Program Details
Location
Various cities,
Morocco
Term
May Session
Housing
Hotel
Languages Taught In
English
Sponsor
College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences
Program Eligibility
Student Type
UofM Students
Non UofM Students
Student Year
Freshmen
Sophomores
Juniors
Seniors
GPA
2.5
About
On this 3-week May term program, you will travel to and around Morocco where you will learn about the different regions and agricultural systems that are found throughout the country. Despite its relatively small size, Morocco stands out for its notable role in the fight against climate change. Learn about the impacts of climate change on food production and how, through modifications in cultural practices, governmental policy, and technological advances, stakeholders are adapting to the rapid change. Visit modern, export-oriented farms producing fruits and vegetables with sophisticated technology in northern plains, smaller, more traditional farms in the valleys of the Atlas Mountains, and a fragile and endangered oasis located on the leeward side of the mountains.
This course will also consider the critical involvement of youth in agriculture. Despite improvements in agricultural productivity, the future of Moroccan agriculture is uncertain. While climate change is a clear threat, diminishing interest in agriculture among Morocco's youth is a growing concern. Youth ages 15–26 years old comprise about 26% of the country's population. The migration of youth from rural areas has accelerated in recent years. You will speak with groups working with young Moroccans and, if possible, with young people themselves, to understand their concerns and the challenges they encounter.
If you have an interest in food systems, climate change, agriculture, sustainability, climate change, youth engagement, and climate policy, you are encouraged to apply.
Program Model
Housing & Meals
You will be housed in hotels and will have one night of camping in the Sahara Desert. Most meals are included in the program fee.
Application Deadline
Friday, January 24, 2025
Program Dates
| Schedule | Date |
|---|---|
| Depart from Minneapolis-Saint Paul | Saturday, May 17, 2025 |
| Arrive in Morocco | Sunday, May 18, 2025 |
| Depart from Morocco | Sunday, June 8, 2025 |
Upcoming Information Sessions
Attend an information session to learn more about the program.
Academics
You will earn 3 credits for CFAN 3534. This course is for the Global Perspectives theme and Environment theme. This course has been approved for the Biophysical Sciences elective in the Sustainability Studies minor.
Program Leader
Mary Brakke is a Teaching Assistant Professor in the Department of Agronomy and Plant Genetics. She previously taught an 8-week course in Panama.
Excursions
While subject to change, below is a list of potential excursions and program activities:
- Marrakech Medina
- Rabat city tour
- Beni Mellal
- Mountain farming zones and community meetings in Zaouiat Sheik
- Waterfalls Ain Asserdoun
- Oasis Amaln
- Youth Start-up Project in Kenitra Region
- Oasis Ait Mansour
- Mohamed VI National Water Museum
- Local music performance & camel rides in Aglou
More Information
Contact Vanessa Walton from the CFANS Office of International Programs at [email protected] with your questions.
Past Participants
To learn more about the student experience, feel free to contact the past participants below:
- Maya Chilcote—Environmental Science, Policy, and Management/Music Performance Major
- Lily Dodge—Neuroscience Major
Program Fee
May 2025 Cost of Participation
Program fees can vary widely due to location, cost of living, airfare, and program inclusions. The program fee generally includes tuition, in-country program-related transportation, housing, most meals, entrances to course-related excursions and site visits, program administration, and international health insurance. You should also budget for passport and passport photos, airfare, airport transfers, some meals, textbooks, independent travel, and miscellaneous living expenses.
Billing & Payments
The application fee, deposit, and program fee are charged to your UofM account.
Financial Aid & Scholarships
The College of Food, Agricultural & Natural Resource Sciences offers grants for study abroad programs.
Visit Financial Information for information on using financial aid and scholarships for study abroad.
This program is considered part of summer enrollment for the purposes of registration and financial aid.
Cancellation Policy
All applicants are charged a $50 non-refundable application fee by the Learning Abroad Center. Once you confirm your participation in the program, you will have a $775 non-refundable deposit charged to your student account. If you cancel your application before February 7, 2025, you are responsible for the non-refundable deposit. If you cancel your application on February 7, 2025 or later, you are responsible for the non-refundable deposit and any non-recoverable fees.
In the event that the CFANS Office of International Programs (OIP) is forced to cancel this entire program, meaning both the on-campus portion and abroad portion, you will receive a full refund of your application fee and deposit if you have been accepted and confirmed. In the event that the on-campus portion of the program has started but international conditions do not allow you to travel, as per University of Minnesota policy, you will be provided with the ability to complete the course and recoverable fees will be returned to you.
You have the option to appeal the CFANS OIP cancellation policy when canceling from a program for extenuating circumstances. Refer to the Learning Abroad Center's refund appeal process for details and the form to submit. The review and decision will be made by CFANS OIP, not the LAC refund appeal committee.
May Session 2025
Climate Resilience in Agriculture: Exploring Diverse Regions and Empowering Youth in MoroccoMay Session 2025 |
|
|---|---|
Program Fee
|
|
| Non-refundable deposit | $775 |
| Tuition and educational costs | $3,686 |
| International health insurance | $44 |
| Housing and/or mealsStudents will stay at different hotels. All breakfasts, 12 lunches, 9 dinners, a welcome dinner, and a farewell dinner are included in the fee. | $1,843 |
| Transportation (if required and included in program fee) | $1,902 |
| Total Program Fee | $8,250 |
| Program discount for University of Minnesota and Big Ten students, if applicable | $0 |
| Total Program Fee with discount, if applicable | $8,250 |
Estimated Additional Expenses
|
|
| Costs Typically Incurred Prior to Departure These costs may need to be paid before your financial aid is disbursed for your term abroad. | |
| Transportation to and from program siteRound-trip airfare to/from Minneapolis-St. Paul and Rabat is included in the program fee. | $0 |
| Passport/photos | $150 |
| Visa/required documentsUS citizens do not need a visa to enter Morocco. | $0 |
| Travel clinic/immunizations* | $0 |
| Housing deposit | $0 |
| Total Estimated Cost Incurred Prior to Departure | $150 |
| Costs Typically Incurred After Arrival in Host Country | |
| Texts/materials | $0 |
| Housing and/or meals not included in program feeBudget for meals not included in the program. | $200 |
| Essential daily living expensesIncidentals. | $50 |
| Total Estimated Cost Incurred After Arrival in Host Country | $250 |
Total Estimated Cost of Participation
|
|
| Total Estimated Cost of Participation | $8,650 |
| Spending money and personal travel Not included in financial aid calculation | $300 |
| Additional Notes & Information | |
| * Immunizations Note: This estimate is based on approximate cost of travel-related vaccinations and medications required for entry or recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Your costs may be higher or lower depending on your travel clinic, the specific immunizations and medication prescribed, and your insurance coverage. | |
Prepare
Complete pre-application advising.
If you do not currently have a passport that is valid for at least 6 months past your return date, or are still needing to apply for a new one, start the process as soon as possible. Visit the UofM Passport Office website for more information.
Apply
The COVID-19 vaccine series is strongly recommended, pursuant to CDC guidelines, but not required for participation in this program.
You will be charged a $50 application fee for each application you submit.
Complete
When you submit your online application, you will be assigned an application checklist that includes:
- First Step session
Next Steps
- After you complete all required application checklist items, you will receive an automated email message indicating your application is ready to be reviewed.
- Your completed application will be reviewed by the program leader in the sponsoring college/department.
- If admitted, the Confirmation & Payment Agreement form will be added to your checklist. Complete this form to secure your spot on the program. By submitting the form, you also give your approval for the program deposit to be billed to your UofM student account.
- Complete the confirmation checklist, which include the following items in additional to program-specific forms:
- Passport Information
- Emergency Contacts
- Health Information Form
- Online Health & Safety Orientation
- Release & Waiver
- You will receive information about additional steps from the sponsoring college/department.