
From forested mountains to the Sahara desert, study the languages, faiths, and diversity of culture that make up the western-most outpost of the Arab world.
open
closed
17-22
Tuition is all inclusive aside from airfare and insurance fees.
ISLAMIC ART AND DIVERSE TRADITIONS COMBINE IN THE ENCHANTING CITIES WHOSE VERY NAMES STRIKE COLORFUL CHORDS IN THE IMAGINATION: CASABLANCA, MARRAKESH, AND FES.
Within and beyond the city walls we explore incredible sites, tastes, and experiences, accessible only to the intrepid traveler fuelled by a curious spirit. We travel through the most ecologically diverse country in North Africa. Buses and pack animals help us wind through the great diversity of people who make up Morocco: youth and elders, urban and rural dwellers, Arabs and indigenous tribes, farmers and academics. Through rugged travel and authentic interactions, we examine the dominate issues of this diverse society standing at the crossroads of Middle Eastern, African, and European cultures.
Within and beyond the city walls we explore incredible sites, tastes, and experiences, accessible only to the intrepid traveler fuelled by a curious spirit. We travel through the most ecologically diverse country in North Africa. Buses and pack animals help us wind through the great diversity of people who make up Morocco: youth and elders, urban and rural dwellers, Arabs and indigenous tribes, farmers and academics. Through rugged travel and authentic interactions, we examine the dominate issues of this diverse society standing at the crossroads of Middle Eastern, African, and European cultures.
We stay with urban families in cool cinder-block buildings and indigenous families in warm mud-homes, help host communities with daily activities, travel through striking natural settings, and walk through an endless series of canyons in search of the opportunity to camp alongside nomadic families. Our time in urban environments and remote villages immerses us in Morocco’s unrivalled hospitality, as people welcome us as kin and our cups are never left wanting for sweet mint tea.
In a world where understanding Islam becomes increasingly relevant, we are given the unique opportunity to explore philosophical and political Islam, as well as progressive approaches to gender issues and ethnic diversity. Our journey will allow us to compare the vastly different rural and urban Moroccan lifestyles, as well as see first hand the varying degrees to which history and religion impact daily duties, culture, and understanding of the world beyond Morocco. In the western-most outpost of the Arab world, we explore a culture which will embrace us at every opportunity with its famed hospitality and kindness.
Click on the gallery below to browse photos, videos and quotes from our participants and instructors.
Explore the culture and practices which surround Islam in Morocco. Learn about historical and contemporary perspectives on faith through local visits, guest speakers, and daily observations. Investigate the role of women in Islam, the history of Judaism in the country, and how religion impacts every-day life in different parts of the country.
Learn about the Moroccan monarchy, explore Morocco's progressive legislation aimed at improving the lives of women, and investigate the issues of water management and land-use. Through first-hand observations, observe the effects of tourism and the disparity between development in different areas of the country.
Examine the vast differences between rural and urban Moroccan lives, as well as see first-hand the varying degrees to which religion and limited resources impacts daily duties, economy, education, and local culture.
Spend several weeks living with a family in a semi-urban environment in the north of the country and 1-2 weeks in a rural homestay where the mountains meet the desert in the south of Morocco. During treks, camp alongside nomadic families who make their home in the High Atlas Mountains. Possible additional group homestays throughout the program.
Choose a topic of interest to investigate independently such as indigenous language, traditional dance, healthcare and traditional medicine, drumming, Gnaoua music, Moroccan cooking, human migration, or henna.
Study Moroccan colloquial Arabic through regular lessons which focus on developing key communication abilities. Learn to write the Arabic alphabet and use your time in Morocco to develop rare Arabic language skills. Spend time also exploring one of the dialects of the indigenous Berber (Amazigh) language.
Learn directly from local community association members and see how they identify and carry out projects to improve the opportunities of local youth, artisans, or women.
Travel by shared van, bus, train, and the ubiquitous “grand taxi” through a country the size of California. Trek and camp in remote areas in High Atlas mountain villages and stay in homestays with limited amenities.
Spend around 8 days trekking in the remote High Atlas and Middle Atlas Mountains which are home to numerous different tribes. Explore the remote nomadic region of the Imilchil Lakes before you begin a traverse of the M'Goun Massif in the central High Atlas Mountains. Participate in day-hikes in the Fez or Marrakesh region as well, exploring the foothills of the High Atlas or the cedar forests of the Middle Atlas.
In order to deepen your experience abroad, you may elect to enroll in college-level courses while participating on the Morocco Gap semester program. Those who enroll in an optional course will be invoiced an additional fee top of the land cost, for up to 16 college credits. To learn more, click here.
Students who take courses for-credit will receive an official transcript from a School of Record after successful completion of the program.
Through our Schools of Record, you may take the following courses for-college credit:
See full Course Offering descriptions.
The most enjoyable activity was the time spent with my younger sister at my rural homestay. She taught me to read Arabic, and I taught her some English and the bonding was powerful.
Morocco Summer Program
The rural homestay taught me the most. I learned so much in terms of spoken and comprehensive language, Moroccan culture and way of life, and friendship and hospitality. I also learned a lot about myself, as I was surprised I was able to thrive so well in an environment I never could have imagined myself being in.
Jackson Kenna Morocco Summer Program