AMIDEAST Education Abroad Program in Morocco

  Morocco

Rabat

Term: Academic Year, Fall, Spring 
Dates: August 23 - December 20, 2008; January 10 - May 16, 2009

Description: The AMIDEAST Education Abroad Program in Morocco is a collaborative program with Mohammed V University Agdal in Rabat, Morocco's capital. Students may enroll for either a semester or an academic year.

Students are required to study Arabic and elect one of two required courses (Cities in the Islamic World or Issues in Contemporary Moroccan Culture) while other anthropology, sociology, history, and political science electives are available. Intermediate and advanced French also are available, as are more advanced courses and/or directed study options for students with advanced French language skills.

Area studies courses are taught by faculty from Mohammed V University- Agdal who have studied and taught in English-medium institutions in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. Classes are held at the University and at the AMIDEAST office in Rabat.

Rabat is surrounded by massive 11th century walls enclosing the city's old and new areas, which are remarkably different from one another. In the old city, or medina students may enjoy bargaining for traditional products in the markets, or souqs, or simply wander down the small, picturesque streets. The more modern areas, including Agdal, home of the Mohammed V University-Agdal campus, have wide boulevards, gardens, and many cafes and restaurants. Attractions include the Oudaia Kasbah, which served as the headquarters for famous Moroccan corsairs during the 17th and 18th centuries, the 12th century Hassan Mosque, museums, the Royal Palace, beaches and more.

Highlights: AMIDEAST is a non-profit organization that has been involved in education and training throughout the Middle East and North Africa since 1951. Its field staff in Rabat and Casablanca provide logistical, program and emergency response support for students enrolled in AMIDEAST Education Abroad Programs, including:

* Airport reception and transport from Casablanca to Rabat
* One-week program orientation upon arrival
* Arrangement of accommodations and meals provided by Moroccan host families
* Two program excursions to various Northern and Southern Moroccan cities and an optional desert excursion.
* Service-learning and non-credit internships, available upon request
* Cultural activities and events with Moroccan students
* On-call assistance 24/7 in case of emergency

Cost in US$: Fall 2008, $11,000; Spring 2009, $11,000; Academic Year 2008-09, $20,500

Experience Required: yes

Student must have completed one year of college/university study; preference to students with at least two semesters of Arabic or French.

This Program is open to World Wide Participants.

Participants Travel to Morocco Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Transcript
• Written Application

AMIDEAST's Mission Statement: America-Mideast Educational and Training Services, Inc. (AMIDEAST), founded in 1951, is a private, nonprofit organization that strengthens mutual understanding and cooperation between Americans and the people of the Middle East and North Africa. AMIDEAST has been involved with Education Abroad Programs since the mid-1980s. AMIDEAST Education Abroad Programs are student-centered and structured to maximize students' Arabic language acquisition, development of their knowledge of the host country and region through exposure to the host culture, and development of their intercultural sensitivity and global competence.

Year Founded: 1951