Information for term Language + Culture
Application deadline, and cost information.
Overview
Click to OpenTake 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.
Follow our Travels:
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Get to know
Moroccan culture by sharing tea with your host family and conversation with Moroccan peers.
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Advance
your Arabic language skills, whether you’re beginning or experienced.
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Explore
more of Morocco’s distinctive locations, like Asilah, Casablanca, Fez, Marrakesh, Ourika, Chefchaoune, the Roman Ruins of Vouliblis, and Tangiers.
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average temperature (F) in September
70.7 -
neighborhoods
19 -
year of the city’s founding
1146
Location & Culture
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The 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
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 (non-credit): 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 by working with NGOs and the parliament
- work with an NGO 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 specializing 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 AND RESEARCH
Students interested in one of the following Academic Projects must submit additional materials as part of their course selection:
Internships: CIEE Rabat offers internship placements in varying industries including human rights, education, children in need, women’s empowerment, micro-finance, journalism, NGO support, midwifery, 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.
Directed Independent Research: Receive supervision from local professors while you embark on independent research. This is a customized option that will be tailored to your interests and learning objectives. The possibilities are endless and may include investigating topics in the fields of environment, anthropology, human rights, anthropology, theology, economics, migration, food, and gender studies.
Program Blogs
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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).
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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
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A
CIEE RABAT
The prominent neighborhood of Agdal is in central Rabat, with easy access to public transportation.
Academics
Click to OpenAcademics
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.
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, resident staff members encourage them to use their language skills in everyday settings.
Class Format
Students take classes only with CIEE students. Most CIEE elective courses are taught in English, although we do offer French electives. 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, Arabic, and/or French
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
Click to OpenCourse Information
Spring 2023 CIEE Courses
Click to OpenAcademic Projects
Communication, Journalism, and Media
History, Philosophy, Religion
Languages and Cultural Studies
Social Sciences
Fall 2023 CIEE Courses
Click to OpenAcademic Projects
Communication, Journalism, and Media
History, Philosophy, Religion
Languages and Cultural Studies
Social Sciences
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
Click to OpenScholarships & 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 infoDates & Fees
Click to OpenDates & 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 FeesCIEE 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 = $18,950Estimated CostsStudents 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 = $2,950Financial AidCIEE 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. 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
Click to Close
Program FeesCIEE 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 = $18,950Estimated CostsStudents 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 = $2,690Financial AidCIEE 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. 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 |
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.
Looking for funding?
What's Included
Click to OpenWhat's Included
Our Staff
Click to OpenOur Staff
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Madiha Chafik
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.
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Haddou El Bour
Program Coordinator
Haddou’s experience varies from teaching his mother tongue of Tamazight and Moroccan Arabic to working as a training assistant and homestay coordinator during the pre-service training.
Get Started
Here's what you need to do to take the next steps:-
1
START AN APPLICATION
Apply Now
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.
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