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Global Educational Opportunities
Morocco is a terrific starting point in which to build cross-cultural relationships and a deep understanding of the Muslim world.
If you prefer a more diverse curriculum, enroll in the Al-Akhawayn University in Ifrane, where you can learn anything from Berber History to engineering and social studies.
Food & Drink in Morocco
Photo by Naomi H., Cross-Cultural Solutions Morocco Alum
The Food is Amazing
On the coast, the abundance of winning seafood platters mix it up enough when you want something a bit different. And the best bang for your buck that you can find just about everywhere is the Moroccan “sandwich” — chorizo sausage, olives, lettuce and fries stuffed in flat bread. Is your mouth watering yet?
It’s Easy to Get Around
A car culture is easy enough to spot, with stretching highways and the inability to get around anywhere without a car. Fortunately, Morocco has none of these faults. The rail network is excellent but will take you insofar as main cities like Casablanca, so if you want to head off the beaten track, hop on a bus or taxi. You can easily spend your weekends exploring nearby towns or hiking in the Atlas Mountains. No matter where you study, you’ll never be more than a few hours to somewhere else new.
Experience Old World Charm while Studying Abroad in Morocco
Photo by Emily P., Travel for Teens Morocco Alum
Be Charmed by the Old World
You're Off the Beaten Path
Additional Things to Know Before You Study Abroad in Morocco
Additional Things to Know about Studying Abroad in Morocco
Photo by Nina W., CIEE Morocco Alum
Outside the classroom, your study abroad experience gives you a chance to live like a local in a foreign country. This may seem daunting in Morocco, but here's what you need to know:
1. Language
The official language in Morocco is Modern Standard Arabic, though this will only get you so far, as it’s used only in an official capacity. Moroccan Arabic, aka Darija, is the language of choice and a unique dialect of the region with French, Spanish and Berber influences. If you don’t know either, you can usually get by in French, or in certain places, Spanish. Regardless of your speaking abilities, I advise spending at least a couple weeks familiarizing yourself with the Arabic writing system, the alphabet and numbers. Knowing the basics will help you get around, to decipher signs and schedules.
2. Haggling
In Morocco, haggling is a way of life. Moroccans love to haggle in the Medina markets, and as you’re a foreigner, they’ll likely start with a high price. It’s best to jump in headfirst when negotiating. Counter with a crazy-low price, and go back and forth at least three times. Some Moroccans will throw in free gifts to sweeten the deal, but these shouldn’t influence your decision! In some touristy areas, such as Fez, shopkeepers can be aggressive and may bully you into purchasing. Just walk away, and find a more polite competitor. Ultimately you should pay what you’re comfortable paying. Do some research before you settle -- check out other shops, to see their prices, or try the fixed price shops -- these can give you an idea of the maximum you should pay.
Getting Oriented to Study Abroad in Morocco
Photo by Mariana G., Semester at Sea Alum
3. Getting Oriented
When you arrive, it’s helpful to pick up a map of the city that will orient you. I recommend carrying around a knowledgeable guidebook, like Lonely Planet or Rough Guides. Tangier, Casablanca, Fez, and Marrakech are the jewels of Morocco and fun to explore. But it’s the smaller cities that you’ll engage with the laid-back lifestyle and local courtesy: relaxed Meknes, the market town of Taroudannt, sandy beaches at Tetouan, painted rocks at Tafraoute and the ancient desert town of Ouarzazate. Study the map before you go until you can pick out the bus and train stations, taxi stands, the Medina and main streets.
4. Surprising Weather
Studying Abroad in Morocco: Everything You Need to Know
A car culture is easy enough to spot, with stretching highways and the inability to get around anywhere without a car. Fortunately, Morocco has none of these faults. The rail network is excellent but will take you insofar as main cities like Casablanca, so if you want to head off the beaten track, hop on a bus or taxi. You can easily spend your weekends exploring nearby towns or hiking in the Atlas Mountains. No matter where you study, you’ll never be more than a few hours to somewhere else new.
Experience Old World Charm while Studying Abroad in Morocco
Photo by Emily P., Travel for Teens Morocco Alum
Be Charmed by the Old World
Morocco is Affordable
1. Language
The official language in Morocco is Modern Standard Arabic, though this will only get you so far, as it’s used only in an official capacity. Moroccan Arabic, aka Darija, is the language of choice and a unique dialect of the region with French, Spanish and Berber influences. If you don’t know either, you can usually get by in French, or in certain places, Spanish. Regardless of your speaking abilities, I advise spending at least a couple weeks familiarizing yourself with the Arabic writing system, the alphabet and numbers. Knowing the basics will help you get around, to decipher signs and schedules.
2. Haggling
In Morocco, haggling is a way of life. Moroccans love to haggle in the Medina markets, and as you’re a foreigner, they’ll likely start with a high price. It’s best to jump in headfirst when negotiating. Counter with a crazy-low price, and go back and forth at least three times. Some Moroccans will throw in free gifts to sweeten the deal, but these shouldn’t influence your decision! In some touristy areas, such as Fez, shopkeepers can be aggressive and may bully you into purchasing. Just walk away, and find a more polite competitor. Ultimately you should pay what you’re comfortable paying. Do some research before you settle -- check out other shops, to see their prices, or try the fixed price shops -- these can give you an idea of the maximum you should pay.
Getting Oriented to Study Abroad in Morocco
Photo by Mariana G., Semester at Sea Alum
3. Getting Oriented
When you arrive, it’s helpful to pick up a map of the city that will orient you. I recommend carrying around a knowledgeable guidebook, like Lonely Planet or Rough Guides. Tangier, Casablanca, Fez, and Marrakech are the jewels of Morocco and fun to explore. But it’s the smaller cities that you’ll engage with the laid-back lifestyle and local courtesy: relaxed Meknes, the market town of Taroudannt, sandy beaches at Tetouan, painted rocks at Tafraoute and the ancient desert town of Ouarzazate. Study the map before you go until you can pick out the bus and train stations, taxi stands, the Medina and main streets.
4. Surprising Weather
Perhaps surprisingly, Morocco can be quite chilly in the winter. The winds blow in particularly rough on coastal cities, like Casablanca and Tangiers. Snow is common in the mountain villages, especially around the ski resort of Ifrane. Dress warmly and in layers. Fortunately, you’ll be able to pick up a lot of inexpensive clothes at the markets, so there’s no need to pack a lot. In the summer, heat climbs rapidly; Fez can get as low as 6C in January, but as high as 34C in August
Studying Abroad in Morocco: Everything You Need to Know
Morocco is a terrific starting point in which to build cross-cultural relationships and a deep understanding of the Muslim world.
There are several places to study in Morocco, primarily in the main cities. AMIDEAST has an Area & Arabic Language Studies Program for language learners. Students live with Arabic-speaking families in the capital city of Rabat and learn Modern Standard and Moroccan dialect in class. Rabat is also home to the Center for Cross-Cultural Learning, IES Abroad and CIEE culture programs that promote Moroccan studies and language. There are also summer intensive workshops in Francophone and Arabic studies.
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