camel ride rabat study abroad
Rabat, Morocco

Language + Culture

Study Program Part-Time Internship

Dates

-

15 weeks

Costs

Credit

16 - 17 semester hours

24 - 25.5 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

Apply Now

Request Information

Contact Us

Dates

-

16 weeks

Costs

Credit

16 - 17 semester hours

24 - 25.5 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Contact Us

Dates

-

36 weeks

Credit

16 - 17 semester hours

24 - 25.5 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Contact Us

Dates

-

15 weeks

Credit

16 - 17 semester hours

24 - 25.5 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Contact Us

Overview

Take your Arabic and French language skills to the next level in the beautiful Mediterranean destination of Rabat, Morocco! Designed for students who want to boost their cultural knowledge and embark on a vibrant study abroad journey, this Language + Culture program will have you following the nuanced path Moroccans take in balancing modernity while celebrating tradition.

Earn credits in Moroccan studies, culture, religion, business, economics, and language at CIEE Rabat, where your courses will be delivered in English by prestigious faculty from local and international universities. You can expect all your courses to be complemented with co-curricular activities and excursions organized by CIEE beyond the classroom to enhance your classroom learning and provide intercultural understanding.

In your free time, you'll have plenty of opportunities to explore the picturesque Mediterranean coastline and practice speaking Morocco's main languages, including Tamazight, Arabic, French, Spanish, and English. Morocco's rich history, incredible culture, and diverse landscapes set the tone for an unforgettable and enriching study abroad adventure.

Unique Experiences

GET TO KNOW

Moroccan culture by sharing tea with your host family and conversation with Moroccan peers.

ADVANCE

your Arabic language skills, whether you’re beginning or experienced.

EXPLORE

more of Morocco’s distinctive locations, like Asilah, Casablanca, Fez, Marrakesh, Ourika, Chefchaoune, the Roman Ruins of Vouliblis, and Tangiers.

70.7

AVERAGE TEMPERATURE (F) IN SEPTEMBER

19

NEIGHBORHOODS

1146

YEAR OF THE CITY’S FOUNDING

Experience
  • study abroad student group rabat
  • desert of morocco camel tour

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. Here you’ll find the modern and traditional, stunning Islamic architecture, fascinating ruins, and lovely gardens and green spaces. The medina upholds centuries-old architecture, art, and culture while Central Rabat is modern, with large office buildings, palm-tree-lined boulevards, cafés, restaurants, and shopping centers. There is a spirit in this city like no other. You will experience a crossroads of civilization with Morocco serving as a bridge between Africa, the Middle East, and Europe. Islamic, African, Arab, and Amazigh cultures are upheld in all aspects of everyday life — from the markets, the music, the food, and the arts.

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

excursion morocco farm student chick

EXCURSIONS & ACTIVITIES

  • Put your coursework in context and practice new language skills with visits to markets, cultural sites, and music and theater performances. 
  • Explore Rabat’s ancient medina and Kasbah and see other highlights like the ancient ruins of Challah and the Andalusian Gardens. 
  • See how local schools and government agencies operate. 
  • Visit an Amazigh village in Ourika. 
  • Work with local artisans in Chefchaoune , the blue city. 
  • Take an overnight excursion to Fez and Marrakesh. 
  • Explore the geographical diversity of Morocco through excursions to the High Atlas Mountains, the Rif Mountains, and cities on both the Mediterranean and Atlantic oceans.
students enjoy tea with language teacher rabat

PROJECTS

Service-Learning: Get to know the Rabat community by helping refugees, immigrants, women, or children. You might: 

  • work with sub-Saharan African migrants and refugees 
  • tutor English at the community center 
  • shadow a doctor at a children’s hospital 
  • promote human rights values through working with local NGOs 
  • promote democracy working with NGOs and the parliament 
  • work with NGOs focused on culture and art 
  • develop a great network of like-minded peers, mentors and professionals by working with youth empowerment communities in debate clubs at local universities 
  • obtain a better understanding of the local political scene by working with an NGO specialized in political research 
  • lead games or art projects with local students 
  • strengthen your journalism and media skills by working with local newspapers in English
student intern at desk classroom rabat morocco

INTERNSHIPS

CIEE Rabat offers internship placements in varying industries including human rights, education, children in need, women’s empowerment, micro-finance, journalism, NGO support, refugee advocacy, nursing, and more through partnerships with local and international Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs). Most internship projects take place in Rabat - Morocco’s capital of almost two million inhabitants. 
 
If you have a specific field of interest, we will work with you to secure a customized placement. 

Like any positive internship experience, volunteering or interning abroad will help you enhance your professional skills and improve your resume. Develop a greater awareness of the world and your place in it through our volunteering and internship program.

Program Blogs

From CIEE

A Weekend Getaway to the Blue City

By CIEE Rabat at CIEE

A breathtaking blue oasis nestled in the Rif Mountains of Morocco, Chefchaouen is a picturesque town renowned for its vivid blue-painted buildings and rich cultural heritage. This past weekend, the... keep reading

From CIEE

A Visit to Casablanca's Hassan II Mosque

By CIEE Rabat at CIEE

Our Language and Culture students wrapped up this week with a visit to Casablanca’s Hassan II Mosque. As the third largest mosque in the world, and largest in Africa, Hassan... keep reading

From CIEE

Our First Community Conversations!

By CIEE Rabat at CIEE

This week, our Language and Culture students started their community conversations! Every weekday, our students learn new vocabulary and questions in their Moroccan Darija classes and then go out into... keep reading

Housing
Academics

Academics

Ideal for students with strong interests in Arabic and French languages, as well as Moroccan studies, culture, religion, business and economics, and literature, this program allows students to enroll in special CIEE area studies courses taught by prestigious faculty drawn from various local and international universities. Students also take Arabic language courses taught by qualified language instructors from top local universities and other organizations, such as the Peace Corps. 

Area studies courses and language courses are held at CIEE Rabat. In addition to coursework, students can participate in internship and volunteer opportunities. Students who want to focus on Arabic language can choose an elective language course in colloquial Moroccan Arabic. Students who want to focus on French can sign up for conversation exchange partners and tutoring in French. They can also conduct an internship or a volunteering project in French There is also the option to live with a Francophone family.

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

  • Two-week Intensive Moroccan Colloquial Arabic 
  • Semester-long Modern Standard Arabic 
  • Three CIEE electives

Program Credit

Total credit, semester: 16-17 semester/24-25.5 quarter hours. Total credit, academic year: 32-34 semester/48-51 quarter hours.

Course Credit

  • CIEE courses: 3-4 semester/4.5-6 quarter credits; 45-60 contact hours 
  • CIEE Internship: 3 semester/4.5 quarter credits; 15 seminar hours, 100-120 internship placement 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

Classes are held Monday through Friday during the intensive cycle, and Monday through Thursday during the regular semester. Attendance is mandatory. Teaching methods combine lecture and interactive styles. Arabic professors provide extensive bibliographies for students. As students gain proficiency in Arabic, center staff members encourage them to use their language skills in everyday settings.

Class Format

Students take classes only with CIEE students. CIEE elective courses are taught in English. Teaching methods involve lectures, tutorials, community projects, seminars, and fieldwork. Guest lectures, field trips, and excursions are an important part of the academic curriculum.

Grading

All courses include continuous assessment and may include quizzes, exams, individual and group presentations, research projects, and papers. Courses follow a standard U.S. grading scale of A-F.

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

English and 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

Academic Projects

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Communication, Journalism, and Media

Course
Language
Semester Credit

History, Philosophy, Religion

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Languages and Cultural Studies

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Social Sciences

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Academic Projects

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Communication, Journalism, and Media

Course
Language
Semester Credit

History, Philosophy, Religion

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Languages and Cultural Studies

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

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 Spring 2024 15 weeks Application Due Deadline Passed Start Date End Date Fees & Housing $19,950
Program Fall 2024 16 weeks Start Date End Date Fees & Housing $19,950
Program Academic year 2024-2025 36 weeks Start Date End Date
Program Spring 2025 15 weeks Start Date End Date

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 = $16,456**

Housing = $3,000

Insurance = $194

Total Fees = $19,950

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 = $560

International Airfare = $1,150††

Local Transportation = $100

Books & Supplies = $100

Personal expenses = $220†††

Total Costs = $2,130

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.

††round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure

†††$100 emergency fund + cell phone expense + toiletries

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 = $16,456**

Housing = $3,000

Insurance = $194

Total Fees = $19,950

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 = $560

International Airfare = $1,150††

Local Transportation = $100

Books & Supplies = $100

Personal expenses = $220†††

Total Costs = $2,130

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.

††round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure

†††$100 emergency fund + cell phone expense + toiletries

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.

Estimated Costs

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

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

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.

Estimated Costs

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

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

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