Language + Culture
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
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.
The Culture
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.
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
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
A Weekend Getaway to the Blue City
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
A Visit to Casablanca's Hassan II Mosque
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
Our First Community Conversations!
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 & MEALS
HOUSING
CIEE Rabat offers a range of housing options, whether you’re looking for an international experience with other students, or a full language and culture immersion with a local family. All housing options are located in neighborhoods with convenient public transit access, and a variety of local cafe and restaurant options.
Standard Housing: Includes a room in a homestay or shared apartment.
- Homestays: Homestays include a single private room with a local Arabic-speaking family in the heart of the Old Medina of Rabat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In many cases, families are multilingual, speaking Amazigh, Spanish, and/or French and their homes combine Western and traditional Moroccan elements. Homestays feature a living room, kitchen, and bathroom shared with the family. Wi-Fi and laundry services are provided. Students are only steps away from a variety of local cafes, family-owned bodegas, and small restaurants. Homestays are located only a few minutes away from the light rail system, which is a 30 - 40-minute commute to the CIEE study center, or students can opt for a 25-minute commute by taxi.
- Shared Apartment: Shared apartments with another CIEE student include a shared bedroom, living room, kitchen, and attached bathroom. Wi-Fi and laundry facilities are provided. Shared apartments are located in a modern neighborhood, about 25 minutes away from the CIEE Office by tram or taxi.
A note: The default criterion to assign housing is first-come, first-served; however, other factors may also be considered. If we cannot accommodate your first housing choice, we'll let you know before you arrive. Non-standard housing options require an additional fee that can be found in the program Dates and Fees.
MEALS
Homestays: Students have a homecooked breakfast and dinner of traditional Moroccan cuisine with their host family. Students are responsible for their own lunch, which could include cooking at the CIEE study center kitchen or going to a local restaurant.
Apartments: Students are responsible for their own meals, which could include cooking in the in-unit kitchen, cooking at the CIEE study center kitchen, or going to local restaurants.
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.
Arizona State University: Enhance your international academic coursework with optional online courses that best align with your degree requirements and interests. ASU offers thousands of online courses in asynchronous sessions that fit within the CIEE academic calendar, so you can study abroad with CIEE while continuing to meet all your academic goals.
Course Information
Academic Projects
Communication, Journalism, and Media
History, Philosophy, Religion
Languages and Cultural Studies
Academic Projects
Communication, Journalism, and Media
History, Philosophy, Religion
Languages and Cultural Studies
Social Sciences
Psychology
CIEE proudly partners with ASU to deliver asynchronous, online coursework that aligns with your degree requirements from anywhere you study abroad.
CIEE and ASU offer courses online per program eligibility, at no additional charge. Be sure to review online courses with your home school advisor.
Check the CIEE Program Dates and ASU start dates below to maximize course options within your program!
Search ASU Online Courses BROWSE FAQs for more INFO
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.
Discover Internship Opportunities
We're excited you're considering this program! Next, explore the types of internships you can choose from for an epic internship abroad with CIEE Study Abroad.
Explore Industry Options
Education, tourism, and economic development drive Rabat's diverse work scene. The local culture fosters strong relationships and collaboration, blending traditional values with modern practices. This dynamic environment encourages teamwork and innovation, making it an engaging place for various sectors.
Architecture and Construction
Develop hands-on technical skills and responsible building planning while working for global architecture firms abroad.
Arts, Audio/Video Technology and Communications
Immerse yourself in today's cutting-edge global media by working in film studios, media companies, the theater, and more.
Business Management and Administration
Study international business practices, multicultural leadership, and global market dynamics in Scotland, China, and more.
Education and Training
Experience international teaching methodologies and curriculum development in classrooms around Jordan, Spain, and more.
Human Services
Deepen your knowledge of human services through social welfare work, community development, and international advocacy.
Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
Gain hands-on skills in sustainable technologies, research projects, and scientific studies in Costa Rica, Mexico, and more.
Browse Internship Opportunities
Explore internship placements available through this program to find the right fit for your academic and professional goals.
Disclaimer: Internship placements are subject to availability and host employer hiring discretion. Application and payment of CIEE fees does not guarantee specific placement. This internship listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between CIEE and any applicant, student, institution, or other party.
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.
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 Fall 2025 16 weeks | Application Due Deadline Passed | Start Date | End Date | Fees & Housing $19,950 |
| Program Academic year 2025-2026 36 weeks | Application Due Deadline Passed | Start Date | End Date | |
| Program Spring 2026 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 |
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.
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 | $20 |
| Personal expenses | $220 ††† |
| Total Costs | $2,050 |
*non-refundable fee
**direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students
***Housing fees listed are for financial aid purposes only and should not be considered a basis for calculation of refunds.
†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.
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.
Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
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.
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.
Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
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
Our Staff
Madiha Chafiq
Center 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
1
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 CIEE
We're here to help! Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about applying to this program.
4
Interested in an optional internship?
After being accepted to this program and submitting the required internship documents, work with CIEE staff on your internship goals and select which positions to interview for. CIEE will reach out to companies that would be a good fit for you, your interests, and your qualifications. Finalize your internship placement upon arrival!
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