Arabic Studies in Ifrane, Morocco
From the Sahara desert oasis of Marrakesh to the teeming metropolis of Casablanca and the elegant royal cities of Rabat and Fez, Morocco has long been a major political, commercial and cultural crossroads in the history of North Africa and the Mediterranean region. A truly diverse society, Morocco is a point of convergence for African, Arab and Mediterranean cultures. Today, this rich and diverse history is evident in the peaceful mingling of different ethnicities, faiths, dialects and cuisine. Situated in the heart of a region known for its beautiful forests, mountains, lakes and waterfalls, Ifrane is located just 60 kilometers from the historically rich imperial city of Fez, one of the most prestigious cities of the Muslim world and the capital of the first Arab dynasty of Morocco.
Al-Akhawayn University
Al-Akhawayn University is a young, modern institution inaugurated by His Majesty King Hassan II of Morocco in 1995. Morocco’s first English-language university, Al-Akhawayn takes an innovative approach to education, combining the humanistic tradition of Arab and Mediterranean cultures with the structure of the American university system. Visiting American students experience a new and different academic culture combined with the comforting familiarity of their home university. The University also offers intense faculty-student interaction, with small classes and a curriculum characterized by an interdisciplinary spirit.
Academic facilities at Al-Akhawayn include the largest computer network in all of Africa, one of the finest libraries in Morocco, several research centers and a state-of-the-art language laboratory. Student services facilities are just as modern and well-appointed, with pleasant student housing in 16 residence halls, a student center, health services center, counseling and career services, and an excellent sports center. Student life is interesting and dynamic, with international students comprising nearly 10% of the student body and increasing each year.
Academic Program
The Arabic Summer Institute at Al-Akhawayn University is designed for students who wish to experience living and studying in an Arab country as part of their education, although for a relatively short period of time. It provides students the opportunity to study the Arabic language in context as well as other subjects pertaining to Islamic and North African Studies. Check out the host university’s website at http://www.alakhawayn.ma/.
Courses Offered
Tracks
Track 1: 8-week Language only (6 to 10 credit hours)
Track 2: 8-week Language and Culture (9 to 13 credit hours)
Students in Track 1 will enroll in two of the following courses, based on their language level; Students in Track 2 will enroll in three of the following courses, based on their language level:
Elementary Arabic I KU ARAB 110 Five credits. For the novice speaker who wishes to learn Arabic in a culturally immersed context.
Elementary Arabic II KU ARAB 120 Five credits. A continuation of Elementary Arabic I.
Intermediate Arabic I KU ARAB 210 Three credits. For the student who has completed one year of Arabic language study who wishes to hone and further their skills in an Arabic-speaking environment.
Intermediate Arabic II KU ARAB 220 Three credits. A continuation of Intermediate Arabic I.
Advanced Arabic I KU ARAB 310 Three credits. For the student who has completed two years of Arabic language study.
Advanced Arabic II KU ARAB 320 Three credits. A continuation of Advanced Arabic I.
North African Studies KU AAAS 543 Three credits. No prior knowledge of Arabic is required. For the student with little or no prior knowledge of North African Islamic culture. Students will be able to choose from the following courses: History of the Arab World, Arab Society, Islamic Civilization, Issues in Contemporary North Africa, and North African Literature. Note: The North African Studies courses are only open to students who elect Track 2 for an additional cost.
Cultural Activities
Weekend Trips
The program includes two major trips to the Tafilalt Area (Errachidia, Erfoud, and Merzouga) and to Marrakesh. Students are required to use the vocabulary learned in the classroom when interacting with native speakers. Transportation, hotel, and all meals during the trips are included in the program cost. Optional trips can be arranged to neighboring cities such as Fez and Meknes.
Clubs
The clubs are an opportunity for students to practice and learn new vocabulary specific to the goals of each club. Students are required to participate in at least one of the following clubs:
- Literature and Theater
- Music and Dance
- Calligraphy
- Cooking
The clubs are an opportunity for students to practice and learn new vocabulary specific to the goals of each club.
Accommodations
Student housing at Al-Akhawayn University is included in the cost of the program. Men’s and women’s dormitories are located on the university campus.
Food
Meals at the university cafeteria are included in the program fee. Couscous, tagine stew, and many other culinary delights will make you yearn for a Moroccan restaurant when you return to Lawrence!
Group Flight
A group flight will be organized by the Office of Study Abroad. Information about the group flight will be available after March 1.
Dates
Depart U.S.: May 27, 2010
Arrive Ifrane: May 28, 2010
Depart Ifrane: July 24, 2010
Language testing will take place on May 29.
Eligibility
Open to students in good academic standing from any accredited U.S. college or university. At least one semester of college-level Arabic language or the equivalent is recommended. Minimum 2.50 GPA required. (Exceptions considered only after submission of a petition.)
Credit
Track 1 (Language only): Six to ten hours of credit are granted by the University of Kansas upon successful completion of the program.
Track 2 (Language and Culture): Nine to thirteen hours of credit are granted by the University of Kansas upon successful completion of the program.
Cost:
Program Fee:
Track 1 (Language only): Approximately $5,570 ($5,770 for non-KU
students).
.
Track 2 (Language and Culture): Approximately $6,025 ($6,225 for non-KU students).
The fee includes tuition and fees at KU and at Al-Akhawayn University, housing, meals, books, all program administrative costs, excursions and cultural programs.
Additional costs: Airfare, passport fees, incidental personal expenses and optional cultural excursions or events students attend on their own. Additional costs are expected to be approximately $2,800.
Note
All dates, costs, and program information are subject to change as necessary due to fluctuations in the exchange rate or other reasons.
Financial Aid
Since this program meets all Department of Education requirements for intensive summer language programs, eligible graduate students may use FLAS Summer Fellowships.
KU students who qualify for summer financial aid in the form of Stafford and/or other loans, Pell or SEOG Grants, and scholarships may apply the aid to the cost of a Study Abroad Program.
Limited supplemental scholarships are available to KU undergraduates. Applications are available at the Office of Study Abroad. You can also download the scholarship application. The scholarship application deadline is March 1.
Non-KU students should check into the financial resources available to them at their home institutions.
Application Procedures
Application Deadline: March 1, 2010. Early application is strongly encouraged.
Applications are available in the KU Office of Study Abroad. You can also download the application.
(Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to download an application. If your computer does not have Acrobat Reader you can download it for FREE.)
Useful Websites
Program photos: http://www.people.ku.edu/~mohd/photos%20from%20Morocco.htm
Arabic studies summer institute website: http://www.arabic.ku.edu/sli.html
For program information contact:
Naima Omar, Program Director
Department of African and African American Studies
phone: 785-864-4448
email: nomar@ku.edu
Professor Beverly Mack, Co-director
Department of African American Studies
phone: 785-864-4260
email: bmack@ku.edu
For application information contact:
The University of Kansas
Office of Study Abroad
Lippincott Hall
1410 Jayhawk Blvd. Room 108
Lawrence, KS 66045-7515
phone: 785-864-3742
fax: 785-864-5040
email: osa@ku.edu
top