Ahlen wa sahlen ya toulab! Greeting students!

The following is the PROPOSED itinerary for the 2009 Morocco Program. There will likely be revisions once our journey gets underway. As we get to know all of you, we will tailor the course to meet your particular needs and interests, and will encourage you to also take ownership of your course, by sharing your individual vision and goals. Throughout the first 4 weeks of the course you will be learning, practicing, developing, and demonstrating new travel, cultural, and language skills through the experiences we, as instructors, have chosen. During week 5 and 6 you will be presented with a final challenge which will allow your group even greater direction over the place and shape of our itinerary. 
 
June 28           
Meet Darren, Christi, Cara and your teammates at JFK airport. Fly to Morocco!
 
June 29
Marrakesh: Arrive in el-maghrib! Hear from local experts on the impact of tourism on this ancient city, and wander through the exciting souks or open-air markets in search of supplies for our trip, see the spectacular Jamaa L-fina square, and stay the night in Kesh.
 
June 30
Amghrass: Travel by grand taxi to the mountain village, Amghrass, just south of Marrakesh. Stay as a group in a Moroccan home in this Berber community which is tucked in the foothills of the High Atlas Mountains. Begin language study and introduction to Moroccan cultural norms. 
 
July 1-3 
Amghrass: Orient ourselves to the country by learning Moroccan Arabic survival skills, exploring Islamic tradition, understanding Moroccan history, hiking to a nearby waterfall, taking part in the unforgettable bathing experience in a local hamman, and visiting the Tin Mal mosque built in 1156. 
 
July 4
Rabat: Travel by taxi and bus to the capitol of the Kingdom of Morocco and prepare for our urban home stay with language and cultural etiquette lessons.  Meet host families in the evening and stay the night in the medina.

July 5-8

Rabat: Discover urban life and family dynamics during your 4-day home stay in the bustling medina of Rabat. We will come together as a group each day to learn language, hear from local development experts, spend time with local Moroccan youth, participate in a service project, develop a plan for your Independent Study Project, and see the religious sites of this world-renowned city.

July 9-10

Sefrou: Say goodbye to your host-family and travel to the cool, breezy town of Sefrou; once a major stopping point for traders traveling between the Sahara Desert and the Mediterranean. At the base of the Middle Atlas Mountains we will explore the area with local youth and hike to a remote Berber, or Amazigh (indigenous people of North Africa), tribe.

July 11-12

Imilchil: Travel by taxi, bus, and local van south-west to the remote village of Imilchil, home of the traditional Ait Hadidu mountain tribe. Explore this unique community in the Eastern High Atlas, see a women’s weaving cooperative, meet local guides, and prepare supplies for our trek.

July 13-20

High Atlas Mountains: Spend a week exploring the largest chain of mountains in North Africa as we hike through an area almost untouched by tourists- beginning in the eastern tip and ending in the heart of the High Atlas Mountains. As we trek we will encounter some of the most remote villages in Morocco as well as communities of nomads who tend their flocks in these canyons during the summer. Experience the raw beauty of sandstone plateaus and canyons during our morning hikes and continue to learn more about Morocco and its people during our afternoon lessons.

July 21-22

Qelaat M'Gouna: Rest in this medium sized market town, explore the work of local metal work artisans, and prepare for rural home stays. 
 

July 23-26

Ait Reidi: Enjoy a 5-day home-stay in a small village near Qelaat M'Gouna and the Valley of the Roses. Experience traditional Amazigh daily life while you live in simple mud homes and learn to cook, tend the fields, or shop at the weekly market with your host families.  Use this time to work intensively on your ISPs, explore Islam in daily life, and volunteer with a local development association.

July 27

Qelaat M’Gouna: Return to Qelaa in order to rest, reflect, and prepare for your final itinerary challenge.

July 28-August 3

To Be Determined

August 3-6

Unwind with a few days amid the crystal blue waters in the Essaouira region, along the Atlantic coast or another tranquil location of the group’s choice. Present Independent Study Projects, reflect together about last 5 weeks journeying through Morocco, and prepare yourself for your return home. 
 
August 7-8
Return to the quintessential Moroccan city of Marrakesh for final exploring before flying to NYC.