Morocco Programs & Services
Study Abroad for Americans
Sitting on several “cultural fault lines,” Morocco
offers rich ground for American students, teachers, and
others to pursue their interest in Islamic culture and religion,
Africa,  the
Arab world, socioeconomic development, or French
colonial history. AMIDEAST provides ongoing support for
the semester study abroad programs administered by the School
for International Training and Vassar College, and our experienced
staff can also develop one-time programs designed to meet
specialized needs or interests. We have developed short-term
study programs for the Institute for the International Education
of Students (IES), the Pasadena/Foothills Chapter of the
United Nations Association (UNA), and Loma Linda University’s
School of Public Health, as well as for groups of American
teachers on Fulbright Group Seminars Abroad.
 AMIDEAST
provides learning environments that satisfy academic as
well as cross-cultural objectives. Academics are addressed
through relationships with both formal and nonformal local
institutions such as Mohamed V University and the Center
for Cross-Cultural Learning. All academic partners are recognized
institutions with proven experience in meeting the needs
of foreign students. Specific coursework varies according
to the sponsoring institution but typically includes Arabic
(local dialect as well as Modern Standard Arabic), Berber,
French, Moroccan culture and history, Islamic culture and
history, and art/architecture/design.
For short-term study tours as well as for semester programs,
AMIDEAST fields lecturers on a variety of topics; organizes
visits to local schools, government and NGO offices, community
organizations, and other specialized institutions; and arranges
excursions to cultural and historical sites.
Cross-cultural objectives are achieved through orientation
sessions provided by AMIDEAST and our academic partners,
and through homestays with Moroccan families. Students are
matched with families on the basis of their personal interest
statements and their program location (to minimize commuting).
AMIDEAST carefully screens host family applicants prior
to selection, and maintains regular contact with families
throughout each program. Short-term study tours, meanwhile,
typically include a home-hosted dinner, or brief homestays
if the schedule permits. All programs include attendance
at or participation in cultural events.
AMIDEAST tailors each and every program—from a semester
study abroad program to a specialized two-week visit by
a group of professionals—to the needs and interests
of the program sponsor and the participants. Our customized
attention ensures that all visitors reap the maximum benefit
possible from their time in Morocco and return to the United
States with newfound understanding and insight.
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