Rabat, Morocco

Arabic Language & Moroccan Culture

Program Full
Click to scroll down and read more

Information for term Arabic Language & Moroccan Culture

Application deadline, and cost information.

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

Program Deadlines and Pricing Info

  • Dates: Jun 11 – Jul 8, 2023 (4 weeks)
$6,150

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

Program Deadlines and Pricing Info

  • Dates: Jul 9 – Aug 5, 2023 (4 weeks)
$6,150

Overview

Click to Open
An ideal backdrop for top-flight language acquisition and a journey into the rich Moroccan culture.

Join the daily swirl of life in Rabat, the cosmopolitan capital that’s home to diplomats, students and multilingual professionals. It’s the ideal backdrop for your daily Arabic language instruction (in both Darija and Modern Standard Arabic), and explorations into the rich traditions of Moroccan culture. 

Drink mint tea, eat traditional sweets, and take in sweeping ocean views in cafes near the 12th-century Kasbah. Converse with merchants while browsing in the old-world Medina. Back home with your Moroccan homestay, you’ll practice your Arabic skills as you prepare and share traditional meals and enjoy authentic everyday life. 

Through CIEE activities, you’ll connect with Moroccan artists, musicians, and fellow students. Each day, in different ways, you’ll discover the enduring strengths of this open and progressive society that’s been a crossroads for African, Middle Eastern, and European civilizations for centuries. 

The Take-Aways

  • LANGUAGE & CULTURAL PROFICIENCY

    Call Rabat home for 4 weeks and come back with increased language proficiency in colloquial Darija and Modern Standard Arabic, and a greater understanding of the Moroccan way of life. Bring home life stories to remember your cultural experiences.

  • COLLEGE CREDITS

    Earn 4 college credits to either apply toward your future college degree, or to use to demonstrate your ability to do college-level work, or test out of a language level in college!

  • LIFELONG SKILLS AND FRIENDSHIPS

    After just 4 weeks away, you'll build self-confidence, gain a broader world view, improve your interpersonal communication skills and make lifelong friends from all across the U.S.

Location & Culture

Click to Open
Rabat offers a unique combination of modern and traditional architecture, lovely gardens, and green spaces.

No North African city is more welcoming and hospitable than Rabat. Less crowded and more relaxed than neighboring destinations, it is known for its open, progressive society and prime location on the Atlantic coast.

Arabic and French are the main languages you’ll hear on the streets with an English-speaking youth. From ancient markets to French Colonial architecture to opulent foreign embassies, the city has a unique mix of colorful styles and cultures. Palm trees line boulevards and lush gardens make the city pleasantly livable.

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

Click to Open

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 everyone at your homestay  

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

Click to Open

Program Blogs

Activities

Click to Open

Sample Activities

Get excited about all the things you could do during your time abroad. Here are a few sample activities and excursions:

JUST IMAGINE ALL THE FUN YOU’LL HAVE

  • View striking visual displays at the Museum Mohamed VI of Modern and Contemporary Art, Morocco’s first public institution dedicated entirely to contemporary arts. 
  • Get glammed up for a 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. 
  • Explore Tangier. From a cave on the northernmost point of Africa, see the Spanish horizon across the Strait of Gibraltar. 
  • Embark on a multi-day excursion to see the riches of Chefchaouen, known as “the blue pearl,” and the Riff Mountain region. 
  • In Marrakesh, marvel at the snake charmers and artisan crafts in the bustling square Jemaa el-Fnaa. Interact 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. 

 

  • Prepare authentic local dishes during a Moroccan cooking class.
  • Go kayaking at a local beach
  • Expand your horizons on visits to Tangier.
  • Go on an overnight excursion to the famous city of Marrakesh.  Marvel at the snake charmers and artisan crafts in Marrakesh’s bustling Jemaa el-Fnaa square, attend an interactive session with locals in the winding souks of the old medina.
     

Please note this list of activities is based on past programs and subject to change at CIEE's discretion to both adapt to local circumstances, covid-related measures and restrictions and participant feedback. Our goal when revising itineraries is always to enhance your experience. Every activity is designed to provide you with a deep immersion in your topic, local culture and sights. Get ready for maximum fun!

Dates & Fees

Click to Open

Dates & Fees

Eligibility

  • All language proficiency levels accepted.
  • Program open to all current high school students: Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors. 
  • For scholarship eligibility requirements, please check our Scholarship page.

Application Fee

$25

Program scholarships and tuition include iNext Travel Insurance, but do not cover the cost of flights. More details about tuition inclusions can be found here.

Optional College Credit Fee

$150  Learn more 

Program

Application Due

Start Date

End Date

Costs

Summer Session I 2023 4 weeks Deadline Passed Jun 11, 2023 Jul 8, 2023

$6,150

Summer Session II 2023 4 weeks Deadline Passed Jul 9, 2023 Aug 5, 2023

$6,150

Looking for funding?

Our Staff

Click to Open

Ready to change your life?