportunities, and arranges meetings with Moroccan teenagers.
• University of Wisconsin Fulbright-Hays Program (July 2007). Amideast arranged for homestays in Rabat and organized a workshop for US K-12 teachers and Moroccan teachers of English with future high-school teacher-trainees.
• Norfolk State University (June 2007 and December 2007). Amideast arranged for homsestays, taught the group classes of Arabic (classical and dialectical), offered them cross-cultural lectures on Morocco, Islam, and Arab culture, and arranged for excusrsions to Fez and Marrakesh.
• George Mason University (January 2008). Amideast arranged for homestays, provided intensive classes in French for this French-oriented group, offered them lectures on Arabic culture and Islam and arranged for excursions to Fez and Marrakesh.

ACADEMIC STAFF

Dr. Mohammed Ezroura, Academic Director
Dr. Mohammed Ezroura is Professor of English and former Vice Dean of the College of Arts and Humanities, Mohammed V University-Agdal. He earned his PhD in Comparative Literature and Critical Theory from the University of British Columbia (Canada), his MA in the Sociology of Literature from Essex University (UK) and his undergraduate degree in English from Mohammed V University. He served for many years as resident director of the Vassar College study abroad program in Morocco and has been a visiting scholar or professor at the University of California, Santa Barbara, the American Studies Research Center in Hyderabad, India, University of British Columbia, University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee, Vassar College, Lincoln University, Connecticut College, Seoul National University (Korea), Cairo University (Egypt), Edinburgh University (UK) and Stirling University (UK).

Dr. Mohamed Aafif (Professor, Moroccan History)
Dr. Mohamed Aafif is Professor of History in the College of Arts and Humanities, Mohammed V University-Agdal. He earned his PhD in History at Mohammed V University-Agdal, MPhil in Anthropology at New York University, Master’s and undergraduate degrees at Mohammed V University in History and Geography respectively. He is a widely published scholar who has also translated important scholarly works on Morocco and Japan into Arabic. A Fulbright Scholar and a Japan Foundation Fellow, Dr. Aafif has been a visiting scholar and professor at Seikei University (Japan), Sophia University (Japan), University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee, University of Michigan, National Museum of Ethnology in Osaka (Japan), and Joensuu University (Finland).

Dr. Taoufik Agoumy (Professor, Islamic Cities)
Dr. Taoufik Agoumy is Professor of Geography in the College of Arts and Humanities, Mohammed V University-Agdal. He earned his PhD at Princeton University, a post-graduate degree at the University of Tours (France), and his undergraduate degree from Mohammed V University. He is a Fulbright Scholar who is widely published and has served as a visiting professor at Universität Bayreuth (Germany), Princeton University, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid (Spain), Technischen Universität München (Germany) and the University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee.

Dr. Ettibari Bouasla (Professor, Anthropology and Sociology of Morocco)
Dr. Ettibari Bouasla is Professor of Sociology in the College of Arts and Humanities, Mohammed V University-Agdal. He earned his PhD at the University of East Anglia (UK), a post-graduate degree at René Decartes University (France) and his undergraduate degree from Mohammed V University. He is a widely published scholar who has served as a visiting professor at the U.N. Social Defense Research Institute (Rome and Saudi Arabia) and at Sultan Qaboos University (Oman).

Dr. El Mostafa Chadli (Professor, French)
Dr. El Mostafa Chadli is Professor of French in the College of Arts and Humanities, Mohammed V University-Agdal. He earned his PhD in Linguistics from the University of Toulouse (France), his MA in Paris, and his undergraduate degree from Mohammed V University. Dr. Chadli has many publications to his name and is a very active scholar who serves in leadership positions with several professional organizations, chairs the French Department, and directs the doctoral program within the department. He also is affiliated with the University of Quebec at Montreal (Canada) on an on-going basis.

WHY MOROCCO?

Morocco is a gateway to the Arab world and beyond. A meeting point for civilizations and continents situated on the northwest tip of Africa, contemporary Morocco, with its 35 million people, is a unique mixture of Middle Eastern, European, and African cultures. Here, visitors have the opportunity to experience life in a Muslim country while exploring the distinct society and traditions of the Maghreb. Whether enjoying a croissant and mint tea at a cafe, visiting Berber villages or wandering through the medina markets, each experience in Morocco offers rich insight into its remarkable and incomparable culture. With its striking topography, vibrant culture, and distinctive history, Morocco is an ideal destination for cross-cultural exchange.

Geography
Morocco's physical landscape is as varied as its culture, ranging from sun-scorched deserts to temperate coastal plains, mountain peaks to sandy beaches. Visitors can even ski on the snowy slopes of the Atlas Mountains. A mild, Mediterranean climate predominates in most parts of the country, with hot, sunny summers, and cool, moist winters.

Religion
Islam heavily influences daily life in Morocco. From the fasts of Ramadan to the five daily calls to prayer, it is a significant force in virtually all aspects of Moroccan life. It has been the dominant religion in the region for nearly fourteen hundred years and the official religion of the modern state since Morocco regained its independence in 1956. The population is overwhelmingly Sunni Muslim, adhering to the Maliki school of Islamic law.

Politics
Morocco is one of the most politically stable countries in the Arab world, and a long-time ally of the United States and Europe. It is accessible to visitors, with a thriving tourist industry and a generally friendly attitude towards foreigners. Governed as a constitutional monarchy, the current head of state is King Mohammed VI, who assumed power in 1999. His reign has been marked by political and social reform, economic liberalization, and an increasingly active role in international politics.

Growth and Development
Rapid urbanization is changing the appearance and character of contemporary Morocco, with over half of the population now residing in cities. Casablanca, situated on the Atlantic coast, is the country's largest city and economic capital, with a population of nearly four million. Rabat, the nation's capital and its second-largest city, is located about sixty miles to the north. Other major urban areas include the popular tourist destinations of Fez, Marrakesh, Tangier, and Agadir.