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Is this program right for you?

This program is appropriate for students with a background in Arabic or French who have a strong interest in developing their Arabic language skills while learning firsthand about contemporary Morocco. Through a combination of Arabic language and area studies courses taught in English and French, students gain significant insight into Moroccan society, politics, literature, and religion, and Morocco’s relationships with the West and within the Arab world. The program is designed for a wide array of academic disciplines including Arabic language, Francophone studies, African studies, comparative literature, religion, and international relations.

Program Snapshot

  • Arabic language training at all levels, from beginning through advanced
  • Elective courses in English and French focusing on Moroccan and Arab studies
  • CIEE core course with one-week integrated module in Fez and Marrakech
  • Community engagement through local volunteer opportunities; for-credit internship in the second semester for academic year students
  • Cultural activities, such as trips to local markets and performances at the National Theater; field trips, including a visit to the ancient ruins of Chellah

Subject Areas

  • Business
  • Colloquial Moroccan Arabic Language
  • Economics
  • Internship
  • Language (host country)
  • Literature
  • Modern Standard Arabic Language
  • Moroccan Studies
  • Political Science
  • Religious Studies

About Rabat

Rabat, Morocco’s capital and second largest city, has a population of three million. Rabat hosts Morocco’s most prestigious universities, as well as many international institutions such as UNESCO and the World Bank. The city offers a combination of the modern and the traditional, and provides a wide range of opportunities for students to experience its culture through art exhibits, music, and theater. Central Rabat has a modern infrastructure with large office buildings, palm tree-lined boulevards, cafés, restaurants, and shopping centers.

Where You'll Study

Ecole Supérieure de Direction et de Gestion

The Ecole Supérieure de Direction et de Gestion (ESDG) is a private business and intercultural communication school with approximately 300 students. ESDG is accredited by the Ministries of Education in Morocco and France. The school was founded to provide high quality education to local and foreign students, and many of its courses have an intercultural communication component. LangCom, the educational business partner of ESDG, is responsible for coordinating special programming such as the programs offered by CIEE.

Thoughts From Abroad

Morocco today is at the center of global, Islamic, Pan-Arab, and Western influences and serves as an important engine for regional political and cultural discussions. It is a fascinating place in which to study and live, as you will be able to observe, firsthand, many changes taking place. The CIEE Study Center in Rabat provides a powerful academic and experiential learning opportunity that brings you as close as can be to the core of Islamic and Arab realities. By going inside the multicultural, multilingual, and multifold nature of Arab-Islamic communities, you will learn about the tolerance and openness that exist among people; examine the finest forms of art; and gain new understanding of the literature, philosophy, political and economic thinking, scientific achievements, and technological expressions that, throughout history, have characterized the rise and fall of Islamic and Arab communities. As you develop your Arabic and French language skills, you will connect with local Moroccans on many levels and acquire an insider’s viewpoint on life in present-day Morocco.

We are committed to offering you the opportunity to be an active witness and participant in the making and assessment of ideas, arguments, attitudes, opinions, and policies that are currently shaping the face of global politics and cultures in Morocco—and throughout the world today.

— Abdellatif Zaki, Academic Director

Staff Bios

Professor Abdellatif Zaki is responsible for overseeing the academic program, teaching an elective course, and coordinating the core course, Contemporary Moroccan Society and Culture. Professor Zaki is a co-founder and senior faculty member at the Ecole Supérieure de Direction et de Gestion. He is also a senior faculty member at the Institut Agronomique et Vétérinaire Hassan II.

Resident Coordinator
Madiha DeRosa received her M.A. in International Education and Development from George Washington University and a B.A. in International Relations from Boston University. Bicultural and multilingual, Madiha has worked with both American and Moroccan university student and faculty groups. She brings a strong background in student services, teaching, and intercultural project coordination.

Recommended Credit

semester: 16-17 semester/24-25.5 quarter hours
academic year: 32-34 semester/48-51 quarter hours

Eligibility Requirements

  • Overall GPA 2.75
  • 2 semesters of college-level French or Arabic

Program Dates

Fall 20099/3/2009 - 12/21/2009
Academic Year 2009-109/3/2009 - 5/15/2010
Spring 20101/25/2010 - 5/15/2010

Application Deadlines

Fall 20094/1/2009
Academic Year 2009-104/1/2009
Spring 201011/1/2009

Click here to check for deadline extensions.

Duration

Fall 200916 weeks
late August - mid-December
Academic Year 2009-1030 weeks
late August - mid-May
Spring 201016 weeks
mid-January - early May

CIEE Costs

CIEE program fees, inclusions, and estimated additional costs, are outlined below. Please note that CIEE reserves the right to adjust its fees in the event of significant change in exchange rates or other factors beyond its control. The actual cost of the programs may vary slightly for students from different institutions.

For comprehensive fee breakdowns and estimated additional costs, click the costs below:

  • Fall 2009 $13,500
    The CIEE program fee includes an optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, tuition, housing and most meals, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits.

    Program Fees

    This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time.

    Students required to study on CIEE programs through a School of Record will be charged a $340 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed below.

    Educational Costs (direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students; including $300 non-refundable Participation Confirmation Fee)$11,176
    Housing and Most Meals$2,250
    Medical Insurance$74
    Total$13,500

    The CIEE program fee includes an optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, tuition, housing and most meals, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits.



    Estimated Additional Costs

    The estimated additional costs indicated below are intended to assist students and parents in budgeting for those additional living and discretionary expenses not included in the program fee. Actual expenses will vary according to student interests and spending habits.

    Books and Supplies$100
    Personal Expenses$1,000
    Transportation (round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure)$1,450
    Additional Meals$500
    Local Transportation$300
    Total$3,350


  • Academic Year 2009-10 $24,300
    The CIEE program fee includes an optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, tuition, housing and most meals, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits.

    Program Fees

    This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time.

    Students required to study on CIEE programs through a School of Record will be charged a $340 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed below.

    Medical Insurance$74
    Housing and Meals$4,500
    Educational Costs (direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students; including $300 non-refundable Participation Confirmation Fee)$19,726
    Total$24,300

    The CIEE program fee includes an optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, tuition, housing and most meals, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits.



    Estimated Additional Costs

    The estimated additional costs indicated below are intended to assist students and parents in budgeting for those additional living and discretionary expenses not included in the program fee. Actual expenses will vary according to student interests and spending habits.

    Transportation (round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure)$1,450
    Personal Expenses*$2,000
    Additional Meals$1,000
    Books and Supplies$200
    Local Transportation$600
    Total$5,250

    *Students who plan to stay for the U.S. academic year should budget an additional $500 for the break between semesters, which covers the estimated cost of meals and some local travel.


  • Spring 2010 $13,700
    The CIEE program fee includes an optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, tuition, housing and most meals, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits.

    Program Fees

    This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time.

    Students required to study on CIEE programs through a School of Record will be charged a $340 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed below.

    Educational Costs (direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students; including $300 non-refundable Participation Confirmation Fee)$11,376
    Housing and Most Meals$2,250
    Medical Insurance$74
    Total$13,700

    The CIEE program fee includes an optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, tuition, housing and most meals, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits.



    Estimated Additional Costs

    The estimated additional costs indicated below are intended to assist students and parents in budgeting for those additional living and discretionary expenses not included in the program fee. Actual expenses will vary according to student interests and spending habits.

    Transportation (round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure)$2,200
    Personal Expenses$1,600
    Additional Meals$500
    Books and Supplies$100
    Local Transportation$300
    Total$4,700


Scholarship Information

For a complete list of scholarships available, please vist our Scholarships section.