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Arabic Language & Culture in Morocco —
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Program Details
Learn Modern Standard Arabic in the classroom and Darija on the enchanting streets of Fez, considered Morocco's cultural capital city. On weekends, explore the imperial city of Meknes and the historic Fez medina, considered the oldest crafts and food market in the Arabic-speaking world.
Location Fez, Morocco Term Academic Year, Fall Semester, Spring Semester, Summer Session Housing Homestay Credit Type Resident Credit Sponsor Learning Abroad Center Program Eligibility
GPA 2.5 Student Type UofM Students, Non UofM Students Student Year Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors Language No Language Prerequisite -
Arabic Language & Culture in Morocco
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About Arabic Language & Culture in Morocco
Explore madrasas, fonduks, palaces, and 13th-Century ruins. Take intensive Modern Standard Arabic and/or Colloquial Moroccan Arabic (Darija), coupled with a fascinating cultural course. Immerse yourself in the culture and live with warm, welcoming host families. Surround yourself with Arabic. On weekends, travel to the imperial city of Meknes, the capital city of Rabat, and the hypnotizing markets of Marrakesh.
Fez's medina, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981, is one of the largest and most enduring Medieval Islamic settlements in the world. Experience the complexity of modern and ancient Morocco in the cultural and spiritual city of Fez. All classes are held in a large villa surrounded by a lush garden and patio in the modern Ville Nouvelle neighborhood.
The University of Minnesota partners with the Arabic Language Institute in Fez (ALIF), the preeminent institution in the Maghreb for teaching Arabic as a foreign language.
ALIF offers many clubs for you to join: book, cooking, film, or photography clubs, as well as a community service club in which you can volunteer with community engagement projects supporting Fez's local populations.
Housing & Meals
Homestays are an integral component of the Arabic Language & Culture in Morocco program learning experience. All students live and share most meals with Moroccan families.
You can choose to live either in the old Medina or in the modern part of Fez (Ville Nouvelle). ALIF's main academic center is located in the Ville Nouvelle, while the Medina includes a riad where evening and weekend events are held.
Private rooms in the ALIF Residence are also available for students with extenuating circumstances; we can explore this option on a case-by-case basis.
Medina
Living in the Medina offers you a greater opportunity to be immersed in the local culture—it's one of the best preserved medinas in the Arabic-speaking world. It is a 30-minute walk or 5-minute taxi ride (5-10 dirham) to ALIF, where classes are held. The medina offers a unique cultural experience difficult to replicate elsewhere: It's a noisy, exciting maze filled with bustling shops, markets, restaurants, and people. However, when you step into a riad, it quickly becomes a quiet oasis.
Ville Nouvelle
The Ville Nouvelle is the "newer" part of town where ALIF is located. Homestays here are more modern, more similar to US apartment living than the Medina. The Ville Nouvelle has a city feel, since it is not walled like the Medina, with a strong French colonial influence.
Excursions
Excursions may include a walking tour of Fez (including the medina) a visit to Volubilis, the site of Roman ruins, a visit to neighboring Meknes, Mid-Atlas Mountains, and a Sahara desert tour overnight.
Learning Outcomes
- Strengthen Arabic language skills
- Enhance cross-cultural understanding and communication skills through interaction with Moroccan society including local students, host families, and community members
- Gain Moroccan and international perspectives on academic disciplines
- Develop professional skills through increased independence and self-reliance
Faculty & Staff
Abdellatif Jai
Abdellatif is Coordinator of the Arabic Language Institute in Fez (ALIF), one of the Maghreb’s most prestigious Arabic language facilities and site of the Learning Abroad Center’s Arabic Language & Culture in Morocco program, and Resident Director of the program. He has worked with ALIF for more than ten years. His staff oversee ALIF’s student services, including orientation, excursions, and housing arrangements as well as academic coursework in Colloquial Moroccan Arabic, Modern Standard Arabic, and elective coursework taught in English and Arabic. Abdellatif has a BA in English, an MA in English/Arabic Linguistics and Translation, and is currently working on his PhD in Omissions/Additions in Legal Translation.
David Amster
David is Director of the Arabic Language Institute in Fez (ALIF), and has served in this role since 1997. He holds a BA in Greek and Latin Language & Literature and an MA in TESOL/Applied Linguistics. Aside from his work at ALIF, David is very much invloved in the preservation of cultural heritage in Fez, and enjoys restoring historic houses in the Medina of Fez.
All courses are taught by Moroccan faculty members from local universities. ALIF's instructors hail from prestigious modern state universities in Morocco, like Mohammed V in Rabat, and traditional institutions such as the Qarawiyyin University, an Islamic institution of higher learning in Fez.
About the Learning Abroad Center
Learning Abroad Center programs are:
- Affordable: our programs are cost effective.
- Academically strong: many programs have strong University of Minnesota departmental support and offer pre-approved courses for many majors.
- Culturally rich: regardless of the program you choose, you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture.
- Expertly managed: our staff in Minnesota and abroad are trained professionals and are always available to answer your questions from extensive pre-departure advising and online orientations to reentry programming. Your safety and well-being are paramount, and we work hard to ensure you have a rewarding and safe experience abroad.
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Program Structure
Program Type Field Study, Study Abroad Center Program Level 1000–3000 levels Courseload 15–18 credits for each semester, 7 credits for each summer session term, 11 credits for the 9-week intensive summer session
Coursework
Course Options
The courses on this program are designed for rapid Arabic language acquisition and development and are intensive in nature. Language courses typically carry 20 classroom hours per week (120 hours per 6-week term). Additional topics courses on various aspects of Moroccan culture and society provide insight into the local culture.
Students can also engage in volunteer, community engagement, or internship (AY only) opportunities in Fez. Research options are also offered.
Fall or Spring Semester
- Two Arabic language courses (Modern Standard Arabic and/or Colloquial Moroccan Arabic) (required)
- One English taught elective (required)
- Optional - Directed Research (3 cr)
- Advanced students can replace one language course with an Arabic-taught topics course
- research scholarship available to UofM students
Total: 15–18 credits
Academic Year
- Fall semester curriculum (see above)
- Winter term: one Arabic language course (Modern Standard Arabic or Colloquial Moroccan Arabic)
- Spring semester:
- Two Arabic language courses
- One English-taught elective
- Internship OR directed research (research scholarship available to UofM students)
Total: 36–42 credits
Summer
Summer Session 6-week
- One language course (Modern Standard Arabic or Colloquial Moroccan Arabic); equals 1 semester of language development
- MRCO 3599: Morocco in Context (1 credit)
Total: 7 credits
Summer Session 9-Week
- Accelerated language course (Modern Standard Arabic); equals 2 semesters of language development
- MRCO 3599: Morocco in Context (1 credit)
Total: 11 credits
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Options include: language courses, topics courses in English, topics courses in Arabic
Arabic Language Courses
- ALIF Arabic courses are offered in 6-week terms. Students select 1 language class for each 6-week term
- Students are tested upon arrival and placed according to their linguistic level
- Students interested in Colloquial Moroccan Arabic are encouraged to enroll in this course in the first 6-week term
Fall & Spring Semesters, Summer 6-week Courses-
Accelerated Colloquial Moroccan Arabic I
MRCO 1301
Fall, Spring & Summer
6 credits
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Providing a sound basis for the development of oral/aural skills in Colloquial Moroccan Arabic. This course is for students with no prior background in Arabic. Curriculum includes training in Arabic script. Empowers students to function in a wide variety of day-to-day situations with Moroccans. No language prerequisite. We recommend taking this course in the first 6-week term.
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Accelerated Colloquial Moroccan Arabic II
MRCO 2301
Fall, Spring & Summer
6 credits
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This course further expands your vocabulary base to permit reading of increasingly authentic texts from newspapers, journals and other sources such as Al-Kitaab Al-Assasi, while introducing controlled writing assignments. It will focus on listening comprehension and reading to facilitate interactive conversations on complex subjects. Prerequisite of Accelerated Modern Standard Arabic II. For students that have completed three semesters of Arabic language.
Syllabus for Accelerated Colloquial Moroccan Arabic II (PDF)
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Accelerated Modern Standard Arabic I
MRCO 1701
Fall, Spring & Summer
6 credits
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An entry-level course that uses a student-centered approach to introduce basic grammatical structures and sound patterns of Arabic, with attention to mastery of script, pronunciation, and listening comprehension. No language prerequisite. Perfect for complete beginners or students with 1–2 semesters of Arabic language background. This course is equivalent to ALIF's MSA 100/100x.
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Accelerated Modern Standard Arabic II
MRCO 2701
Fall, Spring & Summer
6 credits
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This course aims to expand vocabulary and further develop the 4 skills: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. Lessons focus on reading comprehension and introducing more complex grammatical structures. Prerequisite of Accelerated Modern Standard Arabic I. For students with 3–4 semesters of Arabic language background. This course is equivalent to ALIF's MSA 200.
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Accelerated Modern Standard Arabic III
MRCO 3701
Fall, Spring & Summer
6 credits
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This course further expands your vocabulary base to permit reading of increasingly authentic texts from newspapers, journals and other sources such as Al-Kitaab Al-Assasi, while introducing controlled writing assignments. It will focus on listening comprehension and reading to facilitate interactive conversations on complex subjects. Prerequisite of Accelerated Modern Standard Arabic II. For students with 4–5 semesters of Arabic language background. This course is equivalent to ALIF's MSA 300.
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Accelerated Modern Standard Arabic IV
MRCO 3702
Fall, Spring & Summer
6 credits
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This course will prepare you for independent study in MSA focusing on stylistic devices, vocabulary refinement, and communication skills. This course also makes use of additional texts from various sources in order to reinforce your ability to read and comprehend complex writings. Prerequisite of Accelerated Modern Standard Arabic III. For students with 5–6 semesters of Arabic language background. This course is equivalent to ALIF's MSA 400.
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Accelerated Modern Standard Arabic V
MRCO 3901
Fall, Spring & Summer
6 credits
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This course will further develop skills learned in Intermediate Modern Standard Arabic. It is ideal for scholars wishing to hone their ability to comprehend Arabic university lectures and to express themselves on technical subjects in speech and in writing. Prerequisite of Accelerated Modern Standard Arabic IV. For students that have completed 6–7 semesters of Arabic language. This course is equivalent to ALIF's MSA 500.
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Accelerated Modern Standard Arabic VI
MRCO 3902
Fall, Spring & Summer
6 credits
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Focused on stylistic aspects of different literary genres, this course uses a sampling of authentic texts drawn from both contemporary and classical sources and involves substantial writing assignments. Prerequisite of Accelerated Modern Standard Arabic V. For students with 7–8 semesters of Arabic language background. For the most advanced students. This course is equivalent to ALIF's MSA 600.
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Accelerated Modern Standard Arabic VII
MRCO 3903
Fall, Spring & Summer
6 credits
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This course will be a continuation of the skills learned in Accelerated Modern Standard Arabic VI. Prerequisite of Accelerated Modern Standard Arabic VI. For students with over eight semesters of Arabic language background. For the most advanced students. This course is equivalent to ALIF's MSA 700.
Summer 9-week CoursesThese courses allow for 2 semesters of language progress.
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Intensive Beginning Modern Standard Arabic
MRCO 1801
Summer 9-week
10 credits
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This course covers the material presented in MSA 100 and 200
Syllabus for Intensive Beginning Modern Standard Arabic (PDF)
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Intensive Low Intermediate Modern Standard ArabicMRCO 2801Summer 9-week10 Credits
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This course covers the material presented in MSA 200 & 300
Syllabus for Intensive Low Intermediate Modern Standard Arabic (PDF)
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Intensive Intermediate Modern Standard ArabicMRCO 3801Summer 9-week10 Credits
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This course covers the material presented in MSA 300 & 400
Syllabus for Intensive Intermediate Modern Standard Arabic (PDF)
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Intensive High Intermediate Modern Standard ArabicMRCO 3802Summer 9-week10 Credits
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This course covers the material presented in MSA 500 & 600
Syllabus for Intensive High Intermediate Modern Standard Arabic (PDF)
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Intensive Advanced Modern Standard ArabicMRCO 3804Summer 9-week10 Credits
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This course covers the material presented in MSA 600 & 700
Syllabus for Intensive Advanced Modern Standard Arabic (PDF)
Topics Courses—Taught in EnglishThese courses are offered in English exclusively to program participants.
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Islam: Past & PresentMRCO 3013Fall & Spring3 Credits
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This course will examine Islam and its influence in Morocco. Students will study Islam's historical roots and contemporary manifestations through a discussion of historical works, literature, and film. The course will provide a perspective on the different ways Islam is realized in Moroccan life including religion, customs, and politics. It will also address the Moroccan perception of Islam and its representation in the West. Taught in English. No prerequisite. Minimum of 3 students required to offer this course.
Approved for Historical and Global Perspectives theme
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Morocco: Changes & Cultural IdentitiesMRCO 3014Fall & Spring3 Credits
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The course examines the major social, cultural, political, and human rights transformations in Morocco over the last four decades, stressing the undergoing tensions between the secular liberals and conservatives (especially Islamists) across gender, religion, language, and sexual politics. Taught in English. No prerequisite. Minimum of 3 students required to offer this course.
Approved for Civic Life & Ethics core and Global Perspectives theme
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Morocco in Context (Only offered in Summer, REQUIRED for all program participants)MRCO 3599Summer1 Credit
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Through weekly class meetings, short reflective papers, and short oral presentations, students will reflect upon and understand their experiences in Moroccan society.
Approved for Social Science and Global Perspectives theme
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Internship in FezFOST 3XXXSpring (academic year students only)3 Credits
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Academic year students can participate in an internship experience during spring semester or complete a Directed Research project. Available only to academic year students.
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Directed ResearchMRCO 3993Fall & Spring3 Credits
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Semester-only students can take part in directed research with a designated program faculty mentor for 3 credits. Keep in mind that this results in a higher total credit load for the semester (18).
Academic year students can pursue a directed research project instead of an internship during spring semester.
Possible topics include:
Islam: traditional and modern practices in Morocco diverse communities in Morocco changing role of women's rights and identities in MoroccoApproved for Global Perspectives theme
Syllabus for Directed Research (PDF)
- local market economy and the role of the Medina
- historic and modern music in Morocco
- contemporary Moroccan authors and Moroccan identity
- Berber culture and traditions in Morocco
- Moroccan youth and identity
- Fes: urban life and mobility
- Moroccan media and social change
- Moroccan educational system
- Food production and climate change in Morocco
Approved for Global Perspectives theme
Topics Courses—Taught in Arabic
Advanced Arabic students can substitute one of the courses below in place of their second Arabic language course
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Introduction to the Arabic NewspaperMRCO 3005Fall, Spring & Summer5 Credits or 3 Credits (Sum)
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In this course, you will be exposed to basic newspaper vocabulary and structure starting with analysis of headlines. Prerequisite of Accelerated Modern Standard Arabic III. This course is taught in Arabic and may not be available to all students each semester due to ALIF course timetables.
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Media ArabicMRCO 3006Fall, Spring & Summer5 Credits or 3 Credits (Sum)
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This course seeks to build a media vocabulary sufficient for you to grasp the theme of a newspaper article or news broadcast with minimal intervention of the dictionary. Includes graded newspaper readings from Middle Eastern dailies and taped material from Moroccan television and radio. Student will have typically completed 6 semesters of Arabic (prerequisite of Accelerated Modern Standard Arabic III). This course is taught in Arabic and may not be available to all students each semester due to ALIF course timetables.
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Contemporary Maghrebi LiteratureMRCO 3010Fall, Spring & SummerCredits
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This course is a survey of modern Arabic literature by major North African authors focusing on the short-story genre with discussion of the cultural underpinnings of this literature as well as schools of criticism dealing with the authors in question. Knowledge of French and Maghrebi dialects is helpful but not obligatory. This course is taught in Arabic and may not be available to all students each semester due to ALIF course timetables.
Approved for Literature core and Global Perspectives theme
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Islamic Texts IMRCO 3011Fall, Spring & Summer5 Credits or 3 Credits (Sum)
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This course serves as an introduction to the Quran and the sciences related to it. Includes a survey of the history of the revelation (asbab at-tanzil) and compilation (tadwin) of the Quran, principles of correct recitation (tajwid), and discussion of exegesis (tafsir). This course is taught in Arabic and may not be available to all students each semester due to ALIF course timetables.
Approved for Arts & Humanities and Global Perspectives theme
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Islamic Texts IIMRCO 3012Fall, Spring & Summer5 Credits or 3 Credits (Sum)
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This course serves as a broad introduction to the study of hadith, including historical backgrounds on the major compilations, and a broad overview of Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh) focusing on the four main schools (madhahib) of Sunni law. Authentic Islamic manuscripts are used as central texts, and emphasis is placed on stylistic aspects and essential terminology. This course is taught in Arabic and may not be available to all students each semester due to ALIF course timetables.
Approved for Arts & Humanities and Global Perspectives theme.
Optional Online Course
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Global IdentityOLPD 3332Online1 credit
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Global Identity: Connecting Your International Experience with Your Future is an optional 1-credit online course that helps you process your international experience and apply what you've learned upon your return. Global Identity gives you the opportunity to work individually with a trained cultural mentor, helping you articulate your newly acquired skills and differentiating you from your peers.
This course is offered at no additional cost on programs six weeks or longer. The Learning Abroad Center will email out registration instructions, or you may contact a program team member.
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Dates & Deadlines
Submit the online application and complete the assigned application checklist according to the appropriate deadline:Program Term App Open Date Deadline* Spring 2020 May 1 Nov 1 Depart US for Morocco Feb 18 Arrival in Fez, beginning of on-site orientation Feb 19 First day of classes Feb 24 Spring Break Apr 4 – 7 Final exams, program ends May 20 Depart Morocco May 21 Summer Session I Cancelled Cancelled Depart US for Morocco May 21 Arrive in Fez May 22 First day of classes May 27 Final exams, program ends Jul 7 Depart Morocco Jul 8 Summer 9-week Intensive Cancelled Cancelled Depart US for Morocco May 21 Arrive in Fez May 22 First day of classes May 27 Final exams, program ends Jul 28 Depart Morocco Jul 29 Summer Session II Sep 1 May 1 Depart US for Morocco Jul 1 Arrival in Fez, beginning of on-site orientation Jul 2 First day of classes Jul 6 Final exams, program ends Jul 31 Depart Morocco Aug 1 Fall 2020 Dec 1 Jun 1 Depart US for Morocco Sep 4 Arrival in Fez, beginning of on-site orientation Sep 5 First day of classes Sep 10 Fall Break Oct 22 – Nov 1 Final exams, program ends Dec 15 Depart Morocco Dec 16 Academic Year 2020-2021 Dec 1 Jun 1 Depart US for Morocco Sep 4 Arrival in Fez, beginning of on-site orientation Sep 5 First day of classes Sep 10 Fall Break Oct 22 – Nov 1 Final exams Dec 15 Winter Break Dec 16 – Jan 4 Winter Course Jan 5 – Feb 18 First day of classes Feb 22 Spring Break Apr 3 – 7 Final exams, program ends May 21 Depart Morocco May 22 Spring 2021 May 1 Nov 1 Depart US for Morocco Feb 16 Arrival in Fez, beginning of on-site orientation Feb 17 First day of classes Feb 22 Spring Break Apr 3 – 7 Final exams, program ends May 21 Depart Morocco May 22 *Program dates are subject to change. Contact the LAC for verification of dates before purchasing your airfare.
**If the deadline falls on a weekend, submit your materials on the following business day.Orientation Dates & Locations
Orientation will be conducted in 2 parts: an online orientation, which is mandatory for all students, and an in-person, program-specific session. You will receive more information about the online orientation via email. Failure to complete the online orientation will impact your ability to go abroad.See below for tentative dates and times for your in-person session. You will be notified of the official date and time via email. Participants will receive applicable orientation materials via email approximately 1 week prior to the in-person session.
Term Abroad Date/Time Location Spring 2020 Friday, December 6, 2:00-4:00pm Heller Hall 214 -
Fees for Arabic Language & Culture in Morocco
University of Minnesota participants pay the program fee instead of on-campus tuition and fees for the term they are abroad.Fees or tuition from home institutions may be added to or differ from the University of Minnesota Learning Abroad Center fees listed on this page.Billing & Payments
Visit Billing for information about the billing process for application fees, deposits, and program fees.Financial Aid & Scholarships
Visit Financial Information for information on using financial aid and scholarships for study abroad.Bridging Loan
Bridging Loan, a no-interest/no-fees loan that funds the upfront deposit and flights costs, is available for this program for eligible students.Cancellation Policy
Before you apply to or confirm your participation on this program, review the Learning Abroad Center's Cancellation Policy to inform yourself of the timeline and financial obligations for canceling. -
Prepare
Complete pre-application advising.Be aware: All programs require a $50 application fee. This fee will be charged to your student account upon submission of an online application.
To complete the online application for this program, you will need to select or provide the following information on the online application:
Center Name TC Learning Abroad Ctr Education Abroad Term See Program Dates for term options Program Name Arabic Language & Culture in Morocco Track Name Arabic Language & Culture in Morocco Country Morocco Submit
University of Minnesota Student—apply
Use your University of Minnesota internet ID and password to log into the Education Abroad application system. Your student account will be charged a $50 application fee.
Non-University of Minnesota Student—apply
Once you submit your application, Learning Abroad Center staff will create a University of Minnesota student internet account for you. You will use this account to access the Education Abroad Application System, and other University of Minnesota services. You will be charged a $50 application fee for this program.
Our staff will contact you within 2–3 business days with your internet account information, and additional application instructions.
Complete
After you submit your application, you will receive an email notification confirming that your application was received. Submitted applications are assigned an application checklist, which will include the following items:
- Application Essay
- Academic Recommendation (If have previous Arabic language courses—letter preferably comes from Arabic instructor, but not required. Semester applicants only, not required for summer program)
- Transcript (Non-UofM students only)
- Home Institution Nomination (Required by specific institutions only)
Detailed descriptions and instructions for submitting each checklist item are included on the application checklist assigned to you.
If you do not meet the GPA requirement for this program you will be required to submit two additional application items—the Low GPA Essay and Special Circumstances Recommendation. Both items will be added to your checklist after you start your application, and you will be notified when they have been added.Application Review Process
After your application checklist is complete, your application is reviewed by our program team. You will be notified of an acceptance decision by email. If accepted, you will be assigned a confirmation checklist, which you will complete to confirm your participation in the program. If you decide not to continue with the application process, log into the online application system and submit a Cancel Request.
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Program Contact
For further information or questions about this program, send an email to
Ryan McCarthy or call at 612.626.9373. -
Contact Program Alum
Below is a list of additional students who participated in past program sessions. They are ready and willing to answer your questions about this program. Feel free to contact them during your decision-making process or anytime during your pre-departure preparation to get a student perspective.Dylan, Summer 2019, Psychology & Global Studies majors
COVID-19 Update
