Rabat, Morocco

Language + Culture

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Information for term Language + Culture

Application deadline, and cost information.

Application Deadline

May 1, 2023
weeks
days
hours

Program Deadlines and Pricing Info

  • Deadline: May 1, 2023
  • Dates: Sep 4 – Dec 21, 2023 (15 weeks)
  • Credit: 16 - 17 semester hours / 24 - 25.5 quarter hours
  • Eligibility: 2.5 Overall GPA

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

Program Deadlines and Pricing Info

  • Dates: Jan 29 – May 13, 2023 (15 weeks)
  • Credit: 16 - 17 semester hours / 24 - 25.5 quarter hours
  • Eligibility: 2.5 Overall GPA

Application Deadline

November 1, 2023
weeks
days
hours

Program Deadlines and Pricing Info

  • Deadline: November 1, 2023
  • Dates: Jan 28 – May 11, 2024 (15 weeks)
  • Credit: 16 - 17 semester hours / 24 - 25.5 quarter hours
  • Eligibility: 2.5 Overall GPA

Application Deadline

May 1, 2023
weeks
days
hours

Program Deadlines and Pricing Info

  • Deadline: May 1, 2023
  • Dates: Sep 4, 2023 – May 11, 2024 (36 weeks)
  • Credit: 16 - 17 semester hours / 24 - 25.5 quarter hours
  • Eligibility: 2.5 Overall GPA

Overview

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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 dunes of the Sahara Desert, enjoy the vast 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. 

  • 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.

  • average temperature (F) in September

    70.7
  • neighborhoods

    19
  • year of the city’s founding

    1146

Location & Culture

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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

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. 
  • Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site in coastal Essaouira. 
  • 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 cceans. 

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

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Program Blogs

Daily Life

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  • HOUSING

    Homestays: Live with an Arabic or French-speaking family in a modern or traditional home, in a Rabat neighborhood or in the outskirts of the city. Families are carefully selected by local CIEE staff members and matched carefully, according to student preferences. Most homes combine Western and traditional Moroccan elements, and families are typically multilingual. Internet provided. Commute via public transportation (tramway or taxi).  

  • MEALS

    Homestay students have breakfast and dinner with their host families on weekdays and additional meals on weekends. Students staying in an apartment building do not receive food allowances. 

Rabat, Morocco

Where You'll Study

  • A

    CIEE RABAT

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

Academics

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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 Prerequisites

There are no specific language requirements for this program.

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.

Program 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

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Course Information

  

Spring 2023 CIEE Courses

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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

Fall 2023 CIEE Courses

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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

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

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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

To be considered, submit the CIEE Scholarships & Grants application within your CIEE program application. Learn more at the Scholarships & Grants section of our website.

See more scholarship info

Dates & Fees

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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

Spring 2023 15 weeks Deadline Passed Jan 29, 2023 May 13, 2023
$18,950
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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 insurance with benefits.

Participation Confirmation = $300 *

Educational Costs = $15,743 **

Housing = $2,740 ***

Insurance = $167

Total Fees = $18,950

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 = $500

International Airfare = $1,150

Local Transportation = $100

Books & Supplies = $100

Personal expenses = $1,100

Total Estimated Costs = $2,950

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.

See Scholarships

This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time.

Students required by their US home institution to study abroad via CIEE's School of Record will be charged a $500 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed.

* non-refundable

** direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

*** Includes most meals

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

Fall 2023 15 weeks May 1, 2023 Sep 4, 2023 Dec 21, 2023
$18,950
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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 insurance with benefits.

Participation Confirmation = $300 *

Educational Costs = $15,713 **

Housing = $2,740 ***

Insurance = $197

Total Fees = $18,950

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 = $500

International Airfare = $1,000

Local Transportation = $100

Books & Supplies = $50

Personal expenses = $1,000 ††

Other = $40 †††

Total Estimated Costs = $2,690

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

This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time.

Students required by their US home institution to study abroad via CIEE's School of Record will be charged a $500 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed.

* non-refundable

** direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

*** Includes most meals

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

†† Depending on how much you want to persoanlly spend, this will increase or decrease.

††† Covid test to return to the US, if required

Spring 2024 15 weeks Nov 1, 2023 Jan 28, 2024 May 11, 2024
Academic year 2023-2024 36 weeks May 1, 2023 Sep 4, 2023 May 11, 2024

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.

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What's Included

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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 and a local liability insurance
24/7 emergency on-site support

Our Staff

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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! 

    Apply Now
  • 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.