AMIDEAST Rabat - Area & Arabic Language Studies
AMIDEAST
Request Info
(For American Students)
Fortify your Arabic language skills with the Amideast Education Abroad program in the imperial city of Rabat, Morocco’s bustling capital in which Arab, European, indigenous Amazigh, and sub-Saharan African influences intersect to create a cultural... read more
All Reviews
I gained confidence in my speaking ability and also improved my problem solving and communication skills. Elizabeth Beaton - Mount Holyoke College View Entire Review
This experience was very much worthwhile for me. Studying in Morocco had its challenges, but by the end of the semester, I felt like I had found a new home for myself. I met some amazing people, who I know I will keep in touch with for the rest of my life because they became a part of my family. I learned to be more independen... Rose Sisco - University of Richmond View Entire Review
Maybe the most important thing I learned is how difficult it is to be a foreigner anywhere. I now have much more empathy of immigrants and refugees struggling in a strange new place. A student - United States Military Academy View Entire Review
lifelong friendships, language skills, street smarts, travel experience, global perspective, cultural knowledge, compassion, understandings. This being worthwhile is not even a question at this point. I'd do it all over again right now! A student - University of Pennsylvania View Entire Review
It was so worthwhile. I know everyone says this, but you will learn so much about yourself and how to confidently operate in this world. Your perspective will never be the same. Amina Fahmy - Brandeis University View Entire Review
I learned a lot about Moroccan and Arab culture, and gained a greater awareness of global issues and my place in the world. I also improved both Arabic and French language skills. A student - University of Pennsylvania View Entire Review
I view the whole world differently after having studied with AMIDEAST. Foreign countries seem less like strange specters and more like places people actually live and call home. I gained confidence traveling internationally alone and working through language barriers. It was absolutely worthwhile. It was pretty difficult at time... A student - Swarthmore College View Entire Review
This was my first long-term experience abroad and I loved it. I learned so much about myself on this program; it changed how I see the world and how I live in it. Rachel D - University of Pennsylvania View Entire Review
I learned how to speak out in Arabic without fear, and I learned how to look at the world with different eyes. Andrew H - Princeton University View Entire Review
I really appreciated the support, but I would have been more strict about enforcing a language contract on myself. Yeah, it was worthwhile. Madeline C - The University of Texas at Austin View Entire Review
My experience abroad in Morocco was absolutely worthwhile. I learned so much about myself and my interests, as well as about the world I live in. Morocco was a fantastic place to be a student, and my language skills improved significantly. Katherine L - Brown University View Entire Review
Of course I learned about Morocco: its history, culture, politics, food, language, etc. But I think what I gained most was socially/internally, both being in constant contact with the same 27 people for four months and with having to deal with constantly new experiences, whether in my daily commute to school, when hanging out wi... A student - Brandeis University View Entire Review
I learned very much and relearned important life lessons that I have never paid much attention to, forgot, or pushed to the back of my life. It was the most worthwhile decision I have ever made. Sahar K - American University View Entire Review
I learned a lot about myself and how I handle different situations. I grew as well and adapted new healthier ways to handle struggles. Samantha Quinones - Case Western Reserve University View Entire Review
Well, obviously I learned a lot, more than I could ever write in a review. Morocco is definitely a unique place to live for four months as an American, but in all the good ways. A very different experience than those who studied in Europe for sure! A student - Knox College View Entire Review
I learned so much. I learned about Moroccan culture, politics, history, and identity. I came to love Morocco and I am so glad that I got to experience so much of the beautiful country. Most of all, I learned about myself. Sometimes, you have to be outside of your community and your country in order to reflect on yourself and the... Rebecca C - Brandeis University View Entire Review
I learned that listening is more important than speaking. The more I listened to Moroccans, the better I understood their diverse cultures and experiences. My experience abroad was certainly worthwhile. Muhammed Asad Hansrod - Kenyon College View Entire Review
I gained a lot of self confidence and it was totally worth it. A student - Brandeis University View Entire Review
I learned a ton about Moroccan culture as well as things like Islamic Feminism which was VERY interesting. A student - Bard College View Entire Review
I learned a lot about the Moroccan culture as well as what makes Morocco unique in the Arab World. For anyone looking to live in a very diverse Arab country, this is an incredibly worthwhile experience. A student - College of the Holy Cross View Entire Review
I realized that Arabic is not out of reach, and that the seemingly impossible language of Darija is also obtainable. I traveled to every corner of Morocco, learned about its past and present, and made lifelong friends. I know that I will return to Morocco many times over! Carly P - Oakland University View Entire Review
While it may seem obvious that other places will have cultural differences, it can be difficult to realize the full extent of these differences until you are actually in that place. For anyone studying international affairs or the middle east I believe that it is essential to study abroad extensively. Eli L - George Washington University View Entire Review
I learned that I'm much happier when I am traveling and in a school with a small amount of people. pverlin - University of Pennsylvania View Entire Review
Learned the local language, became very familiar with the country and culture, made many friends. Yes. A student - Brandeis University View Entire Review
I had previously spent time in the Middle East while studying in Jordan, so I was already somewhat familiar with the region. That being said, I gained a TON being in Morocco with AMIDEAST. The culture is incredible and Morocco is a gorgeous place. More than worthwhile. Richard M - American University View Entire Review
About
Students have the option of taking a blended Modern Standard Arabic plus Colloquial Arabic course (8 credits) and a diverse set of area studies courses. Participants who do not wish to study Modern Standard Arabic may choose to simply take Colloquial Moroccan Arabic (3 credits) by itself, which is required. The homestay family experience gives students an intimate look at daily life and culture in Rabat, as well as the opportunity to hone their Arabic skills outside the classroom. Organized excursions span exciting locations from the ancient medina of Fez to the quiet village of Zawyat Ahansal in the Atlas Mountains. Yalla!
ACADEMIC OVERVIEW
- Arabic: Blended Modern Standard & Colloquial Moroccan (8 credits) is recommended
- Colloquial Moroccan Arabic (3 credits) is required if not in the 8-credit course
- Elective Area Studies Courses (3 credits each) taught in English in a variety of disciplines including a Community-Based Learning course. Recent courses have been drawn from Middle East & North Africa studies, history, political science, sociology, and Amazigh studies.
- Media Arabic (3 credits) is also available as an elective
COMMUNITY-BASED LEARNING
Every semester we offer our Community-Based Learning course. This interdisciplinary course aims at strengthening and deepening students' knowledge of the Middle East through direct experience in local organizations and a series of lectures aimed at providing the theoretical framework for studying and interacting with Moroccan society, culture, and politics.
Students will have a volunteer placement in a local organization where they are expected to spend at least five hours a week. There are also lectures/seminars to contextualize the placement, providing the opportunity to directly observe and analyze different aspects of Moroccan culture, social relations, and politics under the framework provided by the class readings and discussions.
Program Type(s):
Study AbroadIntensive Language
Program Length(s):
- Fall
- Spring
- Academic Year
Instruction Language(s):
- Arabic
- English
Relevant Study Subject(s):
- Area Studies
- African Studies
- Near Eastern Studies, Middle Eastern Studies
- Foreign Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Arabic Language and Literature
- Community Organization and Advocacy
- International Relations
- Political Science and Government
- Sociology and Anthropology
- History
Minimum GPA:
3.0Year Founded:
2007Website
Take me there!Statistics
AMIDEAST Scholarships
Amideast Education Abroad students are selected to act as a "correspondents" for our semester and summer programs. These correspondents submit multiple blog entries while developing travel and creative writing skills. Students also critically reflect in writing on their education abroad experience with Amideast.
$1,000 (semester) or $500 (summer)
Amideast Education Abroad Need Based Scholarships are awarded based on the student's financial need, and can be given up to $3,000 for summer programs and $5,000 for semester programs. Awards may be disbursed as a tuition reduction, one-time bank transfer, or equal monthly on-site cash payments.
$500 - $5,000
Videos
Featured AMIDEAST Programs
Students on this program will have the opportunity to directly enroll at the American University in Dubai ...
Amman, the capital of Jordan, has expanded from a quaint sleepy town to the bustling, multicultural metrop...
The Community and Social Entrepreneurship (CASE) Program is a funded, 8-day guided program in Tunisia spec...
Fortify your Arabic language skills with the Amideast Education Abroad program in the imperial city of Rab...
Bienvenue au Maroc! Study in the imperial city of Rabat, Morocco’s bustling capital in which Arab, Europea...