clay pots morocco rabat
Rabat, Morocco

Summer Moroccan Studies

Study Program

Dates

-

4 weeks

Costs

Credit

3 - 4 semester hours

4.5 - 6 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Dates

-

4 weeks

Costs

Credit

3 - 4 semester hours

4.5 - 6 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

Apply Now

Request Information

Dates

-

4 weeks

Costs

Credit

3 - 4 semester hours

4.5 - 6 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

Apply Now

Request Information

Dates

-

8 weeks

Costs

Credit

3 - 4 semester hours

4.5 - 6 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

Apply Now

Request Information

Overview

Spend your summer studying abroad in one of the most diverse countries on the planet: Morocco! Designed for students who want to improve their Arabic language skills, the Summer Moroccan Studies program will immerse you in Morocco's rich culture and give you greater insight into present-day Moroccan society.

When class is in session at CIEE Rabat, you'll explore how Amazigh, Arab, French, Spanish, and North and West African influences have helped form Morocco's identity and contributed to its diversity. Outside the classroom, you'll have plenty of time to admire Hassan Tower, explore the Chellah Necropolis, and wander through Rabat's Medina district.

All your courses will be taught in English and complemented with immersive co-curricular activities and excursions to increase your understanding of Morocco's rich culture.

Unique Experiences

Focus on Moroccan Society

and culture in an innovative content course or choose an Arabic language course

Live with a Local Family

and immerse yourself in Moroccan culture

Explore

another Moroccan city on a multi-day stay

3M

Residents in this city, Morocco's second largest

2012

the year Rabat was granted World Heritage Status by UNESCO

2.5 M

attendees at Mawazine, a music festival in Rabat

Experience
  • rabat students on a walking trail abroad
  • students in rabat sitting on beach

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. Rabat has a wide range of opportunities for students to experience its culture - think art exhibits, music, and theater. Walk central Rabat on your off-hours and explore its palm tree-lined boulevards, 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

rif mountains exploration study abroad rabat

Excursions & Activities

  • Visit the ancient ruins of Chellah. 
  • Stroll the Andalusian Gardens. 
  • See local elementary schools and government agencies. 
  • Take a weekend trip to Chefchaouen or Marrakesh. 
  • Venture out on a day trip to Asilah and Tangiers. 
  • Explore the geographical diversity of Morocco through excursions to the High Atlas Mountains, the Rif Mountains and cities on both the Mediterranean and the Atlantic Ocean. 

Program Blogs

From CIEE

On Fridays, We Eat Couscous

By CIEE Rabat at CIEE

Couscous is a traditional Moroccan dish, eaten on Fridays - the day of congregational prayer. Huge groups gather around one big table a eat the dish together, normally by hand... keep reading

From CIEE

Moroccan Women's Football Team Making History

By CIEE Rabat at CIEE

Football, football, football! Football, known as soccer in only a few countries, finds its origins all the way to the time of the Aztecs. However, the game we know today... keep reading

From CIEE

I'm sorry / I forgive you: Finding Meaning in a Mirrored Image

By CIEE Rabat at CIEE

This past week, I had the opportunity to visit the Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art for the second time during my stay in Morocco. The museum, easily... keep reading

What People are Saying

  • "The staff is friendly, flexible, and above all - passionate. Every expectation was exceeded. They are here because they want to be here, and it makes me want to be here too. I can't wait to recommend CIEE to my friends at home."

    Reagan M., University of Louisville

  • "I learned so much from my classes, had a great time with my peers, and loved my host family!"

    Josie A., Harvard University

Housing
Academics

Academics

The Summer Moroccan Studies program is designed to provide students with a multifaceted academic analysis of Moroccan culture and history. Discuss the factors of Moroccan identity and the major issues of contemporary Moroccan society or examine the recent social and political changes in the Middle East and North Africa region. Students can also opt to learn colloquial Moroccan Arabic, 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.

Courses are taught by faculty from local and international institutions. Language courses are taught by language instructors from local universities and other organizations.

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

GPA

2.5

Language Requirements

There are no specific language requirements for this program.

Additional Requirements

Please refer to the detailed Program Essential Eligibility Criteria.

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.

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. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Requirements

Students enroll in one required course. 

Program Credit

Total credit: 3–4 U.S. semester/4.5-6 quarter hours per session 

Course Credit

CIEE courses: 1-3 U.S. semester/1.5–4.5 quarter credits; 15-45 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. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Academic Culture

Teaching methods involve a combination of lectures, tutorials, seminars, and fieldwork. Guest lectures and excursions are also an important part of the curriculum. 

Class Format

Classes are for CIEE students only. 

Grading

Grades are based on quizzes, exams, individual and group presentations, research projects, and papers, following a standard A-F grading scale. 

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. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

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. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Courses

Course Information

Course Notes

  • Students may enroll in the Communicative Moroccan Colloquial Arabic Language class during one session. 

Summer Session II 2025

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Summer Session I 2024

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

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.

Learn more about scholarships

Dates & Fees

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 Session II 2025 4 weeks Start Date End Date Fees & Housing $4,750
Program Summer Session I 2024 4 weeks Application Due Deadline Passed Start Date End Date Fees & Housing $4,650
Program Summer Session II 2024 4 weeks Application Due Deadline Passed Start Date End Date Fees & Housing $4,650
Program Summer Session I and II 2024 8 weeks Application Due Deadline Passed Start Date End Date Fees & Housing $8,370

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 = $3,520**

Housing = $730***

Insurance = $200

Total Fees = $4,750

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 = $140

International Airfare = $1,150

Local Transportation = $30

Books & Supplies = $30

Personal expenses = $130††

Other = $40

Total Costs = $1,520

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

*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

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 = $3,533**

Housing = $620

Insurance = $197

Total Fees = $4,650

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 = $140

International Airfare = $1,150

Local Transportation = $30

Books & Supplies = $30

Personal expenses = $115

Other = $40

Total Costs = $1,505

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

*non-refundable

**direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

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.

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 = $3,533**

Housing = $620

Insurance = $197

Total Fees = $4,650

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 = $140

International Airfare = $1,150

Local Transportation = $30

Books & Supplies = $30

Personal expenses = $115

Other = $40

Total Costs = $1,505

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

*non-refundable

**direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

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.

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 = $6,633**

Housing = $1,240

Insurance = $197

Total Fees = $8,370

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 = $60

Books & Supplies = $60

Personal expenses = $230

Other = $40

Total Costs = $1,820

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

*non-refundable

**direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

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.

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

Meals

Staff

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 Steps

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!

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.

Request Info