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Morocco

Dates

June 30 – July 29, 2023

Cost

$3,750 + airfare
Scholarships & Financial Aid

Subjects

Arab Studies, Arabic, Philosophy

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 15, 2023. 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.

PHIL 440 Topics: Islamic Philosophy

Dr. Peter Fosl

This course will address the philosophical thought developed by Islamic thinkers in the late first and early second millennia, especially in Baghdad, Persia, Spain, and North Africa. Authors will include: al-Kindi, al-Farabi, Ibn-Sina, Ibn-Rushd, and al-Ghazali.

PHIL 320 Ethics

Dr. Peter Fosl

This course will explore several of the major schools of ethics in Western philosophy, including those that would have been the Roman provinces that are today Morocco (i.e. Mauretania Tingatana). The course will address stoicism, Epicureanism, skepticism, Aristotelianism, Platonism, and Kantianism, and Utilitarianism.

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.

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.

ARBC 200 Introduction to Arab Studies

Dr. Abdelaadim Bidaoui

The course provides an interdisciplinary overview of major aspects of the Arabic language, culture and national identity. Based on scholarly works, primary texts, and media from the Arab World, the course examines the Arab people’s historical background, language varieties, literary traditions, customs, social practices, and representative institutions. The course explores the formation of present day Arab identity and culture; e.g., historical/older and contemporary realities in the Arab world, social, and political landscape.

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: $3,595 + 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:  $1,600 – $1,700

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

June 30 – July 29, 2023

Cost

$3,750 + airfare
Scholarships & Financial Aid

Subjects

Arab Studies, Arabic, Philosophy

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 15, 2023. 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.

PHIL 440 Topics: Islamic Philosophy

Dr. Peter Fosl

This course will address the philosophical thought developed by Islamic thinkers in the late first and early second millennia, especially in Baghdad, Persia, Spain, and North Africa. Authors will include: al-Kindi, al-Farabi, Ibn-Sina, Ibn-Rushd, and al-Ghazali.

PHIL 320 Ethics

Dr. Peter Fosl

This course will explore several of the major schools of ethics in Western philosophy, including those that would have been the Roman provinces that are today Morocco (i.e. Mauretania Tingatana). The course will address stoicism, Epicureanism, skepticism, Aristotelianism, Platonism, and Kantianism, and Utilitarianism.

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.

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.

ARBC 200 Introduction to Arab Studies

Dr. Abdelaadim Bidaoui

The course provides an interdisciplinary overview of major aspects of the Arabic language, culture and national identity. Based on scholarly works, primary texts, and media from the Arab World, the course examines the Arab people’s historical background, language varieties, literary traditions, customs, social practices, and representative institutions. The course explores the formation of present day Arab identity and culture; e.g., historical/older and contemporary realities in the Arab world, social, and political landscape.

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: $3,595 + 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:  $1,600 – $1,700

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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