Hero
Rabat, Morocco

Arabic Language & Moroccan Culture

Language & Culture

Dates

-

4 weeks

Costs

$6,250

Extended Deadline

Enroll Now

Request Information

Dates

-

4 weeks

Costs

$6,250

Extended Deadline

Enroll Now

Request Information

Program Overview

Embark on an Arabic language journey at the crossroads of civilizations. 

Make strides in your Arabic with four weeks of language immersion in Rabat, the capital of Morocco. After Arabic classes (in both Darija and Modern Standard Arabic), dive into lively conversations with locals in the medina (the ancient part of the city) and at souks (traditional markets). Meet local teens on visits to iconic landmarks, such as the Chellah ruins, the majestic Hassan Tower, or the 12th-century Kasbah of the Udayas. Sip on aromatic mint tea, savor fresh and flavorful food, and take in sweeping ocean views at cafés just like a local. 

Experience authentic everyday life at your homestay, taking in the rhythms and customs of Morocco and building your language fluency. On excursions, venture to the enchanting “Blue Pearl” of Chefchaouen and to the cinematic cities of Casablanca and Tangier. Each day, in different ways, you’ll discover the enduring strengths of Morocco’s open and progressive society, which has been a crossroads for African, Middle Eastern, and European civilizations for centuries.

The Take-Aways

Language Growth and Cultural Competence

Come home with a higher level of colloquial Darija and Modern Standard Arabic and a greater understanding of Moroccan culture.

College Credits

Choose to earn 4 college credits toward your future college degree. Take advantage of the credits to stand out on your college applications or to satisfy college language requirements.

Lifelong Skills and Friendships

Return with greater self-confidence, independence, and adaptability. Enjoy a broader worldview and diverse friendships from across the U.S. 

60

Hours Of Instruction With A Native Arabic Teacher

4

College Credits

1

Life-changing Experience

The Destination
  • ciee rabat front entryway signage
  • city shot
  • Group shot

The Destination

Welcome to Rabat, a coastal city with modern and traditional architecture, lush gardens, and centuries of history. 

A meeting point for African, European, and Middle Eastern civilizations throughout the ages, Morocco draws millions of visitors each year. Situated on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, Rabat, the cosmopolitan and progressive capital, takes center stage. 

Rabat’s roots trace back to the 10th century, established near the remains of an Ancient Roman settlement. Its rich historical heritage emerges at every turn with a unique blend of styles, spanning from old-world marketplaces to French Colonial architecture. The main languages spoken here are Arabic and French. 

With a laid-back, welcoming atmosphere, Rabat has earned its reputation as a “green city.” Abundant green spaces, parks, and palm trees are juxtaposed with popular attractions, including the medina, the millah (the Jewish quarter), the medieval fortress Kasbah of the Udayas, and the iconic Hassan Tower. As you explore Rabat, you’ll be spellbound by a vibrant cultural mosaic. Be sure to try delectable Moroccan flavors like traditional tagine, zalouk, makouda, and refreshing mint tea!

Cultural Awareness

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.

Daily Life

Daily Life

Monday–Friday

Each day offers a balance between interactive instruction and cultural activities with time on your own, too. Morning classes and afternoon activities may swap places.  

  • Breakfast at your homestay  
  • Engaging Arabic classes with expert language instructors, all native-speakers   
  • Lunch in the community with your fellow Global Navigators  
  • Out and about for authentic conversations in the community and a cultural activity
  • Dinner and evening discussions at your homestay  

Weekend 

  • Overnight or day excursions to top sites  
  • Quality time with friends and your host family

Check out the blog posts to discover more about daily life and excursions on program. 

Housing

Carefully-screened Homestay

24/7 Support

1 Program Leader for every 12 students and support from local staff

Program Blogs

From CIEE

What's It Like to Do High School Summer Abroad in Morocco?

By High School Summer Abroad at CIEE

"If you have the opportunity to do something like this, definitely do it." Christine C., 16, and Mohamad H., 17, flew across the Atlantic this past summer to improve their Arabic language skills in the capital of Morocco. Here's how they describe their program.

From CIEE

A Weekend Getaway to the Blue City

By Morgan Hopson at CIEE

A breathtaking blue oasis nestled in the Rif Mountains of Morocco, Chefchaouen is a picturesque town renowned for its vivid blue-painted buildings and rich cultural heritage. This past weekend, the... keep reading

From CIEE

Student Spotlight - Nepu Hossain - Reflections on Time and Friendships

By Morgan Hopson at CIEE

Time is weird and deeper than I can understand sometimes. I think about how people dont always stay in your life and maybe they are not supposed to or maybe... keep reading

Activities

Sample Activities

Activity shot

Just imagine all the fun you’ll have!

  • Don your swimsuit and jump into Morocco’s beach culture. Take a kayaking trip down the Bouregrag River, too. 
  • Ride camels to the village of Ourika in the Atlas Mountains. Experience Morocco’s indigenous culture by meeting the Amazigh people, the descendants of the pre-Arab inhabitants of North Africa. 
  • View striking visual displays at the Museum Mohamed VI of Modern and Contemporary Art, Morocco’s first public institution dedicated entirely to contemporary arts. 
  • Take an excursion to “the blue pearl”, Chefchaouen, with its medina full of winding cobblestone streets, doors and window frames painted in tranquil shades of blue. 
  • Get glammed up for a Moroccan party with traditional dress, dance, and henna art. Visit the Hassan II Mosque, one of the tallest minarets in the world and the only mosque in Morocco open to visitors. 
  • Marvel at the snake charmers and artisan crafts in Marrakesh’s bustling Jemaa el-Fnaa square. Join an interactive session with locals in the winding souks of the old medina. 

Please note activities are based on past programs and subject to change at CIEE's discretion to adapt to local circumstances and participant feedback. Our goal when arranging activities is always to enhance your experience. 

What Students Are Saying

  • “I got introduced into an amazing language like Arabic, met some amazing people, and the CIEE staff was so helpful and supportive. It exposed me to Moroccan culture and my host family made me feel right at home. On a scale of 10, CIEE deserves a 100!” 

    Angelique L., CIEE Global Navigator Alum

  • “My most memorable moment was our first dinner in Chefchaouen. We talked, laughed, took pictures, listened to music, and ate really good food! I felt so comfortable and happy! 

    Kira B., CIEE Global Navigator Alum

  • “I loved travelling to other cities within Morocco, like Marrakech, and being able to bond more with my peers. The trip has really opened my eyes to the world and I formed lifelong friendships.” 

    Rakeem Y., CIEE Global Navigator Alum

  • “It was such an amazing experience and I learned so much about Moroccan culture, the Arabic language, and about myself. It was super fun and such a valuable experience that I will never forget.” 

    iana B., CIEE Global Navigator Alum

Dates & Fees

Dates & Fees

Eligibility

  • Participants must be 14 years old and above.
  • Program open to all current high school students—Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors—of all Arabic language proficiency levels.
  • For scholarship eligibility requirements, please check our scholarship page.

For more information, refer to the detailed Program Essential Eligibility Criteria.

Application Fee

$25

Optional College Credit Fee

$150

Learn more about how to get college credit for your future college degree.

Program scholarships and tuition include iNext Travel Insurance, but do not cover the cost of flights. Find additional details about what’s included with your tuition.

More questions? Find answers, get application support, sign up for virtual presentations or contact us!

Program

Application Due

Start Date

End Date

Costs

Program Summer Session I 2024 4 weeks Start Date End Date Costs $6,250
Program Summer Session II 2024 4 weeks Start Date End Date Costs $6,250

What’s Included

Interactive Classes

Housing

3 Meals/Day

(Dietary Needs Accommodated)

All Ground Transportation

(Once In-country)

Optional Flight Chaperone

(Flight Cost Not Included)

Pre-departure Advice and Orientation

Access to Local Phone and WIFI

All Cultural Activities and Excursions

Comprehensive Medical and Travel Protection

24/7 Emergency On-site Support

Our Staff

Our Staff

Madiha Chafiq

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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