AMIDEAST Rabat - Area & Arabic Language Studies
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(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 learned to live in a new environment that was completely different from everything that I was comfortable with and knew. It was definitely worth it! nessa.lam.1 - Syracuse University View Entire Review
My Arabic improved tremendously, as did my French. It was absolutely worthwhile academically and socially. I gained a level of personal maturity that I could never have achieved on an American University campus. A student - University of Pennsylvania View Entire Review
I learned independence, cultural sensitivity and adaptation to different lifestlyes A student - Virginia Commonwealth University View Entire Review
I learned a lot of information that eventually contributed to independent funding, a return to Morocco, and to my senior thesis. I made lasting connections with really intelligent professors. I gained some lifelong friends both in Morocco and the US. And I got to spend a lot of time in a country that I love, exploring and learni... A student - Columbia University View Entire Review
I would go back to Morocco in a heartbeat. Every program has its strengths and weaknesses, but overall, you can't do better than AMIDEAST. If you really want to immerse yourself and learn, it is absolutely a good environment. Kathryn M - Dickinson College View Entire Review
My experience in Morocco was certainly worthwhile and it prepared me for future opportunities with travel and using the Arabic language. Christina G - Kenyon College View Entire Review
Seeing how differently people live was perhaps the most valuable component of my experience. Thomas W - Colorado College View Entire Review
It was most definitely worthwhile. I gained some new friends for life and many valued experiences that taught me a lot about myself. It is strange which values one clings to when they are directly challenged by the society around you. A student - Brandeis University View Entire Review
I learned so much about myself, about Moroccan/Arab/Islamic culture, about life, etc. It was so worthwhile--I encourage everyone to consider it! It's so much better, in my opinion, than the European semester abroad--especially for those of you with wanderlust who have been to Europe before. Going abroad in Morocco will be much d... David S - Tufts University View Entire Review
I was originally supposed to study at AUC in Cairo for spring 2011. I ended up being evacuated and accepted into AMIDEAST's program 3 weeks after it had already started. I landed in a country where I knew NOTHING about it, and I flourished. I saw more than I remember and definitely remember more than I've seen. It makes you stro... Catherine L - American University View Entire Review
I learned that living abroad is not easy but that it's all about growth. I learned so much about myself and how I approach and deal with certain situations. I learned how to open up to people I don't know and how to embrace difference until it becomes a familiarity. katherine.seaton.71 - American University View Entire Review
I learned a lot about Moroccan culture and how to interact with Moroccans. I also learned a lot about being American. It was very worth while. Elena R - Swarthmore College View Entire Review
Learned different languages and cultures I normally would not have learned. Afshan H - Temple University View Entire Review
The language I learned was invaluable, since I have continued with Arabic and am again living in Morocco. I learned how to become a smart risk-taker, constant traveler, and flexible housemate. Krista J - American University View Entire Review
Beyond worthwhile, this program helped me understand and deeply appreciate a region of the world that most Americans have limited exposure to or a myopic understanding of. Plus I have never eaten so well in my life :) Emily H - The New School View Entire Review
I learned what it would feel like to have a fulfilling life abroad. It was definitely worth it. And I'm profoundly glad that I stayed for the entire year instead of just one semester. I had a whole different impression of Morocco after my second semester compared to my first. It became my home, instead of a place I lived. A student - American University View Entire Review
While I was abroad, I improved my Arabic, made some great friends and memories, and experienced a wonderful culture. It was worthwhile. A student - American University View Entire Review
I gained so much abroad--greater independence, greater appreciation for other cultures and religions and world views. I'm less afraid of the unknown, of Turkish toilets, of dirty things. I've gained a love of bargaining and Moroccan spices and espresso. I've gained friends--American and Moroccan--with whom I am determined to ... A student - Brandeis University View Entire Review
I don't have a particular interest in international relations or anything, this was just supposed to be a fun, eye-opening experience to learn some new things and improve my French. I definitely got that, and had some unforgettable experiences. No regrets! But I'm afraid it hasn't impacted my career plans too much. Anna B - Oberlin College View Entire Review
YES! Amman can be an intimidating, yet amazing city. AMIDEAST took the intimidating out of the situation through excellent support networks, great communication, and excellent community connections. Sara F - Ithaca College 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
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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
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