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Rabat, Morocco

French Language & Moroccan Culture

Summer '25 New Program!

Language & Culture

Dates

-

4 weeks

Costs

$6,250

Application Deadline

Enroll Now

Request Information

Dates

-

4 weeks

Costs

$6,250

Application Deadline

Enroll Now

Request Information

Program Overview
Elevate your French skills in Rabat, where over 35% of residents are Francophones. 

Relish the experience of four weeks of French language immersion in the capital of Morocco, a diverse country where education and local government operate in French! After language classes, dive into French conversations with locals while exploring Rabat’s medina (the ancient part of the city) and bustling souks (traditional markets). Meet local teens while admiring the impressive Chellah ruins, the majestic Hassan Tower, or the 12th-century Kasbah of the Udayas. Enjoy traditional cultural activities, too, like an artisanal craft (pottery, mosaics, and bamboo/ratan) workshop and Arabic calligraphy class. 

Living with your French-speaking host family, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation of everyday life, sharing cups of refreshing mint tea and building your language fluency over quality conversations. On excursions, you’ll see beautiful destinations like Chefchaouen, Morocco’s famed blue city, and Tangier, a port city that acts as the gateway between Africa and Europe. Your summer in Rabat will open your eyes to this African nation where cultures have blended for centuries, all while bettering your French.

The Take-Aways

Language Growth and Cultural Competence

Come home with a higher level of French and a greater understanding of French culture. Use your STAMP 4S language proficiency pre- and post-test scores to demonstrate your language growth and help you earn a Seal of Biliteracy. 

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. 

60

Hours Of Instruction With A Native French Teacher

4

College Credits

1

Life-changing Experience

The Destination
  • palm tree archway rabat.jpg
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  • rabat morocco landscape.jpg

The Destination

Welcome to Rabat, an imperial city called home by several kingdoms throughout history. 

Nestled along the Atlantic Ocean shores of Northern Africa, Rabat is one Morocco’s prized imperial cities and a touristic hotspot. Throughout its history, it’s been ruled by various kings—from the Idrissi to Alaouite dynasties—and occupied by France until 1956. French influence fills all corners of Rabat, from architecture to local cuisine. In passersby, you’ll hear the musical rhythm of French, serving as a bridge between the diverse nationalities and local cultures that thrive in Morocco’s capital. 

Swaying palms line the wide boulevards of Rabat, where modern Moroccan elements, Western architecture, and ancient structures, like the 12th-century Kasbah, create a beautiful backdrop. Cosmopolitan and progressive, the city is also home to an inviting sandy beach and numerous lush green spaces, like the Andalusian Gardens and the Exotic Gardens of Bouknadel, perfect for a nature escape.

After a day of taking in the sights and sounds of this North African nation, be sure to treat your sense to traditional dishes, such as makouda (potato fritters), pastilla (a flaky meat pie), couscous with veggies! 

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. 

Daily Life

Daily Life

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

Weekends

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

Housing

Carefully-screened homestay

24/7 Support

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

Weekly Learning Goals

In CIEE classes, Level 1 is for students acquiring basic French, Level 2 is for those who can carry on everyday conversations, and Level 3 is for those who can participate in discussions on social and academic topics. In the spring before you depart, you’ll take a language proficiency test and when you arrive on site, you’ll participate in an oral interview. How you do on the test and in the interview will identify the level that is right for you.

Each week, you’ll explore a Theme and create a Project. Each day in class, you’ll learn French through engaging activities and then, in the community, try out your new French in conversations with locals.  

WEEK 1: Settle in and meet your classmates as you explore the Identity Theme. Ask and answer questions, give information, describe your favorite things and your family at home and in Morocco. For your Project, create and present a Personal Profile. 

WEEK 2: Take in the local scene as you explore the Community Theme. Describe places, attractions, and events in Rabat. Tell what you want to buy in shops and express your likes and dislikes in food and fashion. For your Project, create a Photo Gallery of Life in Rabat and share it in a conversation.  

WEEK 3: Continue improving your French as you delve into the Discovery Theme and, for your Project, create and present a Travel Flyer for a destination in Morocco. Give and follow directions, give details of a trip itinerary day-by-day, and describe the destination, the weather, and what to do there.  

WEEK 4: Consider the impact of your summer in this week’s Personal Growth Theme. Tell what you experienced in Morocco, make cultural comparisons, and participate in study abroad interviews. For your Project, create a Study Abroad Album and share it in a panel discussion.   

Each week, you’ll explore a Theme and create a Project. Each day in class, you’ll learn French through engaging activities and then, in the community, try out your new French in conversations with locals. 

WEEK 1: Settle in and meet your classmates as you explore the Discovery Theme. Ask about and describe family members, discover and describe exciting things to do in Rabat, and compare daily routines and customs in Morocco and the USA. For your Project, create and present a Memory Book of Your Life in Rabat. 

WEEK 2: Explore French culture during this week’s Creativity Theme. Compare musical performances, express opinions on art, tell what happened in movies, and persuade a classmate to attend a cultural event. For your Project, create a Photo Gallery on French Culture and share it in a conversation.  

WEEK 3: Delve into Rabat in this week’s Community Theme. For your Project, create and present a Neighborhood Tour in Rabat. Describe the city and what happens there. Role play scenes in a market and restaurant. Report on Rabat’s past and future. 

WEEK 4: Consider the impact of your summer during the Personal Growth Theme. Tell what happened in memorable moments and how you felt about it. Make cultural comparisons and persuade a friend to study abroad. For your Project, create a Study Abroad Album and share it in a panel discussion.   

Each week, you’ll explore a Theme and create a Project. Each day in class, you’ll learn French through engaging activities and then, in the community, try out your new French in conversations with locals. 

WEEK 1: Settle in and meet your classmates during the Cultural Encounters Theme. Tell what happened on a first encounter abroad. Summarize past and current events in Rabat. Express your opinions as you compare cultural norms and stereotypes. For your Project, create and present a Field Report on Rabat.  

WEEK 2: Explore French culture in this week’s Creativity Theme. Describe street art and profile artists, express opinions on magazines and movies, and compare musical performances. For your Project, create an Arts & Culture Magazine and share it in a conversation.  

WEEK 3: Continue advancing your French as you delve into the Discovery Theme. For your Project, create and present an Awareness Campaign about a global threat. Give information on its causes and effects, explain solutions, and persuade others in debates, justifying your arguments. 

WEEK 4: Consider the impact of your summer in this week’s Personal Growth Theme. Conduct a class survey on experiences in Morocco and make cultural comparisons. Tell an original story about a memorable moment and speculate on what’s next for you. For your Project, create a Study Abroad Album and share it in a panel discussion.   

Program Blogs

1
From CIEE

Trip to Chefchaouen!

By Stephanie Humphrey at CIEE

This past weekend was our overnight excursion to Chefchaouen, which is known as the Blue Pearl of Morocco. Located about 4.5 hours from Rabat in the foothills of the Rif... keep reading

From CIEE

Reflections on the visit to the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca

By Stephanie Humphrey at CIEE

A recap of our visit to the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, by Fabiha On Wednesday, after a morning of Arabic and Darija lessons, we were given amazing shawarmas for... keep reading

Fabiha
From CIEE

Reflections on the visit to the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca

By Stephanie Humphrey at CIEE

A recap of our visit to the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, by Fabiha On Wednesday, after a morning of Arabic and Darija lessons, we were given amazing shawarmas for... keep reading

Activities

Sample Activities 

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Just imagine all the fun you’ll have!

  • Feel the pulse of West African drums while mastering various techniques in dance class. Show off your skills as you perfect choreography! 
  • Kayak along the calm waters of the Bouregreg River, a picturesque waterway that has witnessed countless civilizations thrive in the region. 
  • Check out a French film with your friends at the Cinéma de l'Institut français in Rabat! Reflect on French culture’s influence on Morocco. 
  • Immerse yourself in the magic of Morocco’s artistic heritage at the Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MOMAA). 
  • Wander the blue and turquoise streets of Chefchaouen, “the blue pearl” of Morocco. Adorned with colorful flowerpots, its little shops offer traditional clothing, art, and spices. 
  • Travel to Casablanca and visit the Hassan II Mosque, Africa’s largest mosque and the only one in Morocco open to visitors. Marvel at its magnificent architecture, featuring one of the tallest minarets in the world! 

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.  

Eligibility

Eligibility

  • Participants must be 14 years old and above. 
  • Program open to current high school students—Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors—of all French language proficiency levels. Students must have completed Freshman year of high school before traveling on program. 
  • 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

Program Fees

CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.

Program Balance = $6,250

Total Fees = $6,250

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

Financial Aid

CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

Program Fees

CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.

Program Balance = $6,250

Total Fees = $6,250

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

Financial Aid

CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

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 Local Phone and WIFI

All Cultural Activities and Excursions

Comprehensive Medical and Travel Protection

24/7 Emergency On-site Support

Our Staff

Our Staff

Madiha Chafik

Madiha Chafiq

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.

Ready to change your life?

Enroll Today or Contact Us

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