boat on rabat beach morocco
Rabat, Morocco

Arabic Language & Moroccan Culture

Language & Culture

Dates

-

4 weeks

Costs

$6,250

Highlights

College credit option

Daily cultural activities

Immersion with a host family

Weekend excursions

Application Deadline

Enroll Now

Request Information

Dates

-

4 weeks

Costs

$6,250

Highlights

College credit option

Daily cultural activities

Immersion with a host family

Weekend excursions

Application Deadline

Enroll Now

Request Information

Overview
Immerse yourself in the rich Moroccan culture and grow your Arabic skills.

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 cafés 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 “Blue Pearl” of Chefchaouen and to the cinematic cities of Casablanca and Tangier. Each day, in different ways, you’ll discover the enduring strengths of Morocco’s open and progressive society, which has been a crossroads for African, Middle Eastern, and European civilizations for centuries.

Why Choose This Program?

Live the Language

Experience authentic immersion in the Arabic language and Moroccan culture.

Network

Meet new friends and gain a new family. Make lasting memories and connections.

Get Inspired

Jump up a level in Arabic. Shine on college applications.

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’s 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 “green city.” 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’ll 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

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

 
Itinerary

Sample Itinerary

Objective

Bismillah! You will transition into Moroccan culture and begin your Arabic language classes. You will also learn how to navigate the city, safety protocols and how to communicate in culturally appropriate ways.

Highlights*

  • Guided tour of Rabat
  • Mint tea workshop
  • Surfing/kayaking at Rabat beach
  • Moroccan Hamam experience

*Based on prior year itinerary and subject to change.

Objective

You will dive deeper into your Arabic language goals, which will give you the tools to navigate Rabat. Exploring the theme of community, you will learn about the landmarks, foods, and clothing that shape Moroccan culture and how each of them brings Moroccans together. With your friends, you will practice bargaining in the traditional souks in the medina of Rabat. Finally, you will see Islam in practice, visiting the largest mosque in North Africa in Casablanca.

Highlights*

  • Traditional Moroccan handicraft workshop (pottery, jewelry making, or mosaics)
  • Hassan II Mosque visit
  • Tagine cooking class
  • Tangier day trip

*Based on prior year itinerary and subject to change.

Objective

You will explore the theme of Discovery as you learn to navigate and plan travel activities in all seasons and weather. You will also discover more about the tourist attractions throughout Morocco and create a 3-day itinerary using vocabulary about dates, cost, activities, and descriptions. Aditionally, you will learn how to talk about your hobbies, likes and dislikes, and create a bucket list for the rest of your time in Morocco. Then, you will get a chance to check some items off your bucket list with an overnight adventure to another city.  

Highlights*

  • Calligraphy class
  • American Language Center meet up with Americans teaching English
  • Game of volleyball, soccer, or field hockey with Moroccan English students.
  • West African dance class 
  • Overnight excursion to Chefchaouen (the blue pearl of Morocco) or Marrakech (the red city).

*Based on prior year itinerary and subject to change.

Objective

With a focus on Personal Growth, you will use this week to reflect on the long-lasting experiences you've had and how you'll use them to shape your future. You will start to get a sense of what “goodbye” means as you bid farewell to your homestay family and fellow Global Navigators. You will take an oral proficiency interview in Arabic to see how much you have improved since your intial placement exam. While this may be the end of your trip, you will take skills, experiences, and memories home that will last a lifetime!

Highlights*

  • Homestay cultural exchange in which you cook a U.S. dish for your family and teach them an American song!
  • Kasbah Jewelry Museum to see King Mohamed VI's extensive collection of Amazigh jewelry
  • Henna Party with traditional Moroccan ganawa music, snacks, and Morocco's signature mint tea

*Based on prior year itinerary and subject to change.

Monday–Friday

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

Activities

Sample Activities

Activity shot

Just imagine all the fun you’ll have!

  • Don your swimsuit and jump into Morocco’s beach culture. Take a kayaking trip down the Bouregrag River, too. 
  • Ride camels to the village of Ourika in the Atlas Mountains. Experience Morocco’s 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’s first public institution dedicated entirely to contemporary arts. 
  • Take an excursion to “the blue pearl”, 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’s 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

  • “I got introduced into an amazing language like Arabic, met some amazing people, and the CIEE staff 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, CIEE deserves a 100!” 

    Angelique L., CIEE Global Navigator Alum

  • “My 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., CIEE Global Navigator Alum

  • “I 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.” 

    Rakeem Y., CIEE Global Navigator Alum

  • “It 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.” 

    iana B., CIEE Global Navigator Alum

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Eligibility

Eligibility

  • Participants must be 14 years old and above.
  • Program open to all current high school students—Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors—of 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’s 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’s 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’s degree in international education and development from George Washington University and her bachelor’s degree in international relations from Boston University.

Program Leaders guide and support our High School Summer Abroad participants through every step of their program.

Request Info