boat on rabat beach morocco
Rabat, Morocco

Arabic Language & Moroccan Culture

Summer '25 Applications Open

Language & Culture

Dates

-

4 weeks

Costs

$6,250

Application Deadline

Request Information

Dates

-

4 weeks

Costs

$6,250

Application Deadline

Request Information

Overview

Embark on an Arabic language journey at the crossroads of civilizations. 

Make strides in your Arabic with four weeks of language immersion in Rabat, the capital of Morocco. After Arabic classes (in both Darija and Modern Standard Arabic), dive into lively conversations with locals in the medina (the ancient part of the city) and at souks (traditional markets). Meet local teens on visits to iconic landmarks, such as the Chellah ruins, the majestic Hassan Tower, or the 12th-century Kasbah of the Udayas. Sip on aromatic mint tea, savor fresh and flavorful food, and take in sweeping ocean views at caf茅s just like a local. 

Experience authentic everyday life at your homestay, taking in the rhythms and customs of Morocco and building your language fluency. On excursions, venture to the enchanting 鈥淏lue Pearl鈥 of Chefchaouen and to the cinematic cities of Casablanca and Tangier. Each day, in different ways, you鈥檒l discover the enduring strengths of Morocco鈥檚 open and progressive society, which has been a crossroads for African, Middle Eastern, and European civilizations for centuries.

The Take-Aways

Language Growth and Cultural Competence

Come home with a higher level of colloquial Darija and Modern Standard Arabic and a greater understanding of Moroccan culture.

College Credits

Choose to earn 4 college credits toward your future college degree. Take advantage of the credits to stand out on your college applications or to satisfy college language requirements.

Lifelong Skills and Friendships

Return with greater self-confidence, independence, and adaptability. Enjoy a broader worldview and diverse friendships from across the U.S.鈥

60

Hours Of Instruction With A Native Arabic Teacher

4

College Credits

1

Life-changing Experience

Destination
  • ciee rabat front entryway signage
  • city shot
  • Group shot

The Destination

Welcome to Rabat, a coastal city with modern and traditional architecture, lush gardens, and centuries of history. 

A meeting point for African, European, and Middle Eastern civilizations throughout the ages, Morocco draws millions of visitors each year. Situated on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, Rabat, the cosmopolitan and progressive capital, takes center stage. 

Rabat鈥檚 roots trace back to the 10th century, established near the remains of an Ancient Roman settlement. Its rich historical heritage emerges at every turn with a unique blend of styles, spanning from old-world marketplaces to French Colonial architecture. The main languages spoken here are Arabic and French. 

With a laid-back, welcoming atmosphere, Rabat has earned its reputation as a 鈥済reen city.鈥 Abundant green spaces, parks, and palm trees are juxtaposed with popular attractions, including the medina, the millah (the Jewish quarter), the medieval fortress Kasbah of the Udayas, and the iconic Hassan Tower. As you explore Rabat, you鈥檒l be spellbound by a vibrant cultural mosaic. Be sure to try delectable Moroccan flavors like traditional tagine, zalouk, makouda, and refreshing mint tea!

Cultural Awareness

黑料网911wants all our students to feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed while studying abroad. Local 黑料网911staff have provided details about conditions and cultural attitudes that students with specific identities might encounter in Rabat.

Itinerary

Daily Life

惭辞苍诲补测鈥揊谤颈诲补测

Each day offers a balance between interactive instruction and cultural activities with time on your own, too. Morning classes and afternoon activities may swap places.  

  • Breakfast at your homestay  
  • Engaging Arabic classes with expert language instructors, all native-speakers   
  • Lunch in the community with your fellow Global Navigators  
  • Out and about for authentic conversations in the community and a cultural activity
  • Dinner and evening discussions at your homestay  

Weekend 

  • Overnight or day excursions to top sites  
  • Quality time with friends and your host family

Check out the blog posts to discover more about daily life and excursions on program. 

Housing

Carefully-screened Homestay

24/7 Support

1 Program Leader for every 12 students and support from local staff

Activities

Sample Activities

Activity shot

Just imagine all the fun you鈥檒l have!

  • Don your swimsuit and jump into Morocco鈥檚 beach culture. Take a kayaking trip down the Bouregrag River, too. 
  • Ride camels to the village of Ourika in the Atlas Mountains. Experience Morocco鈥檚 indigenous culture by meeting the Amazigh people, the descendants of the pre-Arab inhabitants of North Africa. 
  • View striking visual displays at the Museum Mohamed VI of Modern and Contemporary Art, Morocco鈥檚 first public institution dedicated entirely to contemporary arts. 
  • Take an excursion to 鈥渢he blue pearl鈥, Chefchaouen, with its medina full of winding cobblestone streets, doors and window frames painted in tranquil shades of blue. 
  • Get glammed up for a Moroccan party with traditional dress, dance, and henna art. Visit the Hassan II Mosque, one of the tallest minarets in the world and the only mosque in Morocco open to visitors. 
  • Marvel at the snake charmers and artisan crafts in Marrakesh鈥檚 bustling Jemaa el-Fnaa square. Join an interactive session with locals in the winding souks of the old medina. 

Please note activities are based on past programs and subject to change at CIEE's discretion to adapt to local circumstances and participant feedback. Our goal when arranging activities is always to enhance your experience. 

Testimonials

What Students Are Saying

  • 鈥淚 got introduced into an amazing language like Arabic, met some amazing people, and the 黑料网911staff was so helpful and supportive. It exposed me to Moroccan culture and my host family made me feel right at home. On a scale of 10, 黑料网911deserves a 100!鈥 

    Angelique L., 黑料网911Global Navigator Alum

  • 鈥淢y most memorable moment was our first dinner in Chefchaouen. We talked, laughed, took pictures, listened to music, and ate really good food! I felt so comfortable and happy! 

    Kira B., 黑料网911Global Navigator Alum

  • 鈥淚 loved travelling to other cities within Morocco, like Marrakech, and being able to bond more with my peers. The trip has really opened my eyes to the world and I formed lifelong friendships.鈥 

    Rakeem Y., 黑料网911Global Navigator Alum

  • 鈥淚t was such an amazing experience and I learned so much about Moroccan culture, the Arabic language, and about myself. It was super fun and such a valuable experience that I will never forget.鈥 

    iana B., 黑料网911Global Navigator Alum

From CIEE

Weekend in Marrakesh

By Ami Hauser at CIEE

Our Weekend in Marrakesh - This blog was written by one of our students - Nyx Lange Reflecting on our past weekend excursion to Marrakesh from our Moroccan base of... keep reading

From CIEE

Exploring Tangier: A Day in Morocco's Gateway to Africa

By Ami Hauser at CIEE

This past weekend, our group ventured to the north of Morocco to the vibrant city of Tangier where the Mediterranean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean First, we met our guide... keep reading

From CIEE

Bssaha wa Raha L'hammam馃毎馃馃Ъ 亘丕賱氐丨丞 賵 丕賱乇丕丨丞 丕賱丨賲丕賲

By Mohamed Kilani at CIEE

By Program Leader, Mohsin: Hey everyone! As your Moroccan program leader, I鈥檓 thrilled to introduce you to one of our country鈥檚 most cherished traditions: the hammam. If you鈥檝e never heard... keep reading

Eligibility

Eligibility

  • Participants must be 14 years old and above.
  • Program open to all current鈥痟igh school students鈥擣reshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors鈥攐f all Arabic language proficiency levels.
  • For scholarship eligibility requirements, please check our scholarship page.

For more information, refer to the detailed Program Essential Eligibility Criteria.

Dates & Fees

Dates & Fees

Application Fee

$25

Optional College Credit Fee

$150

Learn more about how to get college credit for your future college degree.

Program scholarships and tuition include iNext Travel Insurance, but do not cover the cost of flights. Find additional details about what鈥檚 included with your tuition.

More questions? Find answers, get application support, sign up for virtual presentations or contact us!

Program

Application Due

Start Date

End Date

Costs

Program Summer Session I 2025 4 weeks Start Date End Date Costs $6,250
Program Summer Session II 2025 4 weeks Start Date End Date Costs $6,250

Ready to change your life?

What鈥檚 Included

Interactive Classes

Housing

3 Meals/Day

(Dietary Needs Accommodated)

All Ground Transportation

(Once In-country)

Optional Flight Chaperone

(Flight Cost Not Included)

Pre-departure Advice and Orientation

Access to WIFI

(No international data plan or SIM card included)

All Cultural Activities and Excursions

Comprehensive Medical and Travel Protection

24/7 Emergency On-site Support

Staff

Our Staff

Madiha Chafiq

Center Director

Madiha received her master鈥檚 degree in international education and development from George Washington University and her bachelor鈥檚 degree in international relations from Boston University.

Request Info