Summer Intensive Language Program at the Center for Cross Cultural Learning in Morocco

The National Council, in collaboration with The Center for Cross Cultural Learning (CCCL) for the summer of 2013, is pleased to announce its Summer Language Program in the Kingdom of Morocco. Students will spend six weeks in Rabat, the capital city of Morocco, taking part in an intensive Arabic language program. Students will spend four (4) hours each weekday in formal Modern Standard Arabic classes, as well as complete out-of-the-classroom assignments. Students at all levels of Arabic proficiency are encouraged to apply.

CCCL is a private institution and Morocco’s leading institution in study abroad education. CCCL was founded in 1995 by Moroccan experts in cross cultural learning and education; it is based in a 19th century Riad (traditional Moroccan house located in a historical quarter of the city) in the 17th century old medina of Rabat. CCCL premises have expanded as its programs continue to attract several educational and cultural institutions and schools to include two more buildings in and around the medina of Rabat. CCCL offers several classrooms, conferences rooms, a cafeteria for its participants only, a library of 4,200 books without counting the most valuable and exclusive collection of our students’ projects (over 700 projects).

CCCL organizes a variety of cultural and educational activities, which include language courses, seminars, and lecture series on Moroccan society and Arab and Islamic cultures. CCCL also sponsors art exhibits and musical performances and organizes educational excursions to various parts of Morocco both in urban and rural areas. The aim of these activities is to provide participants with opportunities to learn from the rich cultural diversity of Morocco and to better understand and appreciate the country’s cultural heritage. CCCL has 33 full time staff in addition to a long list of part-time guest speakers, university lecturers, travel guides, host families, instructors, and artists and music performers.

Program Dates:

June 3 – July 13, 2013

Cost:

The program fee is $3,750.00. The fee includes:

1. 2 Day Orientation Session: The first day covers CCCL regulations, provides an orientation to the Arabic program, includes placement tests, 90 minutes of “Survival Moroccan Arabic” instruction, a “Negotiating Street Harassment” seminar, and a “Morocco 101” seminar, with lunch and dinner at CCCL. Day 2 includes 90 additional minutes of “Survival Moroccan Arabic” instruction, a bargaining orientation and field exercise, homestay orientation, and lunch at CCCL with family pick up and dinner with families in the evening.

2. Facilities and Student Support: Group transfer to and from airport; classrooms equipped with screens, internet, and projectors; office hours available two times a week outside of regular instruction for tutoring; an onsite coordinator capable of communicating in both Arabic and English who is completely familiar with the city and its resources, such as doctors, dentists, transportation, internet cafes, etc.; educational materials, such as copies of exams and supplementary materials, excluding textbooks; an escort from the National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations; final party including food and beverages with live music; and full use of the CCCL public spaces open to students and free Wi-Fi in available areas during open hours.

3. Academic Activities: Four (4) hours per weekday classroom instruction including one hour weekly of Darija instruction, plus two (2) hours of available office (or by appointment) twice a week for six weeks; two to three lectures on local issues in English (such as women’s issues/family law, Amazigh issues, and Morocco’s economy); and two to three workshops or demonstrations outside of Arabic class (such as calligraphy, cooking, music). Two separate weekend excursions will be organized to (I) Marrakesh and Essaouira, and (II) Fes, Chefchaouen, and Tanger, both to include accompanied transportation, tours, lodging, and meals.

4. Housing: Housing will be divided between hotels and family home stays. For two nights at the beginning of the program in Rabat, four nights during weekend excursions, and one night at the conclusion of the program, students will reside in hotels. The remainder of the program (36 nights) will be spent with a local Moroccan family in Rabat. All meals will be provided at the homes. All homestays are within walking distance of the Center.

How to Apply:

Applications are available through the link below or can be obtained by emailing Josh Hilbrand at Josh@ncusar.org or Megan Geissler at Megan@ncusar.org.

2013 Center for Cross Cultural Learning Application (.pdf)

Students should submit completed applications to the National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations (contact coordinates below). Applications are due April 19, 2013.

National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations
ATTN: CCCL Program
1730 M St. NW, Suite 503
Washington, DC 20036
Email: Megan@ncusar.org
Phone: 202-293-6466