Susie W. • University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Susie W. • University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
IES Abroad Rabat
IES Abroad Rabat
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.
Language Learning
Learn Colloquial Moroccan Arabic to communicate with Moroccans.
Cultural Events
Attend events to help you better understand Moroccan culture.
Homestays
Live with a local family and adopt a life-long obsession with couscous.
Part-Time Internships
Add international work experience to your résumé.
Spring 2025
Fall 2025
Program Dates:
February 01 - May 17
Application Deadline:
Estimated Cost:
$
19,990
Program Dates:
September 05 - December 20
Application Deadline:
Program Advisor
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!
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.
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
Susie W. • University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
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
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.
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.
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
Politics
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.
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.
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 ($).
NOTE: IES Abroad field trip destinations, activities, and lengths of stay may vary according to term and availability.
Granada & Córdoba
4 Days ($)
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.
Meknes, Fez & Volubilis: Orientation
1 Day ($)
Fall & Spring
Visit the Medina and famed tanneries of Fez and admire the ancient and well-preserved Roman ruins and 30+ original mosaics throughout nearby Volubilis.
Middle Atlas Mountains & Amazigh Village
3 Days ($)
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.
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.
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
Administrative Work
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.
Additional Fees for Special Options Associated with Tuition & Housing (invoiced by IES Abroad)
School of Record transcript (if required)
$375
Total Additional Fees
+
Additional Estimated Expenses for Student Budgeting Purposes (select those that apply)
Round-Trip Airfare (varies with point of departure and carrier)
$1,400-1,800
Textbooks, Copyright Permission Fees, Course Packets & Other Course-Related Materials
$600
Rental or Purchase of Required Cell Phone (does not include usage fees)
$30-150
Local Transportation
$360
Optional IES Abroad Field Trips (not included in program fee)
$0-400
Personal Expenses (does not include personal student travel)
$2,100
Total Other Estimated Expenses
=
Total Estimated Budget
The amounts expressed above are in U.S. dollars. Estimated expenses are based on November 2023 exchange rates. These expenses may vary due to individual needs, spending habits, and exchange rates, and are not included in the IES Abroad program fee. Personal expenses may include but are not limited to the following: meals/beverages (outside selected housing/meals option), social activities and entertainment, toiletries, laundry, and communications facilities (e.g. Internet café, phone centers.) Some items such as textbooks may be billed separately by IES Abroad.
Discounts and Scholarships & Aid
Academic Year pricing reflects at least a 20% discount off second consecutive semester program tuition for the same or a different program. Students must enroll by November 1st to get the discount for academic year study, after which the second term’s tuition pricing will be based on the following Spring term’s tuition.
Students will receive a 20% discount applied as a credit to the second consecutive semester’s tuition in the same or different programs of a Calendar Year. Students must enroll by May 1st to get the discount for calendar year study, after which the second term’s tuition pricing will be based on the following Fall term’s tuition.
Students will receive a $500 credit on Summer tuition if a summer program is attended before or after a semester or academic year program.
Students will receive a $300 credit on a January Term tuition if a January Term program is attended before or after a semester program.
The IES Abroad program fee does not reflect scholarships, financial aid, or grants such as the IES Abroad Public University Grant.
Visa / Consular / Residency Fees
Depending on visa requirements related to certain program locations, length of term, and consular jurisdictions, students may also incur costs for expedited processing, predeparture travel to the consulate or for IES Abroad ACCeSS™ ($150) to obtain their visa.
These estimated fees apply to U.S. citizens. Non-U.S. citizens may have different requirements and costs.
Cell Phone Usage
Cell phone usage fees are additional and on a per call basis, depending upon location.
Additional Fees for Special Options Associated with Tuition & Housing (invoiced by IES Abroad)
School of Record transcript (if required)
$375
Total Additional Fees
+
Additional Estimated Expenses for Student Budgeting Purposes (select those that apply)
Round-Trip Airfare (varies with point of departure and carrier)
$1,500-2,100
Textbooks, Copyright Permission Fees, Course Packets & Other Course-Related Materials
$1,200
Rental or Purchase of Required Cell Phone (does not include usage fees)
$60-300
Local Transportation
$720
Optional IES Abroad Field Trips (not included in program fee)
$0-800
Personal Expenses (does not include personal student travel)
$4,200
Total Other Estimated Expenses
=
Total Estimated Budget
The amounts expressed above are in U.S. dollars. Estimated expenses are based on February 2023 exchange rates. These expenses may vary due to individual needs, spending habits, and exchange rates, and are not included in the IES Abroad program fee. Personal expenses may include but are not limited to the following: meals/beverages (outside selected housing/meals option), social activities and entertainment, toiletries, laundry, and communications facilities (e.g. Internet café, phone centers.) Some items such as textbooks may be billed separately by IES Abroad.
Discounts and Scholarships & Aid
Academic Year pricing reflects at least a 20% discount off second consecutive semester program tuition for the same or a different program. Students must enroll by November 1st to get the discount for academic year study, after which the second term’s tuition pricing will be based on the following Spring term’s tuition.
Students will receive a 20% discount applied as a credit to the second consecutive semester’s tuition in the same or different programs of a Calendar Year. Students must enroll by May 1st to get the discount for calendar year study, after which the second term’s tuition pricing will be based on the following Fall term’s tuition.
Students will receive a $500 credit on Summer tuition if a summer program is attended before or after a semester or academic year program.
Students will receive a $300 credit on a January Term tuition if a January Term program is attended before or after a semester program.
The IES Abroad program fee does not reflect scholarships, financial aid, or grants such as the IES Abroad Public University Grant.
Visa / Consular / Residency Fees
Depending on visa requirements related to certain program locations, length of term, and consular jurisdictions, students may also incur costs for expedited processing, predeparture travel to the consulate or for IES Abroad ACCeSS™ ($150) to obtain their visa.
These estimated fees apply to U.S. citizens. Non-U.S. citizens may have different requirements and costs.
Cell Phone Usage
Cell phone usage fees are additional and on a per call basis, depending upon location.
Additional Fees for Special Options Associated with Tuition & Housing (invoiced by IES Abroad)
School of Record transcript (if required)
$375
Total Additional Fees
+
Additional Estimated Expenses for Student Budgeting Purposes (select those that apply)
Round-Trip Airfare (varies with point of departure and carrier)
$1,600-5,000
Textbooks, Copyright Permission Fees, Course Packets & Other Course-Related Materials
$500
Rental or Purchase of Required Cell Phone (does not include usage fees)
$30-150
Local Transportation
$280
Optional IES Abroad Field Trips (not included in program fee)
$350-800
Personal Expenses (does not include personal student travel)
$2,000
Total Other Estimated Expenses
=
Total Estimated Budget
The amounts expressed above are in U.S. dollars. Estimated expenses are based on August 2024 exchange rates. These expenses may vary due to individual needs, spending habits, and exchange rates, and are not included in the IES Abroad program fee. Personal expenses may include but are not limited to the following: meals/beverages (outside selected housing/meals option), social activities and entertainment, toiletries, laundry, and communications facilities (e.g. Internet café, phone centers.) Some items such as textbooks may be billed separately by IES Abroad. The IES Abroad program fee does not reflect scholarships, financial aid, or grants such as the IES Abroad Public University Grant.
Visa / Consular / Residency Fees
Depending on visa requirements related to certain program locations, length of term, and consular jurisdictions, students may also incur costs for expedited processing, predeparture travel to the consulate or for IES Abroad ACCeSS™ ($150) to obtain their visa.
These estimated fees apply to U.S. citizens. Non-U.S. citizens may have different requirements and costs.
Cell Phone Usage
Cell phone usage fees are additional and on a per call basis, depending upon location.
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.
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.
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
CISI International Health Insurance
In the case you need to see a doctor or mental health professional.
24/7 Emergency Support
Whether you encounter an issue while traveling or in your host city.
Mandatory Cell Phone Policy
Receive any emergency updates from IES Abroad staff via call or text.
Location-Specific Information
Health and safety information presented at orientation by on-site staff.
TripTracker System
Allowing you to share independent travel plans.
Crisis Drills
So that you feel prepared to respond to an emergency should one arise.
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)
Application Requirements
Submit Your Online Application
Applications may be considered after the published deadline on a space available basis. Please note that late applicants may be required to submit a non-refundable confirmation deposit upon acceptance in order to secure a place in the program. Please contact us with questions about applying after the deadline.
After your Online Application is processed, submit the following in your MyIESabroad account:
Home School Authorization —Your on-campus study abroad advisor can either complete the Home School Authorization electronically through IES Abroad’s PartnerPortal system, or by filling out the PDF form. Consult your study abroad advisor to determine how they would prefer to complete your Home School Authorization.
Official Transcript(s) —Submit transcripts from each college/university you have attended since high school. If you have multiple transcripts, IES Abroad will average the GPAs for all colleges/universities you have attended and use that cumulative GPA when reviewing your application. (Students attending higher education institutions outside of the U.S. must obtain a professional course-by-course transcript equivalency report. You may choose any organization that provides professional international transcript equivalencies.)
(If Applicable) English Language Proficiency Exam —Students attending higher education institutions outside of the U.S. may need to submit English language proficiency exam results. Contact your IES Abroad Representative for more information.
If your cumulative GPA is below 2.75, submit the following in your MyIESabroad account:
Professor Recommendation —Although there is no length requirement, the recommendation must indicate a professor’s opinion of the applicant’s academic ability to pursue university-level coursework in a foreign country, in addition to any information that would help IES Abroad gain a better understanding of the applicant.
Personal Academic Essay —Although there is no length requirement, the essay must address your GPA, any particular academic challenges faced, reasons you chose this IES Abroad program, and how it fits into your academic career.
Students who wish to participate in an IES Abroad program will typically apply to both their college/university, as well as to IES Abroad. Start by visiting your school’s study abroad office website to learn more about their application process and deadlines. Note that some university’s deadlines can be as early as one year before your desired term abroad. After you have reviewed the process at your home school, start your online application on the IES Abroad website—there's no application fee! Once we create an account for you, we’ll then ask you to submit the required admissions forms in your MyIESabroad account. After we have received all of your materials, we will review your application and send you an admission decision via email.
As soon as you know you are interested in going abroad, begin applying for your passport. In order to go abroad, you’ll need to have a passport that is valid until at least six months after your program’s end date. For most of our programs, you will need your passport in-hand in order to apply for the required student visa. Rest assured, our IES Abroad Program Advisors will be available to help you every step of the way, but it’s in your best interest to start this process as soon as possible!
You can find a list of the potential courses and/or internship opportunities available for students to pursue under the Academics tab of your program page. Syllabi for each course can typically be found by clicking on the hyperlinked course title, which you can review with your on-campus advisors to ensure that you can earn credit and stay on track for graduation. If a part-time internship opportunity is available on your program and something you want to pursue, discuss the possibility of earning credit for this with your study abroad office on-campus.
You can apply for our IES Abroad Scholarships at any point before the deadline—even if you haven’t yet been admitted into one of our programs! Our scholarship opportunities are competitive, so it’s in your best interest to apply for our scholarships as early as possible. If you’d like to use your existing scholarships/aid towards your program fees, this will depend on your school’s policies and how you’re billed for the program. Talk to your school’s study abroad and financial aid office to learn their policies.
IES Abroad works as a partner to campus study abroad offices around the world to provide high quality academic programs for undergraduate students. In order to participate in one of our programs, we require that you gain approval from your home school’s study abroad office. While IES Abroad is here to help with your predeparture needs, you’ll also want to stay connected with your study abroad advisor on-campus to ensure you’re staying on track with their deadlines and aware of their policies for your program abroad.
The location of your courses will depend on the type of IES Abroad program that you select. Most IES Abroad programs are based at the IES Abroad Center in the host city. Our Centers are physical spaces within the city where we have staff offices and classrooms and they serve as the student hub for many of our programs. On these programs, your classmates will be other IES Abroad students from U.S. campuses and are taught by local or international professors. In some cases, it may also be possible to take one or two courses at a local university and the rest at the IES Abroad Center. Alternatively, some IES Abroad programs are direct enrollment programs, which means that you will take all of your classes at the local university alongside other students enrolled at that university.
IES Abroad places student health & safety at the forefront of all that we do. All IES Abroad students are required to be insured under our mandatory CISI health insurance policy, and this cost is factored into your program fees. Students will be expected to complete a physical within the six months prior to your departure so that our student affairs staff on-site have up-to-date information and can offer support for any health or medical needs you may have while abroad. Mental health services may be available for students upon request. Please discuss any specific health and safety needs with our Dean of Students’ office as early as possible. You can also read more information about our Health & Safety protocols (including COVID-19).
Our experienced housing coordinators work hard to screen and place students in IES Abroad housing, so you won’t need to find your housing on your own. Options can include homestays (highly rated!), residence halls, or apartments depending on your location. You will be given an opportunity to indicate any preferences you may have for housing once you are admitted into the program, which our staff will take into consideration to the best of their ability as they are making arrangements for students. While it’s not recommended, it is possible for you to arrange your own housing abroad if your home school approves you to do so.
Students who wish to participate in an IES Abroad program will typically apply to both their college/university, as well as to IES Abroad. Start by visiting your school’s study abroad office website to learn more about their application process and deadlines. Note that some university’s deadlines can be as early as one year before your desired term abroad. After you have reviewed the process at your home school, start your online application on the IES Abroad website—there's no application fee! Once we create an account for you, we’ll then ask you to submit the required admissions forms in your MyIESabroad account. After we have received all of your materials, we will review your application and send you an admission decision via email.
IES Abroad works as a partner to campus study abroad offices around the world to provide high quality academic programs for undergraduate students. In order to participate in one of our programs, we require that you gain approval from your home school’s study abroad office. While IES Abroad is here to help with your predeparture needs, you’ll also want to stay connected with your study abroad advisor on-campus to ensure you’re staying on track with their deadlines and aware of their policies for your program abroad.
As soon as you know you are interested in going abroad, begin applying for your passport. In order to go abroad, you’ll need to have a passport that is valid until at least six months after your program’s end date. For most of our programs, you will need your passport in-hand in order to apply for the required student visa. Rest assured, our IES Abroad Program Advisors will be available to help you every step of the way, but it’s in your best interest to start this process as soon as possible!
The location of your courses will depend on the type of IES Abroad program that you select. Most IES Abroad programs are based at the IES Abroad Center in the host city. Our Centers are physical spaces within the city where we have staff offices and classrooms and they serve as the student hub for many of our programs. On these programs, your classmates will be other IES Abroad students from U.S. campuses and are taught by local or international professors. In some cases, it may also be possible to take one or two courses at a local university and the rest at the IES Abroad Center. Alternatively, some IES Abroad programs are direct enrollment programs, which means that you will take all of your classes at the local university alongside other students enrolled at that university.
You can find a list of the potential courses and/or internship opportunities available for students to pursue under the Academics tab of your program page. Syllabi for each course can typically be found by clicking on the hyperlinked course title, which you can review with your on-campus advisors to ensure that you can earn credit and stay on track for graduation. If a part-time internship opportunity is available on your program and something you want to pursue, discuss the possibility of earning credit for this with your study abroad office on-campus.
IES Abroad places student health & safety at the forefront of all that we do. All IES Abroad students are required to be insured under our mandatory CISI health insurance policy, and this cost is factored into your program fees. Students will be expected to complete a physical within the six months prior to your departure so that our student affairs staff on-site have up-to-date information and can offer support for any health or medical needs you may have while abroad. Mental health services may be available for students upon request. Please discuss any specific health and safety needs with our Dean of Students’ office as early as possible. You can also read more information about our Health & Safety protocols (including COVID-19).
You can apply for our IES Abroad Scholarships at any point before the deadline—even if you haven’t yet been admitted into one of our programs! Our scholarship opportunities are competitive, so it’s in your best interest to apply for our scholarships as early as possible. If you’d like to use your existing scholarships/aid towards your program fees, this will depend on your school’s policies and how you’re billed for the program. Talk to your school’s study abroad and financial aid office to learn their policies.
Our experienced housing coordinators work hard to screen and place students in IES Abroad housing, so you won’t need to find your housing on your own. Options can include homestays (highly rated!), residence halls, or apartments depending on your location. You will be given an opportunity to indicate any preferences you may have for housing once you are admitted into the program, which our staff will take into consideration to the best of their ability as they are making arrangements for students. While it’s not recommended, it is possible for you to arrange your own housing abroad if your home school approves you to do so.
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.
Here I talk about my experience studying abroad in Ireland and taking advantage of the opportunity to travel to various European countries during reading week...
