rabat morocco coastline buildings
Rabat, Morocco

Summer Arabic Language

Study Program

Dates

-

8 weeks

Costs

Credit

10 semester hours

15 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Contact Us

Overview

Diversify your resume and experience with one of the most sought-after language skills in today's job market: Arabic. Designed for students who want to polish their Arabic language skills, this Summer Arabic Language program brings you to the enchanting city of Rabat, where you'll study, live, and explore Moroccan life.

When class is in session at CIEE Rabat, you'll learn modern, standard, and colloquial Arabic from prestigious faculty. Outside the classroom, you'll put your language skills to the test by communicating with locals. Head to Rabat's Old Market, where you can bargain over souvenirs in souks. Participate in a traditional Moroccan cooking class to discover a new recipe. Spend time getting to know the Moroccan family you'll be living with better. Everyday activities like these will give you plenty of opportunities to practice your new language skills during your time abroad.

Your courses will be complemented with co-curricular activities and excursions outside the classroom to enhance your cultural understanding of present-day Moroccan society. See firsthand why Morocco's rich and celebrated heritage makes it an ideal destination to study abroad!

Unique Experiences

SEE THE NORTH AFRICAN COAST

Casablanca, Chefchaouen, Marrakesh, the village of Ourika, Asilah and Tangiers

GET ARABIC INSTRUCTION

at just the right level for you

PRACTICE ARABIC

in real life as you go to museums, NGOs, and cultural events

81° F

AVERAGE TEMPERATURE IN JULY, RABAT’S HOTTEST MONTH

1146

YEAR OF THE CITY’S FOUNDING

3 M

PEOPLE LIVING IN RABAT

Experience
  • student tour rabat morocco
  • i love rabat city sign study abroad students

Your Destination

Morocco’s capital and second-largest city, Rabat has a population of 3 million. It’s home to the country’s most prestigious universities, as well as international institutions and World Heritage Sites. Explore the modern and the traditional, from stunning colonial architecture and fascinating ruins to exciting theater and unique art exhibits. Green spaces can be found from the city parks to the palm tree-lined boulevards that are home to cafés, restaurants, and shopping centers.

CIEE wants all our students to feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed while studying abroad. Local CIEE staff have provided details about conditions and cultural attitudes that students with specific identities might encounter in Rabat.

The Culture

rabat morocco cultural excursion students

EXCURSIONS & ACTIVITIES

  • Visit Rabat’s museums, NGOs, and universities. 
  • Go on a day trip to Asilah, a 3,500-year-old town on the North African coast that’s been a haven for Phoenicians, pirates, Portuguese, Spanish, Moroccans, and resort-goers. 
  • Venture to Casablanca, the largest city in Morocco and one of the most important economic centers in Africa. 
  • Pack a bag for overnight excursions to Chefchaouen, a small town famous for its ubiquitous sky-blue buildings and Andalusian influence, and Marrakesh, a city in Southern Morocco built by Amazighs. 
  • Enjoy cultural activities around Rabat – like calligraphy workshops, visits to the Parliament and other government agencies, cooking classes, live music, and pottery making. 
  • Explore the geographical diversity of Morocco through excursions to the High Atlas Mountains, the Rif Mountains, and cities on both the Mediterranean and the Atlantic Ocean.
language instructor morocco rabat study abroad class

PROJECTS

  • Volunteering: Immerse yourself in Morocco by lending a helping hand to locals in the community – work with descendants of pre-Arab inhabitants of North Africa, hospital patients, visually impaired students, mentally challenged youth, women’s groups, or children from low-income families. 
  • Peer-to-peer tutoring: CIEE connects you with local Moroccan university students from day one. They’re a part of everyday programming and will help you integrate into Moroccan society. 
  • Language Partners: Practice and build your language skills by

Program Blogs

From CIEE

Study Abroad Morocco: The Ultimate Guide

By College Study Abroad at CIEE

Interested in exploring rich historical sites, brushing up on your Arabic language skills, and enjoying the most delectable cuisine imaginable, all while earning credits toward your degree and deepening your... keep reading

From CIEE

Visiting the Largest Mosque in Africa!

By CIEE Rabat at CIEE

This week, the students had some cultural activities that introduced them to Islam's influence and relevance to Moroccan culture, traditions and everyday life. On Monday, the students had a brief... keep reading

From CIEE

“Salam, ça va?”: The Unique Linguistic Experience of Morocco

By CIEE Rabat at CIEE

When I told people in my Arabic program back home that I was going to study abroad in Morocco, I received multiple warnings that I would struggle with the language... keep reading

Housing
Academics

Academics

This rigorous eight-week summer program is designed for students interested in intensive language acquisition to strengthen their Arabic language skills. Students take a Modern Standard Arabic course based on their skill level, as well as a colloquial Moroccan Arabic course, making it easier to connect with the people of Morocco and learn about their way of life. In-class work is augmented with co-curricular visits to the city’s rich variety of cultural institutions and organizations relevant to the course offerings. 

All course instructors are natives of Morocco, selected from prominent institutions in Rabat. All courses are taught in Arabic. 

CIEE Rabat is located in the prominent neighborhood of Agdal in central Rabat, with easy access to public transportation.

GPA

2.5

Language Requirements

There are no specific language requirements for this program.

Additional Requirements

Please refer to the detailed Program Essential Eligibility Criteria.

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors.

Requirements

Students enroll in two required Arabic Language classes.

Program Credit

Total credit: 10 U.S. semester/15 quarter credits

Course Credit

CIEE courses:  3-7 U.S. semester/4.5-10.5 quarter credits; 45-105 contact hours

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors.

Academic Culture

Students should expect a more formal classroom environment and take initiative in understanding instructors’ expectations. Classes are typically scheduled Monday through Friday. Students should expect to have daily homework assignments and outings to practice the language.

Class Format

In addition to classroom instruction time, students are expected to participate in content-based learning activities. These activities will further students’ exposure to Modern Standard Arabic and allow for greater retention of new vocabulary. Classes are with CIEE participants only.

Grading

Grades are based on quizzes, exams, attendance, homework assignments/special projects, oral presentations, and class participation.

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors.

Language of Instruction

Arabic

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors.

Courses

Course Information

Summer 2024

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Note: This course listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between CIEE and any applicant, student, institution, or other party. The courses, as described, may be subject to change as a result of ongoing curricular revisions, assignment of lecturers and teaching staff, and program development. Courses may be canceled due to insufficient enrollment.
"(GI)" denotes courses that originated at CIEE's Global Institutes and that are offered at multiple CIEE sites.

Scholarships

Scholarships & Grants

CIEE offers scholarships and grants annually to help students like you make your study abroad dream a reality.

Students who apply to this program are eligible for the following scholarships and grants:

  • Wollitzer Merit Scholarships in Area or Comparative Studies
  • Ping Scholarships for Academic Excellence
  • Global Access Initiative (GAIN) Grants
  • CIEE Gilman Go Global Grant
  • MSI Grant
  • CIEE Stem Scholarship

To be considered, submit the CIEE Scholarships & Grants application within your CIEE program application.

Learn more about scholarships

Dates & Fees

Dates & Fees

You get more for every dollar when you study abroad with CIEE, because our high-quality programs include everything from excursions to insurance. There are no hidden charges, and no disappointing surprises when you arrive.

Program

Application Due

Start Date

End Date

Fees & Housing

Program Summer 2024 8 weeks Start Date End Date Fees & Housing $8,950

To help you budget, keep in mind that students are responsible for the cost of international airfare, local transportation, books and supplies, visas, and personal expenses. In addition, your college or university may charge additional fees for study abroad, or may require you to receive a transcript via CIEE's School of Record, which carries an additional fee of $500.

Program Fees

CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.

Participation Confirmation = $300*

Educational Costs = $7,213**

Housing = $1,240

Insurance = $197

Total Fees = $8,950

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

Meals not included in program fee = $280

International Airfare = $1,150

Local Transportation = $150

Books & Supplies = $30

Personal expenses = $130

Other = $60

Total Costs = $1,800

Financial Aid

CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

*non-refundable

**direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

For students in homestays, families provide 2 meals a day. For students in apartments, you should budget approx. $160 per month for groceries if you plan on making your own meals, and more if you plan on eating out regularly.

What's Included

Tuition

Housing

Pre-departure Advising

Advising before you depart to set goals and answer questions

Optional on-site airport meet-and-greet

Orientation

Introduction to your program plus practical information about living in your host city

On-site Staff

Full-time program leadership and support in your city

Cultural and/or Co-curricular Activities

Excursions and/or Study Tours

Travel Protection

CIEE iNext travel protection

24/7 emergency on-site support

Staff

Our Staff

Madiha Chafiq

Director

Madiha received her master’s degree in international education and development from George Washington University and her bachelor’s degree in international relations from Boston University.

Haddou El Bour

PROGRAM COORDINATOR

Haddou El Bour worked with the Peace Corps for eight years. His experience varies from teaching his mother tongue of Tamazight and Moroccan Arabic to working as a training assistant...

Get Started Steps

Get Started

Here’s what you need to do to take the next steps:

1

START AN APPLICATION
You're one step closer to an amazing study abroad experience!

2

CONNECT WITH YOUR CAMPUS STUDY ABROAD OFFICE 
Share your plans and confirm you're on track to meet all required steps to go abroad.

3

CONTACT US

Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about applying to this program.

Request Info