Summer Arabic Language
Unique Experiences
SEE THE NORTH AFRICAN COAST
Casablanca, Chefchaouen, Marrakesh, the village of Ourika, Asilah and Tangiers
GET ARABIC INSTRUCTION
at just the right level for you
PRACTICE ARABIC
in real life as you go to museums, NGOs, and cultural events
81° F
AVERAGE TEMPERATURE IN JULY, RABAT’S HOTTEST MONTH
1146
YEAR OF THE CITY’S FOUNDING
3 M
PEOPLE LIVING IN RABAT
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. Explore the modern and the traditional, from stunning colonial architecture and fascinating ruins to exciting concerts and unique art exhibits. Green spaces can be found from the city parks to the palm tree-lined boulevards that are home to cafés, restaurants, and shopping centers.
The Culture
EXCURSIONS & ACTIVITIES
- Explore thousands of years of history with a guided tour of Rabat’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites including the Old Medina and Kasbah, the ancient ruins of Challah, and the Andalusian Gardens
- Take weekly trips outside the classroom to apply your language skills at locations such as the National Jewelry Museum, ICESCO headquarters, or a local newspaper.
- Cross flowing streams and climb up rocky ravines as you hike through the breathtaking Atlas Mountains, stopping to visit an indigenous Amazigh Village in Ourika
- Wander through the streets of Chefchaouen, the “Blue Peal of Morocco”, and watch the sun set over the city from the Spanish Mosque
- Hike to the Akchour waterfalls, stopping to drink a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice while you rest your feet in the crystal-clear waters of the nearby rivers
- Get lost in the red-walled medina of Marrakech, one of Morocco’s four imperial cities, and watch the sun set as street performers, musicians, and storytellers appear in Jemaa el-Fnaa
PROJECTS
- Volunteering: Immerse yourself in Morocco by lending a helping hand to locals in the community – work with the indigenous North-African Amazigh community, hospital patients, visually impaired students, youth with disabilities, women’s groups, or children from low-income families.
- Peer-to-peer tutoring: CIEE connects you with local Moroccan university students from day one. Whether you want to learn Moroccan slang or find the coolest hangouts in Rabat, there’s no better way to integrate into Moroccan culture than with their help.
- Language Partners: Practice and build your language skills by engaging in a language exchange with Moroccan high school and college students. You can also connect with local youth centers or NGOs to practice your Arabic while teaching English.
Program Blogs
Study Abroad Morocco: The Ultimate Guide
Interested in exploring rich historical sites, brushing up on your Arabic language skills, and enjoying the most delectable cuisine imaginable, all while earning credits toward your degree and deepening your... keep reading
Visiting the Largest Mosque in Africa!
This week, the students had some cultural activities that introduced them to Islam's influence and relevance to Moroccan culture, traditions and everyday life. On Monday, the students had a brief... keep reading
“Salam, ça va?”: The Unique Linguistic Experience of Morocco
When I told people in my Arabic program back home that I was going to study abroad in Morocco, I received multiple warnings that I would struggle with the language... keep reading
HOUSING & MEALS
HOUSING
CIEE Rabat offers diverse housing options to ensure you're comfortable in your home away from home. From homestays to shared apartments, your accommodation preferences will be met. Additionally, all housing options are located in neighborhoods with convenient access to public transportation, shops, cafés, and eateries.
Standard Housing: Includes a room in a homestay or shared apartment.
- Homestays: Homestays include a private room in the modern and traditional home of an 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 traditional Moroccan living room, kitchen, and bathroom shared with the family. Internet access and laundry services are provided. Students are only steps away from a variety of local cafés, family-owned bodegas, and small restaurants. Homestays are typically located under 20 minutes from the CIEE Rabat study center via public transportation (tramway or taxi) or on foot.
- Shared Apartments: Apartments are shared with another CIEE student and include a shared bedroom, living room, bathroom, and kitchen. Wi-Fi is provided and there are laundry facilities nearby. Shared apartments are located in a vibrant and modern neighborhood under 30 minutes from the CIEE Rabat study center 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: Families provide a home-cooked breakfast and dinner of traditional Moroccan cuisine on weekdays and weekends. Families are able to accommodate many dietary restrictions including vegetarian, kosher, halal, dairy free, and gluten free needs. Students are responsible for their own lunch, which could include cooking at the CIEE study center kitchen or going to a local restaurant.
Shared 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
This rigorous eight-week summer program is designed for students interested in intensive language acquisition to strengthen their Arabic language skills. Students take a Modern Standard Arabic course based on their skill level, as well as a colloquial Moroccan Arabic course, making it easier to connect with the people of Morocco and learn about their way of life. In-class work is augmented with co-curricular visits to the city’s rich variety of cultural institutions and organizations relevant to the course offerings.
All course instructors are natives of Morocco, selected from prominent institutions in Rabat. All courses are taught in Arabic.
CIEE Rabat is located in the prominent neighborhood of Agdal in central Rabat, with easy access to public transportation.
Course Information
Summer 2025
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
- CIEE STEM Scholarship
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 Summer 2025 8 weeks | Application Due Deadline Passed | Start Date | End Date | Fees & Housing $8,950 |
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 | $7,000 ** |
| Housing | $1,450 *** |
| Insurance | $200 |
| Total Fees | $8,950 |
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 | $280 † |
| International Airfare | $1,150 |
| Local Transportation | $150 |
| Books & Supplies | $30 |
| Personal expenses | $160 †† |
| Other | $60 |
| Total Costs | $1,830 |
*non-refundable
**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.
††$100 emergency fund + cell phone expense + toiletries
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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