Morocco: Arabic Language and Community Service (Summer)

“The SIT Morocco program constantly challenged me. Whether in class, at home with my family, exploring Rabat with new friends, or traveling throughout the country, I practiced my language skills while discovering Moroccan culture. Because my group was small, I received wonderful personal attention. By the end of the program, I confidently carried on lengthy conversations in Arabic on a variety of cultural topics.”

-- Elizabeth Williams, University of Florida

Group discussion with women of Bni Kola village

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The SIT Morocco: Arabic Language and Community Service program offers intensive Arabic language study, community service, and cultural immersion during a seven-week summer program.

Students hone their Arabic language skills through intensive language study in the classroom; onsite field exercises at souks, museums, and other settings throughout Morocco; homestays; and an in-depth community service project. Students also have group discussions with Moroccan university students.

The program consists of three courses, for a total of nine credits:

Modern Standard Arabic – Instruction is provided at three different levels: beginner, intermediate, and advanced. Students also learn useful and functional expressions in Moroccan Arabic (Darija).
Community Service Project – Students gain practical work experience as a volunteer under both academic and professional supervision and guidance.
Arabic Writing Seminar – Students at all levels are introduced to the writing skills necessary to produce a short research paper in Arabic.

Center for Cross Cultural Learning library

Discovering Moroccan culture
Students engage with academics, artists, architects, activists, and leaders of nongovernmental organizations and participate in hands-on activities such as Moroccan cooking, dancing, calligraphy, and costuming.

Students live with two Moroccan families—one in Rabat, and one in the area of Ouezzane. These homestays give students an opportunity to experience Moroccan life and practice their Arabic language skills. Students also go on excursions to places of interest, including the Roman ruins of Volubilis and the mountain town of Chefchaouen.

Drawing on the resources of Rabat
The program is based in the vibrant city of Rabat, Morocco’s capital, located on the Atlantic coast. Classes are held at the Center for Cross Cultural Learning in the city’s centuries-old medina. The Center hosts educational programs and organizes cultural events, such as artistic shows and performances.

Discovering the vibrancy of summer
Throughout the summer, a multitude of festivals and ceremonies are held in Morocco. In the coming years (2013–2015), the summer term will also coincide with Ramadan preparations. Additionally, summer is the time when family members living abroad return home to Morocco, further contributing to the excitement of the summer period.

"Tales From Abroad": Learn more about SIT's summer Arabic language program in Morocco through the words of a recent participant, Modoluwamu Fatukasi, Carnegie Mellon University, SIT Study Abroad Summer 2008 program participant.