Information for term Language + Culture
Application deadline, and cost information.
Overview
Click to OpenImprove your Arabic and French language skills and boost your cultural knowledge while studying in the capital of this Mediterranean country. Your strong interest in Arabic and French languages, as well as Moroccan studies, culture, religion, business, and economics will be expanded with coursework, taught in English, by prestigious faculty from local and international universities at CIEE Rabat. All courses are complemented with CIEE co-curricular activities and excursions beyond the city to enhance classroom learning and provide intercultural understanding.
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, and Tangers.
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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 like UNESCO and the World Bank. Here you’ll find the modern and traditional, stunning colonial architecture, fascinating ruins, and lovely gardens and green spaces. In stark contrast to the medina, Central Rabat is modern, with large office buildings, palm-tree-lined boulevards, cafés, restaurants, and shopping centers.
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.
- Reward yourself with an amazing view for climbing the High Atlas Mountains.
- Visit an Amazigh village in Ourika.
- Work with artisans in Chefchaoune.
- Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site in coastal Essaouria.
- Take an overnight excursion to Fez and Marrakesh.
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 an international local 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 specialized on political research
- lead games or art projects with local students
- strengthen your journalism and media skills by working with local newspapers in English
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.
Internships: Positions with NGOs and private institutions can be arranged for students who are interested. Whatever setting you find yourself in after graduation, you’ll be grateful for the variety of hard and soft skills you gained while interning abroad.
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.
Apartments: Students can also choose to stay in shared apartments with other program participants. Commute via public transportation.
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MEALS
Homestay students have breakfast and dinner with their host families on weekdays, and additional meals on weekends. Students in apartments are responsible for their own meals.
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.
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Program Details
Click to OpenWhat you need to know
The program detailsIdeal 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.
Academics
Click to OpenEligibility
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OVERALL GPA
Students need to have a GPA of at least 2.5.
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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 credits/Contact hours: 3 semester/4.5 quarter hours, unless otherwise indicated; 45 contact hours
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Curriculum
Program Credit
Total credit: 16-17 semester/24-25.5 quarter credits
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
Language of Instruction
English and/or French
Requirements
- Two-week Intensive Moroccan Colloquial Arabic
- Semester-long Modern Standard Arabic
- Three CIEE electives
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.
SPRING 2020 COURSES
Click to OpenNote: 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.
REQUIRED COURSES
This course occurs during the first two weeks of the program. It is designed to help students adjust to the local Moroccan dialect and assist them with their transition into Moroccan society. The course adopts a communicative methodology and introduces local spoken Arabic in a variety of authentic life situations, helping students develop immediate survival conversational competence. Role plays and simulations, group work with native speakers, and field-based activities are used to increase students’ exposure to the target language. Contact hours: 50. Credit: 3 semester/4.5 quarter hours.
MODERN STANDARD ARABIC
- ARAB 1101 MORC: Intensive Moroccan Colloquial Arabic
- ARAB 1002 MORC: Beginning Modern Standard Arabic II
- ARAB 1004 MORC: Beginning Modern Standard Arabic III
- ARAB 2001 MORC: Intermediate Modern Standard Arabic I
- INSH 3003 MORC: Organizational Internship
- ARAB 3001 MORC: Advanced Modern Standard Arabic I
- ARAB 3002 MORC: Advanced Modern Standard Arabic II
These courses are offered at all levels, from beginning through advanced. The focus of the courses is on functional reading and writing for academic and professional communication purposes. The primary objectives are to help students learn the writing and phonetic systems of the Arabic language and develop a solid understanding of the academic functions of modern standard Arabic. The courses adopt an interactive and participatory methodology using various materials in authentic academic and professional communicative situations. Students are assessed on in-class work, homework, and a final examination. Contact hours: 60. Credit: 4 semester / 6 quarter hours.
ELECTIVE CIEE LANGUAGE COURSE
ELECTIVE CIEE COURSES—IN ENGLISH
This is a sample list of courses; please note that not all the courses are available every year.
- AFST 3001 MORC: Contemporary Moroccan Society and Culture
- GEND 3001 MORC: Gender Issues in Morocco
- RELI 3001 MORC: The Koran
- COMM 3301 RAMO: Intercultural Communication and Leadership
- INSH 3003 MORC: Organizational Internship
Fall 2019 Courses
Click to OpenREQUIRED CIEE LANGUAGE COURSES
- ARAB 1101 MORC: Intensive Moroccan Colloquial Arabic
These courses are offered at all levels, from beginning through advanced. The focus of the courses is on functional reading and writing for academic and professional communication purposes. The primary objectives are to help students learn the writing and phonetic systems of the Arabic language and develop a solid understanding of the academic functions of modern standard Arabic. The courses adopt an interactive and participatory methodology using various materials in authentic academic and professional communicative situations. Students are assessed on in-class work, homework, and a final examination. Contact hours: 60. Credit: 4 semester / 6 quarter hours.
- ARAB 1001 MORC: Beginning Modern Standard Arabic I
- ARAB 1002 MORC: Beginning Modern Standard Arabic II
- ARAB 1004 MORC: Beginning Modern Standard Arabic III
- ARAB 2001 MORC: Intermediate Modern Standard Arabic I
- ARAB 2002 MORC: Intermediate Modern Standard Arabic II
- ARAB 3001 MORC: Advanced Modern Standard Arabic I
- ARAB 3002 MORC: Advanced Modern Standard Arabic II
ELECTIVE CIEE LANGUAGE COURSE
- ARAB 1201 MORC: Moroccan Colloquial Arabic I
ELECTIVE CIEE COURSES—IN ENGLISH
This is a sample list of courses; please note that not all the following courses are available every year.
- GEND 3001 MORC: Gender Issues in Morocco
- RELI 3001 MORC: The Koran
- POLI 3003 MORC: The Arab Spring and the Birth of the Arab Citizen
- AFST 3001 MORC: Contemporary Moroccan Society and Culture
- COMM 3301 RAMO: Intercultural Communication and Leadership
ELECTIVE CIEE COURSES – IN FRENCH
This is a sample list of courses; please note that not all the following courses are available every year.
- POLI 3001 MORC (FREN) / HIST 3001 MORC (FREN): Morocco, Northern Africa, and France: Political and Historical Perspectives
Scholarships
Click to OpenScholarships & Grants
CIEE offers more than $8 million in 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:
- 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.
YOUR FEE INCLUDES:
- Tuition
- Housing
- Advising before you depart to set goals and answer questions
- Optional on-site airport meet-and-greet
- Orientation – a three-day introduction to Moroccan culture, your academic program, and the city, plus practical information about living in your host city
- Full-time program leadership and support in your host city
- Cultural and/or Co-curricular Activities
- Excursions and/or Study Tours
- Insurance and other travel benefits, with CIEE iNext
- 24/7 emergency on-site support
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, ask your college or university study abroad advisor if your school charges additional fees for study abroad.
No Hidden Fees
Program |
Application Due |
Start Date |
End Date |
Fees & Housing |
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| Fall 2019 15 weeks | Deadline Passed | Sep 3, 2019 | Dec 20, 2019 |
$17,450
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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 = $14,243 ** Housing = $2,740 *** Insurance = $167 Total Fees = $17,450Estimated 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 to study on CIEE programs through a 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 |
| Academic year 2019-2020 36 weeks | Deadline Passed | Sep 3, 2019 | May 10, 2020 |
$33,155
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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 = $27,208 ** Housing = $5,480 *** Insurance = $167 Total Fees = $33,155Estimated 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 = $1,000 International Airfare = $1,150 † Local Transportation = $200 Books & Supplies = $200 Personal expenses = $2,200 Expenses during break = $1,500 †† Total Estimated Costs = $6,250Financial 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 to study on CIEE programs through a 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 †† only if they plan on travelling during the break, otherwise $300 should suffice |
| Spring 2020 16 weeks | Nov 1, 2019 | Jan 20, 2020 | May 10, 2020 |
$17,950
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 = $14,743 ** Housing = $2,740 *** Insurance = $167 Total Fees = $17,950Estimated 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 to study on CIEE programs through a 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 |
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Our Staff
Click to OpenOur Staff
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Madiha DeRosa
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.
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Oumaima Farik
Program Coordinator
Oumaima received her BA in French Studies with a focus on Cultural Studies at the School of Education Sciences at University Mohamed V- Rabat.
Get Started
Here's what you need to do to take the next steps:-
1
START AN APPLICATION
Apply Now
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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
Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about applying to this program.
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