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 |
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Term | Academic Year, Fall Semester, Spring Semester, Summer Session |
Housing | Homestay |
Credit Type | Resident Credit |
Sponsor | Learning Abroad Center |
GPA | 2.5 |
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Student Type | UofM Students, Non UofM Students |
Student Year | Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors |
Language | No Language Prerequisite |
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 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.
Learning Abroad Center programs are:
Program Type | Field Study, Study Abroad Center |
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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 |
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.
Total: 15–18 credits
Total: 36–42 credits
Total: 7 credits
Total: 11 credits
Options include: language courses, topics courses in English, topics courses in Arabic
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.
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)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
These courses allow for 2 semesters of language progress.
This course covers the material presented in MSA 100 and 200
Syllabus for Intensive Beginning Modern Standard Arabic (PDF)
This course covers the material presented in MSA 200 & 300
Syllabus for Intensive Low Intermediate Modern Standard Arabic (PDF)
This course covers the material presented in MSA 300 & 400
Syllabus for Intensive Intermediate Modern Standard Arabic (PDF)
This course covers the material presented in MSA 500 & 600
Syllabus for Intensive High Intermediate Modern Standard Arabic (PDF)
This course covers the material presented in MSA 600 & 700
Syllabus for Intensive Advanced Modern Standard Arabic (PDF)
These courses are offered in English exclusively to program participants.
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
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
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
Academic year students can participate in an internship experience during spring semester or complete a Directed Research project. Available only to academic year students.
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 may include:
Approved for Global Perspectives theme
Advanced Arabic students can substitute one of the courses below in place of their second Arabic language course
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
Program Term | App Open Date | Deadline* |
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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 | Program Canceled |
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 | |
Summer Session I | Sep 1 | Apr 15 |
Depart US for Morocco | May 20 | |
Arrive in Fez | May 21 | |
First day of classes | May 26 | |
Final exams, program ends | Jul 6 | |
Depart Morocco | Jul 7 | |
Summer 9-week Intensive | Sep 1 | Apr 15 |
Depart US for Morocco | May 20 | |
Arrive in Fez | May 21 | |
First day of classes | May 26 | |
Final exams, program ends | Jul 29 | |
Depart Morocco | Jul 30 | |
Summer Session II | Sep 1 | May 1 |
Depart US for Morocco | Jun 10 | |
Arrival in Fez, beginning of on-site orientation | Jun 11 | |
First day of classes | Jun 16 | |
Final exams, program ends | Jul 29 | |
Depart Morocco | Jul 30 |
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 |
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Summer 2021 | TBD | TBD |
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 |
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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 |
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 for each application you submit.
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 each application you submit.
Our staff will contact you within 2–3 business days with your internet account information, and additional application instructions.
All students, both UofM and Non-UofM should use this apply button if applying for a program Fall 2021 or beyond (academic year, winter break etc.). You will be charged a $50 application fee for each application you submit.
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:
Detailed descriptions and instructions for submitting each checklist item are included on the application checklist assigned to you.
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.
For further information or questions about this program, send an email to
Ryan McCarthy or call at 612.626.9373.Dylan, Summer 2019, Psychology & Global Studies majors