Morocco- Language and Culture in Ifrane

  Morocco

• Other Cities in Morocco: 
Ifrane

Term: Summer 
Dates: May 29 - July 25, 2009

Description: Overview
From the Sahara desert oasis of Marrakesh to the teeming metropolis of Casablanca and the elegant royal cities of Rabat and Fez, Morocco has long been a major political, commercial and cultural crossroads in the history of North Africa and the Mediterranean region. A truly diverse society, Morocco is a point of convergence for African, Arab and Mediterranean cultures. Today, this rich and diverse history is evident in the peaceful mingling of different ethnicities, faiths, dialects and cuisine. Situated in the heart of a region known for its beautiful forests, mountains, lakes and waterfalls, Ifrane is located just 60 kilometers from the historically rich imperial city of Fez, one of the most prestigious cities of the Muslim world and the capital of the first Arab dynasty of Morocco.

Al-Akhawayn University
Al-Akhawayn University is a young, modern institution inaugurated by His Majesty King Hassan II of Morocco in 1995. Moroccos first English-language university, Al-Akhawayn takes an innovative approach to education, combining the humanistic tradition of Arab and Mediterranean cultures with the structure of the American university system. Visiting American students experience a new and different academic culture combined with the comforting familiarity of their home university. The University also offers intense faculty-student interaction, with small classes and a curriculum characterized by an interdisciplinary spirit.

Academic facilities at Al-Akhawayn include the largest computer network in all of Africa, one of the finest libraries in Morocco, several research centers and a state-of-the-art language laboratory. Student services facilities are just as modern and well-appointed, with pleasant student housing in 16 residence halls, a student center, health services center, counseling and career services, and an excellent sports center. Student life is interesting and dynamic, with international students comprising nearly 10% of the student body and increasing each year.

Highlights: Academic Program
The Arabic Summer Institute at Al-Akhawayn University is designed for students who wish to experience living and studying in an Arab country as part of their education, although for a relatively short period of time. It provides students the opportunity to study the Arabic language in context as well as other subjects pertaining to Islamic and North African Studies.

Courses Offered

Tracks
- Track 1: 8-week Language only (6 to 10 credit hours)
- Track 2: 8-week Language and Culture (9 to 13 credit hours)

Students in Track 1 will enroll in two of the following courses, based on their language level. Students in Track 2 will enroll in three of the following courses, based on their language level:

Elementary Arabic I KU ARAB 110 Five credits. For the novice speaker who wishes to learn Arabic in a culturally immersed context.

Elementary Arabic II KU ARAB 120 Five credits. A continuation of Elementary Arabic I.

Intermediate Arabic I KU ARAB 210 Three credits. For the student who has completed one year of Arabic language study who wishes to hone and further their skills in an Arabic-speaking environment.

Intermediate Arabic II KU ARAB 220 Three credits. A continuation of Intermediate Arabic I.
Advanced Arabic I KU ARAB 310 Three credits. For the student who has completed two years of Arabic language study.

Advanced Arabic II KU ARAB 320 Three credits. A continuation of Advanced Arabic I.

North African Studies KU AAAS 543 Three credits. No prior knowledge of Arabic is required. For the student with little or no prior knowledge of North African Islamic culture. Students will be able to choose from the following courses: History of the Arab World, Arab Society, Islamic Civilization, Issues in Contemporary North Africa, and North African Literature. Note: The North African Studies courses are only open to students who elect Track 2 for an additional cost.

Cultural Activities

Weekend Trips
The program includes two major trips to the Tafilalt Area (Errachidia, Erfoud, and Merzouga) and to Marrakesh. Students are required to use the vocabulary learned in the classroom when interacting with native speakers. Transportation, hotel, and all meals during the trips are included in the program cost. Optional trips can be arranged to neighboring cities such as Fez and Meknes.

Clubs
The clubs are an opportunity for students to practice and learn new vocabulary specific to the goals of each club. Students are required to participate in at least one of the following clubs:
- Literature and Theater
- Music and Dance
- Calligraphy
- Cooking

Degree Level: Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Cost in US$: Approximately $5,050

Track 2 (Language and Culture): Approximately $5,505 ($5,705 for non-KU students).

The fee includes tuition and fees at KU and at
Al-Akhawayn University, housing, meals, books, all program administrative costs, excursions and cultural programs.

Additional costs: Airfare, passport fees, incidental personal expenses and optional cultural excursions or events students attend on their own. Additional costs are expected to be approximately $2,800.

Note
All dates, costs, and program information are subject to change as necessary due to fluctuations in the exchange rate or other reasons.   

Experience Required: yes

Open to students in good academic standing from any accredited U.S. college or university. At least one semester of college-level Arabic language or the equivalent is recommended. Minimum 2.50 GPA required. (Exceptions considered only after submission of a petition.)/

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Transcript
• Written Application