Over six weeks, study the diverse Maghreb region and learn how to speak Arabic.

Start the program with a comprehensive orientation that includes preparation and guidance for homestays, exploring cultural customs and differences, health and safety overview, and walking tours of Rabat.

All students follow two courses: one Modern Standard Arabic language course, according their level, and an elective of their choice, taught in English.

Two-week extension: Remain in Rabat after classes conclude and volunteer with a local NGO for two weeks.

The program includes:

• Tuition fees for two courses
• Dedicated academic and language support
• Culture package: Excursions to Fez/Volubilis and Tangier/Chefchaouen, conversational Darija lessons, calligraphy workshop, music workshop, ceramics painting, performances: concert, theater, dance
• Housing: Stay with a hand-selected host family with all meals and weekly laundry included in board

Optional:

• 2 week extension: Stay in Rabat an additional two weeks to volunteer with a local NGO

Students also receive:

• Airport pick-up on the program start date
• On-site orientation
• Pre-departure support 
• Liability insurance
• Dedicated on-site team for support in and outside of the classroom 

Please visit apaparis.com for up-to-date program fees. APA awards two scholarships starting at $300 to participating students. Visit the Scholarship page for more information.

Location

The walled coastal city of Rabat sports the eclectic influence of its many inhabitants throughout history: Barbary pirates, the Berbers, Spanish Moors, and the French. Morocco’s capital, Rabat has beautiful gardens, world-class museums, traditional markets, and historic architecture that will have you planning your return trip!

About APA

APA is a boutique program provider in Paris, France with a passion to provide a first-rate study abroad experience that unites academic excellence with the beauty and richness of French and Francophone culture. For over 30 years, students from more than 80 US colleges and universities have received a personalized, immersive education abroad in Paris, France; Montpellier, France; Dakar, Senegal; and Rabat, Morocco.

Enroll in two courses from the following:

• Mandatory: Modern Standard Arabic: All students follow a language course according to their level – beginner, intermediate or, advanced.
• Colonialism and Postcolonialism in Morocco: Issues and Debates: How did Moroccans experience colonial conquest and governance, and how did they attempt to formulate alternative cultural and political systems? What problems did they face in their attempts to build a postcolonial state? What remains of this entangled history between France and North Africa? Explore the Moroccan colonial and subsequent postcolonial timeline and its legacy.
• Gender, Sexuality and Feminism in North Africa: Why is gender and sexuality so central to questions of identity in the Maghreb? Is Islam a real factor in determining women’s position in society? Investigate the concepts, theories, and influences that affect laws and policies that regulate sexuality, gender and family relations in Morocco, the debates surrounding gay rights, prostitution, and female emancipation, with attention to both state narratives and the plurality of voices from civil society.
• Social Movements in North Africa and the Middle East: While social change usually takes place slowly and gradually, social movements, as organized mass phenomena, accelerate transitions and can be read as direct expressions of how the people of a specific community view their reality and seek to improve it. Examine social movements in Morocco and in the MENA region, the role of social media, the participants, and the relationship with traditional party politics.
• Language, Identity, and Nationalism in Contemporary Morocco: Investigate questions of identity, multiculturalism and nationalism in Morocco from the point of view of language taken in its social, cultural and political dimension. How does language forge community and belonging and how does it relate to nationalism?

All courses are taught in English and receive four credits. Access the syllabi on our website.

Extend Your Stay

Continue your study abroad in Rabat and extend your stay two more weeks. The additional time allows you to volunteer at a local NGO.

Customized Language Support

During pre-departure, each student takes a language evaluation and based on the results, is assigned to one of our Arabic language professors. Each week throughout the program, students will meet with their Arabic professor for 30 minutes and one hour separately with a teaching assistant to work on specific areas of oral and written expression and comprehension.

Cultural Events

• Weekend excursion to Fez and Volubilis
• Weekend excursion to Tangier and Chefchaouen
• Conversational Darija lessons
• Calligraphy workshop
• Music workshop
• Ceramics painting
• Performances: Concert, theater, dance

Connect and live with a local host family for a greater understanding of the Moroccan culture and lifestyle.

Each student is paired with a host family in the historic city center known as the medina. Students are provided with a private bedroom with linens, access to common areas including the kitchen, all meals and weekly laundry. All homestays are vetted to provide the best fit.

Eligibility

The program is open to students with sophomore, junior, senior, or graduate level class standing and a minimum 3.0 GPA.

Deadline

April 15

Application Process

The online application consists of submitting the following parts:

• Application form
• Personal statement
• Unofficial transcript

Your application will only be reviewed once these pieces are received. After, a member of the APA team will contact you to schedule a short, friendly Zoom conversation so that we may learn more about you and why you would like to study in Rabat.

Apply online at the APA website

Please note: Your home institution may have its own study abroad application requirements and deadlines. It is your responsibility to make sure they are all completed in the proper, timely manner.

If you have any questions, we welcome you to contact the APA US office at usa@apaparis.com or by phone at 203-883-8200. A team member will respond to you as soon as possible.