Rabat, Morocco

Study in Rabat

Study Abroad
Program Options:
Experiential Learning, Part-Time Internship
Length:
Fall, Spring, Academic Year

At a Glance

Housing:

Homestay

Credits:

16 to 19 per Semester

Language of Instruction:

Modern Standard Arabic, English, French

Language Prerequisites:

None

Part-Time Internship (Optional):

Included in Program Fee

Visa Required:

Maybe

About the Program

Rabat will be your classroom. Rich in cultural heritage and diversity, Morocco has been influenced by many different ethnic and religious groups that have settled in the country throughout its long history. Our curriculum focuses on North African, Middle Eastern, and Islamic Studies. 

You’ll dive further into the culture of this North African nation as you study Modern Standard Arabic with courses at the beginning, intermediate, and advanced levels. Learn Colloquial Modern Arabic to communicate with Moroccans, and if you have already taken advanced French, you can take French-taught courses at the IES Abroad Center or at our partner institution, Université Mohammed V. 

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Language Learning

Learn Colloquial Moroccan Arabic to communicate with Moroccans.

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Cultural Events

Attend events to help you better understand Moroccan culture.

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Homestays

Live with a local family and adopt a life-long obsession with couscous.

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Part-Time Internships

Add international work experience to your résumé.

Fall 2024

Spring 2025

Program Dates:

September 06 - December 22

Application Deadline:

Estimated Cost:

$
19,990

Program Dates:

Late January - Late May

Application Deadline:

Program Advisor

Cyane Thomas headshot

Cyane Thomas

Once you’ve applied for a program, I’ll be your direct point of contact. From housing to course registration and everything in between, I’m here to help you prepare to study abroad. Once you’re accepted to your program, you’ll find even more detailed information about what you need to know before you depart in your Predeparture Guide. Let’s get started!

📱 800.995.2300 ✉️ study@IESabroad.org

About the Destination

Kasbah des Oudayas in Rabat

Why Rabat?

As you walk the boulevards of Rabat, it’s hard not to be enchanted by the mystery and tradition of this timeless city. From the bustling souqs (open-air markets) and energizing atmosphere of the city to the serenity of the nearby sea, Rabat is an ideal place to learn about the languages, cultures, and religions of North Africa and the Middle East.

Learn More About Rabat

Get to Know Your New City

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Engage Your Senses

Take in the tastes, smells, colors, and sounds of the Medina.

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Visit Historic Treasures

See ancient artifacts and learn more about the Islamic cultural influences.

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Visit a Hammam

Spend a few hours at the local bathhouse with your friends.

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Indulge in Local Food and Tea

From mint tea to couscous, Rabat’s offerings are endless.

The Student Experience

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Housing

A student and their host mother hug in a Rabat homestay while smiling at the camera.
  • Homestay

Homestay

Live with a local family in the Medina within walking distance of our Center and experience Moroccan traditions, family life, and cuisine. You will receive three meals daily. You may request to live with another IES Abroad student in your homestay.

Academics

Our mission is simple: to provide you with the best study abroad program possible—which includes the highest quality academic and cultural experiences.

We offer unique courses that explore Moroccan Language, history, and culture with an in-depth and hands-on approach. Our world-class professors and course options at prestigious local universities enhance your academic experience and provide you with new perspectives each day in class.

You take 16–19 credits per semester. Modern Standard Arabic (6 credits, semester long) and colloquial Moroccan Arabic during orientation (1 credit, during orientation) are required. All other courses are 3 credits, unless otherwise stated.

Partner Institution

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  • Université Mohammed V

Université Mohammed V

Named after the former King of Morocco, the Université Mohammed V was founded in 1957 after Moroccan independence as the country's first modern university. IES Abroad Rabat students with advanced-level proficiency in Arabic or French may enroll in courses taught in these languages in the Faculty of Letters and Humanities of the University Mohammed V - Agdal.

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Courses

Create your own academic experience by selecting from the following required and optional program components:

Orientation Course

  • IES Abroad Intensive Introduction to Colloquial Moroccan Arabic (required, 1 credit)

Semester Courses

  • IES Abroad Modern Standard Arabic course (required, 6 credits) 
  • IES Abroad Colloquial Moroccan Arabic course (optional, 3 credits) 
  • English- or French-taught IES Abroad area studies courses (optional, 3 credits) 
  • French- or Arabic-taught courses at the Université Mohammed V (optional, credits vary)  
  • Internship Placement and Seminar (optional, 3 credits) 

To learn more about IES Abroad’s innovative theoretical and pedagogical approaches to teaching language abroad, refer to the IES Abroad MAP for Language & Intercultural Communication

NOTE: This is a list of planned course offerings. After you are accepted, you will see a list of final course offerings in your MyIESabroad account. Additionally, IES Abroad reserves the right to cancel a course due to insufficient enrollment or circumstances beyond our control.

IES Abroad Courses

Disciplines (10)

African Studies (2)

Course name Term Language Credits
AS/CS 221 - North African Cultural Identities Fall, Spring English 3
AF/SO 320 - Sub-Saharans in Morocco Fall, Spring French 3

Partner Institution Courses

Université Mohammed V

Courses are available in Arabic and French and focus on language, linguistics, literature, and cultural studies. You are advised on-site about the academic offerings of the university. Courses are available in the following fields:

  • Communication
  • French Literature and French Studies
  • Geography
  • History and Civilization
  • Islamic Studies
  • Philosophy
  • Psychology
  • Sociology

Course offerings may vary from semester to semester and particular courses may not be available during your semester or academic year in Rabat.

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PRO-TIP

Apply for your passport today!

Getting your passport is a crucial step for studying abroad. With processing times taking longer than usual, consider this a gentle reminder to not procrastinate on getting or renewing your passport.

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Field Trips

Even though your adventure starts in Rabat, our field trips take you beyond the city to discover the culture and traditions of your host country. All trips are included in the program fee unless otherwise noted with ($).

NOTE: IES Abroad field trip destinations, activities, and lengths of stay may vary according to term and availability. 

an aerial view of Granada at Alhambra

Granada & Córdoba

4 Days ($) Fall & Spring

Experience the cultural and historical connections between Europe and Africa by visiting Granada’s magnificent Alhambra. Tour an ancient mosque in Córdoba that now serves as a Catholic cathedral.

Group of students in Meknes, Morocco

Meknes, Fez & Volubilis: Orientation

1 Day ($) Fall & Spring

Visit the Medina and famed tanneries of Fez and admire the ancient and well-preserved Roman ruins and 30+ original mosaics throughout nearby Volubilis.

Three students stand atop a mountain in the Middle Atlas Mountain Range They are high enough that it is slightly foggy on a cloudless day.

Middle Atlas Mountains & Amazigh Village

3 Days ($) Spring

Experience local Amazigh traditions and participate in activities such as visiting natural springs, meeting with local associations, making bread, and learning about medicinal herbs native to the region.

a student jumps for a fun photo in the Saraha Desert in Morocco

Sahara Desert

3 Days ($) Fall & Spring

Journey to the Sahara Desert to meet with Amazighs living in traditional settings. Make your journey on camelback and gain insight into Amazigh history, culture, and music, and camp overnight at a desert oasis.

Students overlook Chefchaouen

Tangier & Chefchaouen

2 Days Fall

Explore the colorful sites of Tangier, where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Mediterranean at the Strait of Gibraltar. Then head to Chefchaouen to see its picturesque buildings in various shades of blue.

Part-Time Internships

Did you know that, while in Rabat, you can intern as part of your study abroad experience? With a part-time internship, you’ll gain global work experience that will increase your job readiness and give you an advantage after graduation. With an internship, you will:

  • Take an important step in your career development by navigating the professional world with our support.
  • Learn more about yourself both personally and professionally and build confidence in the process.
  • Experience what working in Rabat is really like and gain an authentic understanding of the workplace culture while developing real, applicable job skills that will bolster your career readiness.
  • Begin building an international network by making connections with coworkers and peers.

All of our internships are supervised and earn IES Abroad credit. You participate in a 3-credit seminar to complement the practical experience you gain during the internship for a greater understanding of work life in your host country.

NOTE: IES Abroad Rabat offers a variety of internship opportunities for students with two or more semesters of French or Arabic study. For students with no previous study of French or Arabic, placement options are limited and cannot be guaranteed in advance.

Placement Examples

Research Projects

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Administrative Work

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Charities & Nonprofits

Volunteer Opportunities

When you volunteer in Rabat, you have the chance to make a difference in the local community while meeting new people and gaining a new perspective on the world. If you are passionate about volunteering abroad, just let the on-site staff know at the beginning of your term.

Past volunteer opportunities in Rabat include:

Hospital Volunteer

Visit patients in a hospital

Beach Clean-Up

Volunteer to help reduce litter and protect our oceans

Animal Shelter Volunteer

Assist at a dog and cat shelter

Program Cost

Consider these prices as a starting point. We encourage you to contact your current college or university to determine the actual cost to you when factoring in financial aid, scholarships, your school's policies, and other factors.

Spring 2024

Tuition
$
15,830
Housing
$
3,840
Insurance
$
230
Total
$
19,900

Fall 2024

Tuition
$
15,888
Housing
$
3,857
Insurance
$
245
Total
$
19,990

Academic Year 2024

Tuition
$
28,585
Housing
$
7,715
Insurance
$
490
Total
$
36,790

Spring 2025

Tuition
-
Housing
-
Insurance
-
Total
Pending

Use Our Budget Worksheet to Calculate Your Costs

See the Worksheet
APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS

$7 Million in Scholarships & Aid

We firmly believe that financial limitations should not prevent a qualified student from studying abroad. This is why we commit millions of dollars to our study abroad scholarships and aid.

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About the IES Abroad Center

The Center is where our highly trained local staff provide on-the-ground support throughout your time abroad. 

The IES Abroad Rabat Center is located within easy walking distance of the city’s famous shopping and cultural hub called The Medina. Whether you’re visiting the significant Mausoleum of Mohammed V, or marveling at the Hassan Tower, the Center is your study abroad hub. 

 

Orientation

Start at Home
Our Comprehensive Orientation & Re-Entry Experience (CORE™) begins at home with our virtual orientation to meet the IES Abroad Center staff, fellow students, and the city.
Arrive in Rabat
Orientation continues when you arrive onsite with activities focusing on adjusting to Rabat. Detailed information about other important topics is also covered.
Intensive Language Learning
Orientation continues in Meknes, where you will live with a host family in the Medina, take Darija, and attend lectures on Moroccan culture.
Field Trip to Fez and Volubilis
Before returning to Rabat, you will explore ancient Morocco with a field trip to Fez and Volubilis, the site of well-preserved ancient Roman ruins.
Prepare to Learn
Feel prepared to begin classes with practical lessons, activities designed to help you learn your way around the area, and support from our dedicated student staff.

Health & Safety

With 70 years of experience, we are proud to set the standard for health and safety in study abroad. Our Chicago-based and on-site staff are all highly trained and experienced in the matters of health, safety, and crisis management. We are here for you from predeparture to your return, and are ready to support you—no matter which time zone you’re in. We plan for "what ifs" so that you don’t have to. From international health insurance included in the cost of your program to highly-trained local staff who can connect you to English-speaking healthcare providers, we are working around the clock to ensure your health and safety while abroad.

Support You Can Expect to Receive on Our Programs

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CISI International Health Insurance

In the case you need to see a doctor or mental health professional.

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24/7 Emergency Support

Whether you encounter an issue while traveling or in your host city.

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Mandatory Cell Phone Policy

Receive any emergency updates from IES Abroad staff via call or text.

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Location-Specific Information

Health and safety information presented at orientation by on-site staff.

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TripTracker System

Allowing you to share independent travel plans.

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Crisis Drills

So that you feel prepared to respond to an emergency should one arise.

Program Dates

Spring 2024

Program Dates:

January 30 - May 16

Application Deadline:

Fall 2024

Program Dates:

September 06 - December 22

Application Deadline:

Academic Year 2024

Program Dates:

Late August - Mid May

Application Deadline:

Spring 2025

Program Dates:

Late January - Late May

Application Deadline:

Requirements

  • Eligibility Requirements
  • Application Requirements
  • Passport & Visa Requirements

Eligibility Requirements

  • 18 years of age
  • In good standing at your home school
  • Sophomore, junior, or senior standing when program begins. Undergraduate candidates only.
  • A cumulative GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale (GPAs under 2.75 will be considered on a case-by-case basis)

Frequently Asked Questions

Contact a Previous Student

Student Ambassadors

No one knows the IES Abroad experience better than a student who has lived it! From budget tips to housing experiences, our volunteer Ambassadors are here to share it all.

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The Student Experience

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Grace Heaton ,

Do It Scared!

Delve into the world of life in Nantes, France with me as I discuss all that the adjustment period of study abroad brings!

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Lily Nannini,

Surf Camp

I fell in love with surfing after the very first lesson. In this blog, I share my experience from three days at Surf Camp Australia :)

How will study abroad redefine your world? We can’t wait to find out.

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