Home > Study Abroad Programs > Summer programs > MOROCCO Arabic
DATES:
May 30 - July 29, 2013
$100
$6,025.
The Program Fee includes tuition and program expenses. Click on Program Fee for details.
International airfare and personal expenses are not included in the Program Fee and are the responsibility of the participant.
This program is open to all undergraduate and graduate students with a cumulative GPA of 2.25. Only George Mason University students are eligible to participate.
Undergraduate: 9 semester credits in beginner, intermediate or advanced Arabic.
Course credit is transfer credit, meaning students must obtain a C equivalent or better to pass the course.
This program will satisfy the GMU foreign language requirement of 9 semester credits of Arabic, with approval of the Modern and Classical Languages Department
Shared student dormitories
CONTACT: Gregory Seiler at gseiler2@gmu.edu via email or by calling 703.993.2641
Study abroad in Morocco this Summer, and experience an exciting blend of historical influences and modern world currents while learning Arabic.
Participants enroll for an 8-week 9 credit program at Al Akhawayn University in Ifrane, Morocco.
The university town of Ifrane is 1 hour each from Fez and Meknes, 3 hours from Rabat, 4 hours from Casablanca, and 5 hours from Tangier.
Upon arrival, students take a placement exam to ensure a proper fit for the level of Arabic language.
Previous background in Arabic language is NOT necessary for participation in this program.
Students will enroll in the summer school and no GMU faculty director will travel to Morocco with the group.
Course credit is transfer credit, meaning students must obtain a C equivalent or better to pass the course.
This program will satisfy the GMU foreign language requirement of 9 semester credits of Arabic
Blue Gate, Fes, Morocco
AUI is located in Ifrane, in the Middle Atlas Mountains, at an altitude of 1600 m or about 5,000 feet. Ifrane is just 60 km away from Meknes, 80 km from Moulay Idriss Zerhoun and the archeological site of Volubilis, 65 km from Fez, and 200 km from Rabat. Winters in Ifrane can be cold with significant snowfall, and summers are mild and pleasant. Oak and cedar forests, the springs, streams and lakes around Ifrane have made it a very popular resort for all seasons.
Al Akhawayn University, Ifrane
Spending Money and Credit Cards
It is recommended that students have a MINIMUM of $500 for incidentals and personal shopping during excursions. MASTERCARD and VISA credit cards are accepted only in large shops, but it is easy to process cash advances from banks and ATMs around the country. Be sure to alert your bank that you are traveling to Morocco so the fraud control unit does not block your card.
Facilities and Activities on campus
Participants will be issued a photo ID and an email account, and have unlimited internet access in rooms and computer labs, access to the library, the Student Health Center, and sports facilities including the swimming pool. Sporting equipment is available in the Student Activities Office and participants can attend student concerts by local popular groups and parties.
Campus Housing
AUI is a fully residential campus in the US style. All student rooms have en-suite bathrooms with showers. Sheets, pillows and blankets are provided but towels are not.
Travel: Arrivals and Departures
Special arrangements will be made for the pick up of the participants from the Fez Airport or the Fez Train Station.
Visas
North Americans and Europeans traveling to Morocco on a valid passport are issued a 90-day visa upon arrival. Other nationalities must check with the Moroccan Embassy or Consulate serving their area as to visa requirements.
Connectivity, Laptops and Electricity
AUI has several computer labs, and rooms in residence halls have internet connections. Participants are encouraged to bring their laptops for viewing the DVDs of the Al-Kitaab fii Ta’allum Al-’arabiyya books. There are wireless access points in some key locations. The electrical current is 220 volts and 50 Hz.
Dates: May 30- July 29, 2013*
You should plan to leave the United States at least one day prior to the program start date to arrive in Morocco for the first day of the program. You can schedule your return to the United States from Morocco for the last day of the program or choose to travel independently.
Do not purchase airfare until you are advised by your Program Officer.
*International airfare, transport to from campus, personal expenses and textbooks not included.
Scholarships are available to George Mason students. George Mason students can click here to download the CGE Global Perspectives scholarship application. Mason students may also use financial aid to cover a program's cost. Discuss this with your financial aid counselor early in your study abroad planning process. If you are not a George Mason University student, check with your study abroad office or office of financial aid to learn more about how to cover the cost of your study abroad.
How to apply: Consult the How to Apply section for detailed instructions. Start by completing the online application. Pay the $100 application fee.
Note that all supplemental documents are required by the application deadline. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Contact the Program Officer for further application forms and instructions specific to your program.
*CGE reserves the right to make changes to a program in light of currency fluctuations, changing security and safety conditions, or any other unforeseen circumstances.