Jun 28 - Jul 25, 2026 |
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From Roman ruins to the sands of the Sahara, we follow the cultural crossroads linking North Africa and Europe. This multi-country program unveils new perspectives on the interconnectedness of our global community and prompts discussions on human rights, colonial legacies, and religious traditions all while building valuable language, leadership, and travel skills.
Practice Moroccan Arabic and Spanish through interactive classes and daily cultural immersion
Hike the Atlas Mountains and Spanish hillsides while practicing expedition behavior and contributing to reforestation projects
Apprentice with artisans in weaving, shoemaking, flamenco, wood carving, and other traditional art forms
Experience millennia of Roman, Moorish, and North African influences through food, art, and archeology in Spain and Morocco.
Traveling along ancient trade routes, we experience a Morocco and Spain that few travelers encounter. Our time in remote villages immerses us in Morocco’s famed hospitality; homestay families welcome us as kin and our sweet mint tea cups are never left empty. Throughout our travels, we engage with locals using our budding Arabic language skills. In the imperial cities of Fes and Marrakesh, the sounds of people bargaining fill our ears as the smells of exotic spices fill your nose. Whether outside an intricately decorated mosque in Casablanca or walking an unpaved road in a quiet mountain town, we hear the call to prayer, and are reminded of how Morocco’s people, Islamic culture, faith, and devotion continue to bring families and communities together as it has for over 1,300 years.
Moving to Spain via ferry, we bridge our experience across continents. Based in the southern Andalusia region, we’ll gain a profound understanding of the ways locals have absorbed years of historical Arab and Moorish influence, while also forging their own unique European identity. We discover the living cross-cultural ties through the food, music, and art that make Andalusia a famed destination. Going beyond the overly trafficked tourist sites, we spend time in quaint villages in the hills where we participate in a community based reforestation project. Through rugged travel and authentic interactions, we examine the many issues standing at the crossroads of Middle Eastern, African, and European cultures.
After traversing the Atlantic Ocean, we arrive in Casablanca and then travel by multiple modes of transportation to a small town, tucked away in the Middle Atlas Mountains. Here, at our orientation site, we begin Arabic language study, receive an introduction to Moroccan cultural norms, get to know each-other, and set our intentions for the course. In addition, we begin an exploration of the Islamic traditions of Morocco and explore the rolling hills of the Middle Atlas.
Following our course orientation, we travel by taxi to the quaint Berber (Amazigh) town of Azrou (which translates as “Great Rock”). In Azrou, surrounded by the rare cedar forest which dominate the mountains, we prepare for our semi-urban homestay with language and cultural etiquette lessons. We meet our homestays families and get ready for a multi-day cultural experience in Moroccan homes. In Azrou, we discover urban life and family dynamics. We come together as a group each day to learn Arabic including the alphabet, greetings and introductions, shopping and transportation phrases, as well as useful expressions to begin navigating daily routines independently. We hear from local experts, spend time with local Moroccan youth, hike in the surrounding mountains, and develop a plan for our Independent Study Projects. We wrap-up our time in the Middle Atlas, by travelling to the city of Fez to see the religious sites and massive medina of this world-renowned city. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Fez teems with superlatives. Not only is its medieval medina the largest car-free urban area in the world, but it’s also home to the oldest existing, continually operating educational institution on the planet. We explore the medina (old city), wending our way along the labyrinthine passageways to experience the diversity of the souqs (markets). We visit centuries-old tanneries, walk among crumbling ruins, and practice our bargaining skills.
We make our way to the largest chain of mountains in North Africa as we hike through an area almost untouched by tourists in the heart of the High Atlas Mountains. As we trek we 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. We 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.
From Southern Spain, we’ll make our way up to Granada where we’ll learn from Moroccan-Spanish families about the history of the Moors and about land conservation. We’ll engage with the history of Flamenco and other art forms. As well, we will dive into the Moroccan diaspora in Spain and consider how current politics impact the movement of people across Europe and Africa. We have the opportunity to participate in a community permaculture project based in the picturesque villages outside of Granada. Our final days together are dedicated to reflecting on our journey, celebrating our experiences, and considering the knowledge and perspectives we’ve gained.
Our Program Components are the building blocks of every travel experience we offer. Each program emphasizes different activities and themes to help you meaningfully connect with your surroundings. The Program Components are a great way to find an experience that best fits your individual interests and goals.
To deepen your experience abroad, you may choose to enroll in one optional college-level course during the program. For those who choose to enroll, they will be invoiced for an additional college credit fee on top of the program cost.
Students who take a college credit course will receive an official transcript from our university School of Record upon successful completion of the program. Taking advantage of the college credit option may make 529 plan funds eligible toward the entire program cost.
Through our School of Record, you have the option to enroll in one of the following courses for college credit:
Experienced educators. Community builders. Life mentors. With deep regional expertise and local language fluency, our instructors are skilled at providing context for the student experience and building cultural bridges. We collectively draw upon personal networks to create opportunities for connection and guide students along their journey.
