Information for term Summer Arabic Language
Application deadline, and cost information.
Overview
Click to OpenGain a highly sought-after skill in the job market when you learn Arabic in the enchanting city of Rabat. You’ll take modern standard and colloquial Arabic courses, then head out into the city to give your new skills a whirl. From bargaining in the medina to visiting fascinating ruins and colonial architecture; from taking part in activities like cooking classes to living with a Moroccan family; we’ll help you experience it all.
COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement
CIEE is requiring all participants to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before traveling on programs. Read more ›
Follow our Travels:
Unique Experiences
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See the North African coast,
Casablanca, Chefchaouen, Marrakesh, the village of Ourika, Asilah and Tangiers.
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Get Arabic instruction
at just the right level for you.
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Practice Arabic
in real life as you go to museums, NGOs, and cultural events.
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Fahrenheit on average in July, Rabat’s hottest month
73 -
year of the city’s founding
1146 -
people living in Rabat
3M
Location & Culture
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Your Destination
Morocco’s capital and second-largest city is home to the country’s most prestigious universities, as well as many international institutions such as UNESCO and the World Bank. Explore the modern and the traditional, from stunning colonial architecture and fascinating ruins to exciting theater and unique art exhibits. Green spaces abound here too, from parks to palm-tree-lined boulevards where you’ll find cafés, restaurants, and shopping centers.
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
- Visit Rabat’s museums, NGOs, and universities.
- Go on a day trip to Asilah, a 3,500-year-old town on the North African coast that’s been a haven for Phoenicians, pirates, Portuguese, Spanish, Moroccans, and resort-goers.
- Venture to Casablanca, the largest city in Morocco and one of the most important economic centers in Africa.
- Pack a bag for overnight excursions to Chefchaouen, a small town famous for its ubiquitous sky-blue buildings, and Marrakesh, a city in central Morocco built by Amazighs.
- Enjoy cultural activities around Rabat – like calligraphy workshops, visits to the Parliament and other government agencies, cooking classes, live music and pottery making.

PROJECTS
- Volunteering: Immerse yourself in Morocco by lending a helping hand to locals in the community – work with descendants of pre-Arab inhabitants of North Africa, hospital patients, visually impaired students, mentally challenged youth, women’s groups, or children from low-income families.
- Peer-to-peer tutoring: CIEE connects you with local Moroccan university students from day one. They’re a part of everyday programming and will help you integrate into Moroccan society.
- Language Partners: Practice and build your language skills by meeting with local Moroccans and discussing topics of common interests.
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).
Apartments: Students can also choose to stay in shared apartments with other program participants. Commute via public transportation. Students are responsible for their own meals.
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MEALS
Homestays: Study abroad host families provide breakfast and dinner on weekdays and weekends.
Shared Apartments: Students staying in an apartment are responsible for all their own meals.
Rabat, Morocco Where You'll Study
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A
CIEE RABAT
Rabat
Academics
Click to OpenAcademics
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.
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
Students enroll in two required Arabic Language classes.
Program Credit
Total credit: 10 U.S. semester/15 quarter credits
Course Credit
CIEE courses: 3-7 U.S. semester/4.5-10.5 quarter credits; 45-105 contact 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
Students should expect a more formal classroom environment and take initiative in understanding instructors’ expectations. Classes are typically scheduled Monday through Friday. Students should expect to have daily homework assignments and outings to practice the language.
Class Format
In addition to classroom instruction time, students are expected to participate in content-based learning activities. These activities will further students’ exposure to Modern Standard Arabic and allow for greater retention of new vocabulary. Classes are with CIEE participants only.
Grading
Grades are based on quizzes, exams, attendance, homework assignments/special projects, oral presentations, and class participation.
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
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
Click to OpenCourse Information
Summer 2022 CIEE 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.
"(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
- CIEE Stem Scholarship
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
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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.
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.
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. -
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Contact Us
Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about applying to this program.