Morocco
Dates
May 12 – June 8, 2024
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.
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 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 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.
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'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 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.
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.
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.
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
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.
Student Voices
“Visit Morocco. Embrace the dizzying chaos of the crowds. Stand in awe at the enormity of the dessert. Explore the gateway to Africa with openness and curiosity. You’ll find yourself enchanted by the architecture, overwhelmed by the medinas, humbled by Moroccan hospitality, and spellbound by an amazing country.”
– Anna, Morocco
“I made fast friend with many children who lived nearby. They would run up to me in the street for a quick game of ball and for piece of candy that even child within a 1/2 mile knew I carried and gave away freely. The kids knew me by name and greeted me as I walked to school.”
– Kara, Morocco
“If you want to experience culture, come to Morocco. You’ll get a taste of the whole world in just one country. The music, the art, the food, even the dialect are all eclectic and beautiful. Last week I saw a Moroccan band and they sang in eight different languages in one night! Also, simply living the language and the culture allows you to learn so much. It is truly an amazing experience.”
– Sierra, Morocco
“The program offers a first-hand and unique experience and exposure to the linguistic, cultural, and ethnic diversity of Morocco. Morocco is an ideal context where students can immerse themselves into a multi-ethnic and multi-linguistic Arab society, with a noticeable European influence.”
– Dr. Abdelaadim Bidaoui, Director
Take Your Education Further
Description
Dates
May 12 – June 8, 2024
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.
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 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 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.
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'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 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.
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.
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.
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
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.
Student Voices
“Visit Morocco. Embrace the dizzying chaos of the crowds. Stand in awe at the enormity of the dessert. Explore the gateway to Africa with openness and curiosity. You’ll find yourself enchanted by the architecture, overwhelmed by the medinas, humbled by Moroccan hospitality, and spellbound by an amazing country.”
– Anna, Morocco
“I made fast friend with many children who lived nearby. They would run up to me in the street for a quick game of ball and for piece of candy that even child within a 1/2 mile knew I carried and gave away freely. The kids knew me by name and greeted me as I walked to school.”
– Kara, Morocco
“If you want to experience culture, come to Morocco. You’ll get a taste of the whole world in just one country. The music, the art, the food, even the dialect are all eclectic and beautiful. Last week I saw a Moroccan band and they sang in eight different languages in one night! Also, simply living the language and the culture allows you to learn so much. It is truly an amazing experience.”
– Sierra, Morocco
“The program offers a first-hand and unique experience and exposure to the linguistic, cultural, and ethnic diversity of Morocco. Morocco is an ideal context where students can immerse themselves into a multi-ethnic and multi-linguistic Arab society, with a noticeable European influence.”
– Dr. Abdelaadim Bidaoui, Director
Take Your Education Further
Additional information
| Location | |
|---|---|
| Term | |
| Subject | Arab Studies, Arabic, Colonial & Post Colonial Studies, Honors |
