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Morocco

Dates

May 12 – June 8, 2024

Cost

$3,750 + airfare
Scholarships & Financial Aid

Subjects

Elementary Arabic, Arab Studies, Colonial & Post-Colonial Studies, Honors

Deadlines

Dec. 1: Apply Early & Save $100
Feb. 5: Regular Deadline 

Program Overview

Morocco provides a first-hand and unique experience of the linguistic, cultural, and ethnic diversity of Morocco for students with an interest in learning Arabic language and culture as well as Moroccan history, politics and religion. KIIS Morocco is an ideal context where you can immerse yourself in a multi-linguistic Arab society, with a noticeable European influence. The program will be based in Rabat the capital city; longer-weekend excursions will include visits to Marrakech and optional excursions to Tangier and Fez. To complement KIIS course offerings, guest lecturers from local universities will be selected.

Note: Studying abroad likely is more physically strenuous than you are used to at home. KIIS study abroad programs typically involve approx. 5-10 miles of walking (approx. 10,000-20,000 steps) or the like in a day, including the possibility of walking, hiking, and climbing stairs in heat and humidity, over elevations at higher altitudes, and over rocky terrain. See Health & Wellness for more information.

Language Requirement:  No language requirement except for ARBC 102.

Accommodations: Dorm, 2 people per room.

OrientationMandatory orientation on Saturday, April 13, 2024. See Orientation for more information.

Courses

Courses are taught in English except ARBC 102. Moroccan Arabic & Modern Standard Arabic are available. All courses are 3 credit hours. You may enroll in 1-2 courses.

HON 300 / IDST 350 Topics: Contemporary Morocco

Dr. Nisrine Slitine El Mghari

This course examines topical issues faced by Moroccans, and other North African and Sub-Saharan African populations in contemporary Morocco. The goal of the course is to give an introduction of contemporary debates on migration, clandestinity, marginalization, religion, and identity in a globalized Morocco. Students will foster informed debate and discussion regarding the cultures and societies of the region.

HON 300 / IDST 350 Topics: Cultural Memory and Colonialism in Morocco

Dr. Nisrine Slitine El Mghari

This course invites students to discover the rich and diverse culture of Morocco, and the complex history of this sharifian Kingdom as a site of cultural memory. Students will examine the local traditions and popular cultures, and marginalization of indigenous people of Morocco as an outcome of the long history of colonization, discrimination, and modernization.

ARBC 101 Elementary Arabic I

Dr. Abdelaadim Bidaoui

This is an introductory course to familiarize students with the Arabic writing and sound systems and to enable them to develop basic proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The course will also allow students to receive additional target language input and practice, and learn about the culture and history of the people speaking Arabic in Morocco.

ARBC 102 Elementary Arabic II

Dr. Abdelaadim Bidaoui

The purpose of Arabic 102 is to develop students’ proficiency in Arabic and to familiarize them with its basic grammatical structures. The course will also help the student develop their listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills.

All KIIS course credit is awarded by Western Kentucky University. Prior to your KIIS program, please speak with your home campus academic advisor and/or study abroad office to determine course equivalencies. Grades will be transferred to your home institution in mid-August after the completion of the program. Course offerings are subject to change according to enrollment. For more information, visit Transcripts & Grades.

Program Excursions

Oulja Pottery

Oulja is a traditional artisan exhibition and pottery factory located in Rabat's sister city of Salé.  While visiting Oulja, we have a unique opportunity to watch traditional masters as they display their methods and crafts.

The Coastline

The expansive Atlantic coastline is located just fifteen minutes by taxi from Qalam wa Lawh Center. There are amazing views and several beaches within easy reach of the city.

Hassan Tower

When construction began in 1195 CE, Hassan tower was intended to be the tallest minaret in the world. However, the project was never completed.  While the massive structure is amazing by itself, the site also provides amazing views of Rabat.

Rabat Souks

Rabat's central souks are located in the Medina (old city) and are a great place to interact with Moroccans and also a great place to shop.

Chellah

Chellah was established in Phoenician times before eventually becoming a Roman city.  At the fall of the Roman empire, it was abandoned until approximately 900 CE when the Arabs repopulated the area.

Rabat

We will be immersed in the culture through short, afternoon field trips within Rabat. The program includes excursions to Rabat's historic and cultural sites such as Chellah, Hassan tower, Rabat Souks, Andalusian gardens and the Kasbah.

Marrakech

The weekend group excursion visits Marrakech, the first of Morocco’s imperial cities. Marrakech is famous for its traditional souks, beautiful parks and gardens, historical monuments, and the Jemaa el-Fnaa square, a lively and vibrant marketplace.

Fes

We visit Fes, Meknes, and Volubilis, Morocco's religious and cultural capitals.  We visit these old cities and see the major imperial sites and stop en route at the Roman ruins of Volubilis.

What's Included

Program Cost: $3,750 + airfare

Earn up to 6 Credit Hours

Group Flight (Optional)

Airport Transfers in Morocco

Accommodations

Breakfast & Lunch each Weekday

Groups Excursions & Transport

Overnight Marrakech Excursion

Security Evacuation Protection

Medical Insurance

Program Director & Faculty
on-site 24/7

To help you budget, keep in mind that you are responsible for the cost of obtaining a passport ($165), one meal per weekday and weekend meals + personal expenses (approx. $350-$750 depending on your food tastes/spending habits/optional independent travel preferences), any class readings/materials, and any fees from your college/university.

Although KIIS tries to foresee all possible expenses in formulating program fees, please note that dramatic fluctuations in foreign currency valuations and/or airline surcharges may affect the total cost of the program.

Group Flight

Estimated Cost:  $1,800 – $1,900

The KIIS Morocco program offers a group flight option where you can travel to/from Morocco with other students and faculty. If you choose this option, KIIS will purchase a round-trip flight ticket for you. The flight cost will be added to your final program fee on April 1. The group flight will depart from Cincinnati, Louisville, or Indianapolis.

If not selecting the group flight, you are responsible to purchase your own roundtrip airfare.

The flight to Morocco is overnight arriving the following morning. On the return, the flight from Morocco to the USA departs and arrives on the same day. Visit Flights and Passports & Visas for more information.

Student Voices

Take Your Education Further

Description

Dates

May 12 – June 8, 2024

Cost

$3,750 + airfare
Scholarships & Financial Aid

Subjects

Elementary Arabic, Arab Studies, Colonial & Post-Colonial Studies, Honors

Deadlines

Dec. 1: Apply Early & Save $100
Feb. 5: Regular Deadline 

Program Overview

Morocco provides a first-hand and unique experience of the linguistic, cultural, and ethnic diversity of Morocco for students with an interest in learning Arabic language and culture as well as Moroccan history, politics and religion. KIIS Morocco is an ideal context where you can immerse yourself in a multi-linguistic Arab society, with a noticeable European influence. The program will be based in Rabat the capital city; longer-weekend excursions will include visits to Marrakech and optional excursions to Tangier and Fez. To complement KIIS course offerings, guest lecturers from local universities will be selected.

Note: Studying abroad likely is more physically strenuous than you are used to at home. KIIS study abroad programs typically involve approx. 5-10 miles of walking (approx. 10,000-20,000 steps) or the like in a day, including the possibility of walking, hiking, and climbing stairs in heat and humidity, over elevations at higher altitudes, and over rocky terrain. See Health & Wellness for more information.

Language Requirement:  No language requirement except for ARBC 102.

Accommodations: Dorm, 2 people per room.

OrientationMandatory orientation on Saturday, April 13, 2024. See Orientation for more information.

Courses

Courses are taught in English except ARBC 102. Moroccan Arabic & Modern Standard Arabic are available. All courses are 3 credit hours. You may enroll in 1-2 courses.

HON 300 / IDST 350 Topics: Contemporary Morocco

Dr. Nisrine Slitine El Mghari

This course examines topical issues faced by Moroccans, and other North African and Sub-Saharan African populations in contemporary Morocco. The goal of the course is to give an introduction of contemporary debates on migration, clandestinity, marginalization, religion, and identity in a globalized Morocco. Students will foster informed debate and discussion regarding the cultures and societies of the region.

HON 300 / IDST 350 Topics: Cultural Memory and Colonialism in Morocco

Dr. Nisrine Slitine El Mghari

This course invites students to discover the rich and diverse culture of Morocco, and the complex history of this sharifian Kingdom as a site of cultural memory. Students will examine the local traditions and popular cultures, and marginalization of indigenous people of Morocco as an outcome of the long history of colonization, discrimination, and modernization.

ARBC 101 Elementary Arabic I

Dr. Abdelaadim Bidaoui

This is an introductory course to familiarize students with the Arabic writing and sound systems and to enable them to develop basic proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The course will also allow students to receive additional target language input and practice, and learn about the culture and history of the people speaking Arabic in Morocco.

ARBC 102 Elementary Arabic II

Dr. Abdelaadim Bidaoui

The purpose of Arabic 102 is to develop students’ proficiency in Arabic and to familiarize them with its basic grammatical structures. The course will also help the student develop their listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills.

All KIIS course credit is awarded by Western Kentucky University. Prior to your KIIS program, please speak with your home campus academic advisor and/or study abroad office to determine course equivalencies. Grades will be transferred to your home institution in mid-August after the completion of the program. Course offerings are subject to change according to enrollment. For more information, visit Transcripts & Grades.

Program Excursions

Oulja Pottery

Oulja is a traditional artisan exhibition and pottery factory located in Rabat's sister city of Salé.  While visiting Oulja, we have a unique opportunity to watch traditional masters as they display their methods and crafts.

The Coastline

The expansive Atlantic coastline is located just fifteen minutes by taxi from Qalam wa Lawh Center. There are amazing views and several beaches within easy reach of the city.

Hassan Tower

When construction began in 1195 CE, Hassan tower was intended to be the tallest minaret in the world. However, the project was never completed.  While the massive structure is amazing by itself, the site also provides amazing views of Rabat.

Rabat Souks

Rabat's central souks are located in the Medina (old city) and are a great place to interact with Moroccans and also a great place to shop.

Chellah

Chellah was established in Phoenician times before eventually becoming a Roman city.  At the fall of the Roman empire, it was abandoned until approximately 900 CE when the Arabs repopulated the area.

Rabat

We will be immersed in the culture through short, afternoon field trips within Rabat. The program includes excursions to Rabat's historic and cultural sites such as Chellah, Hassan tower, Rabat Souks, Andalusian gardens and the Kasbah.

Marrakech

The weekend group excursion visits Marrakech, the first of Morocco’s imperial cities. Marrakech is famous for its traditional souks, beautiful parks and gardens, historical monuments, and the Jemaa el-Fnaa square, a lively and vibrant marketplace.

Fes

We visit Fes, Meknes, and Volubilis, Morocco's religious and cultural capitals.  We visit these old cities and see the major imperial sites and stop en route at the Roman ruins of Volubilis.

What's Included

Program Cost: $3,750 + airfare

Earn up to 6 Credit Hours

Group Flight (Optional)

Airport Transfers in Morocco

Accommodations

Breakfast & Lunch each Weekday

Groups Excursions & Transport

Overnight Marrakech Excursion

Security Evacuation Protection

Medical Insurance

Program Director & Faculty
on-site 24/7

To help you budget, keep in mind that you are responsible for the cost of obtaining a passport ($165), one meal per weekday and weekend meals + personal expenses (approx. $350-$750 depending on your food tastes/spending habits/optional independent travel preferences), any class readings/materials, and any fees from your college/university.

Although KIIS tries to foresee all possible expenses in formulating program fees, please note that dramatic fluctuations in foreign currency valuations and/or airline surcharges may affect the total cost of the program.

Group Flight

Estimated Cost:  $1,800 – $1,900

The KIIS Morocco program offers a group flight option where you can travel to/from Morocco with other students and faculty. If you choose this option, KIIS will purchase a round-trip flight ticket for you. The flight cost will be added to your final program fee on April 1. The group flight will depart from Cincinnati, Louisville, or Indianapolis.

If not selecting the group flight, you are responsible to purchase your own roundtrip airfare.

The flight to Morocco is overnight arriving the following morning. On the return, the flight from Morocco to the USA departs and arrives on the same day. Visit Flights and Passports & Visas for more information.

Student Voices

Take Your Education Further

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