STUDENT HANDBOOK

AMIDEAST Education Abroad Program at Al-Akhawayn University Ifrane, Morocco Spring 2020

Contact Information

AMIDEAST/Morocco AMIDEAST Headquarters Program Staff: Program Staff:

Colleen Daley Dr. Elena D. Corbett Program Manager Director of Education Abroad [email protected] [email protected]

Doha AitAhmed Katie Johnson Program Officer, Student Services Coordinator Telephone: 06-64-48-93-91 (From within [email protected] Morocco)/011-212-6-64-48-93-91 (From outside the US; from elsewhere +212-6-64-48- Hazel Unger 93-91) [email protected] Program Officer [email protected] Outman Maghnaoui Telephone: 202-776-9629 Senior Program Coordinator [email protected] Sarah Sloan Program Assistant Kaoutar Bouroummana [email protected] Homestay Coordinator Telephone: 202-776-9642 [email protected] Address: Malika Moudden AMIDEAST Headquarters Program Assistant 2025 M Street, NW, Suite 600 [email protected] Washington, DC 20036 Web: www.amideast.org/abroad AMIDEAST Center Street Address: 35, Zanqat Oukaimden, Agdal, Rabat EMERGENCY LINE: 202-412-8564 Tel: +212-53-767-5081/5082 Please note that this number is for your family Fax: +212-53-767-5074 and friends to use in case of an emergency and E-mail: [email protected] will connect them to our headquarters in DC 24 hours a day. Emergencies in Morocco should be Al Akhawayn University Contact: reported to the emergency line in Morocco, Ms. Amy L. Fishburn which will be programmed in your Moroccan Director, Office of International Programs cell phones. [email protected] [email protected]

AMIDEAST Center Hours: Monday–Saturday, 8:00 am–8:30 pm Sunday, 9:00 am–5:00 pm

Student Handbook- Rabat, Morocco Spring 2018 2

Ahlan wa sahlan! Congratulations on your admission to the AMIDEAST Semester at Al-Akhawayn University! We look forward to welcoming you to Morocco this spring. This handbook contains lots of useful information to help prepare you to have a successful term in Morocco. Please read it cover to cover so you have clear expectations of this experience. You will be grateful you did! TABLE OF CONTENTS

PROGRAM MANAGEMENT ...... 5

Section I: Arrival Information ...... 6

AMIDEAST / AUI SEMESTER OVERVIEW: ...... 6

Program Calendar: ...... 6

MOROCCAN ARABIC AND CULTURE PRE-SESSION PROGRAM OVERVIEW: ...... 6 FLIGHT INFORMATION ...... 6 VISA INFORMATION ...... 8 ARRIVAL INFORMATION ...... 10 WHAT TO WEAR IN MOROCCO ...... 10 MOROCCAN DRESS NORMS ...... 11 PACKING LIST ...... 13 DEPARTURE CHECKLIST ...... 15

Section II: Academics and Academic Policies ...... 16

AL-AKHAWAYN UNIVERSITY ...... 16 ACADEMIC CULTURE (AUI AND PRE-SESSION) ...... 16 PRE-SESSION PROGRAM ACADEMICS: ...... 16 ARAB 112: Moroccan Arabic and Culture (1 credit) ...... 17 AL-AKHAWAYN UNIVERSITY’S ACADEMIC POLICIES ...... 17 PASS/FAIL ...... 17 Who Will Be in Your Classes?...... 17 Who Will Be Teaching? ...... 17 Course Work during the Pre-Session ...... 17 Attendance during the Pre-Session ...... 17 Incompletes ...... 18 Appeals ...... 18 ACADEMIC POLICIES ...... 18 AMIDEAST’S INSTITUTION OF RECORD ...... 19 ACADEMIC INTEGRITY ...... 19

Section III: While you are in Morocco ...... 21

RULES AND REGULATIONS ...... 21 GUIDEBOOKS ...... 21 PERSONAL EXPENSES ...... 22 MONEY/EXCHANGE RATE ...... 22 GENERAL BUSINESS AND BANKING HOURS ...... 22 TIPPING ...... 22 MOROCCAN ARABIC AND CULTURE PRE-SESSION HOST FAMILY ACCOMMODATIONS ...... 22 Other Living Considerations ...... 24 NOTES ABOUT LIVING AT AL-AKHAWAYN UNIVERSITY ...... 24 TELEPHONE ACCESS ...... 24 Cell Phones ...... 24 International Calls ...... 25 Payphones ...... 25 INTERNET ACCESS ...... 25

Receiving Mail in Morocco ...... 25

TIME ...... 26 CLIMATE ...... 26 ELECTRICITY ...... 26 HEALTH AND TRAVEL ADVISORIES ...... 26 INSURANCE ...... 27 SAFETY AND SECURITY ...... 27 General Safety Tips ...... 28 Safety in Taxis ...... 28 Crowds ...... 29 Public Gatherings ...... 29 Alcohol & Drugs ...... 30 Money Safety ...... 30 Exchanging and Withdrawing Money from ATMs ...... 30

Section IV: Background Information ...... 31

HISTORICAL OVERVIEW ...... 31 GEOGRAPHY ...... 32 CONTEMPORARY RABAT, MOROCCO ...... 32 MOROCCAN SOCIETY & CULTURE ...... 33 DARIJA AND MODERN STANDARD ARABIC CHART ...... 34 SOCIAL EVENTS & FESTIVITIES ...... 36 RELIGION ...... 37 SOCIAL RELATIONS ...... 37

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WOMEN’S ISSUES ...... 39 MAKING FRIENDS ...... 39 FOOD ETIQUETTE & MEALS ...... 41 DISCRIMINATION ...... 42 CULTURAL ADJUSTMENT ...... 42 END OF THE PROGRAM ...... 44 Note: The information contained in this Student Handbook was correct when it was written. AMIDEAST reserves the right to change any of the policies and procedures contained herein without notice.

Program Management

America-Mideast Educational and Training Services, Inc. (AMIDEAST) is a private, nonprofit organization that strengthens mutual understanding and cooperation between Americans and the peoples of the Middle East and North Africa. Every year, AMIDEAST provides English language and professional skills training, educational advising, and testing services to hundreds of thousands of students and professionals in the Middle East and North Africa; supports numerous institutional development projects in the region; and administers educational exchange programs. Founded in 1951, AMIDEAST is headquartered in Washington, DC, with a network of field offices in Egypt, Jordan, Iraq, Morocco, Kuwait, Lebanon, Tunisia, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, West Bank/Gaza, and Yemen. AMIDEAST’s Education Abroad department designs academic study, cultural immersion, and professional development programs that capitalize on the diverse resources of and experiences available in each country where AMIDEAST operates in the region. Using its extensive network of field offices and contacts throughout the region, AMIDEAST is able to customize programs to meet the specific needs and interests of each client. Its programs accommodate groups of any size and range in duration from a few days to an entire academic year.

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Section I: Arrival Information

AMIDEAST / AUI Semester Overview:

AMIDEAST’s program at Al-Akhawayn University is a direct enrollment program. Students receive health coverage through AMIDEAST while enrolling fully in Al-Akhawayn University and taking all classes at the AUI campus in Ifrane. Students attending Al-Akhawayn University (AUI) under the auspices of the AMIDEAST program have access to the full range of services offered by AUI’s Office of International Programs (OIP). During the semester, OIP will be students’ first point of contact for questions pertaining to life on the AUI campus: Ms. Amy Fishburn, Director of the OIP Email: [email protected]

Ms. Meryem Inabi, Administrative Assistant Email: [email protected]

24 hour emergency contact: (212) 535 86 2222 Housing (24 hour/English-speaking): (212) 535 86 3333 University switchboard: (212) 535 86 2000 AUI Fax: (212) 535 56 7150

Program Calendar:

The program calendar for the AMIDEAST Al-Akhawayn Direct Enrollment program can be found here.

Moroccan Arabic and Culture Pre-Session Program Overview:

The AMIDEAST AUI Moroccan Arabic and Culture Pre-Session Program is a one week orientation designed to introduce students to Moroccan culture and Moroccan Arabic before the Al-Akhawayn University semester begins. It was originally designed for students attending Al-Akhawayn University as a part of the AMIDEAST program, but has been adapted for any student wishing to get a glimpse of Morocco. It serves as a Pre-Session included in the AMIDEAST/AUI program. The Pre-Session takes place in the AMIDEAST office in Rabat, Morocco and is run entirely by AMIDEAST. You can read more about AMIDEAST Course Syllabi on the AMIDEAST website and download syllabi here.

Flight information We prefer that all students arrive in Morocco on the day indicated "Students Arrive" on the above calendar (or the day before) in order to participate in the program's orientation. AMIDEAST will provide transport from the Rabat-Salé International Airport (RBA) to your accommodations if you arrive during the designated time frame. AMIDEAST will not provide transportation or cover transportation fees for students flying into the Mohammed V International Airport (CMN) in Casablanca to their accommodations, even when arriving during the designated time frame. However, AMIDEAST will help

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students in arranging transportation to their accommodations if needed. Please note that if you arrive before the start of the planned arrival dates, you will be responsible for your own transportation from the airport as well as accommodation up to the start of the program.

If you are arriving early please email [email protected] and let us know where you will be staying in Rabat prior to the start of orientation. Students are not allowed to arrive after the indicated arrival day as orientation is mandatory. Please note that if you purchase a ticket arriving after the designated arrival date you will be asked to change the ticket to an earlier date. You should plan to depart Morocco on one of the two days indicated above. We strongly urge you to secure your tickets as soon as possible to avoid flight problems.

If you do not upload your flight information in your student portal by completing the “TO Flight Information” and “From Flight Information” questionnaire one month before your departure date we will not be able to pick you up from the airport.

If you plan to travel before the program starts or after it ends, please be sure to keep us informed so we know whether or not we are arranging for your airport transport.

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Visa Information U.S. citizens do not require a visa to enter Morocco. Therefore, you will only need to present a U.S. passport upon arrival in Morocco to obtain the visa. Your passport will need to be valid for at least six months after you depart Morocco (i.e., your passport must be valid through late December 2020. If you do not already have a passport or your passport will expire before that date, please begin the process of applying for a new one IMMEDIATELY.

If you are a dual national holding a U.S. passport, we strongly recommend that you use your American passport for entry into Morocco. Using your U.S. passport will assist staff with extending your 3 month visit permit stamp during the program. If you do not hold a U.S. passport, please communicate this to AMIDEAST staff immediately at [email protected].

You will be given an arrival card onboard the airplane to fill out before passing through passport control and customs. Your address in Morocco must be included on that card and can be listed as the AMIDEAST Rabat center (the site of the Pre-Session Program):

35, Zanqat Oukaimden Agdal, Rabat Morocco

Recent Challenges with Visas: Although the Moroccan visa process has not changed, in recent terms we have seen an increasing number of issues with U.S. airlines denying boarding for flights to Morocco. If this occurs, it happens when students are checking-in for their flight and an airline representative will not complete the check-in process. This has most commonly happened to students who have booked a one-way Delta flight or a flight with any of Delta’s partners (Air France, KLM, etc.), but are required to check in at a Delta counter. The reasons airlines give are usually one or more of the following:

1) the student does not have a visa, 2) the student does not have a return flight booked, or 3) the student is staying longer than the 90 day period for which visas are initially issued.

Based on the information provided on the U.S. Department of State website and the website of the Consulate General of the Kingdom of Morocco, none of these issues should be a reason to deny boarding.

The U.S. State Department gives the following information regarding entry and exit requirements to Morocco:

“U.S. citizens traveling to Morocco must have a valid passport. Visas are not required for U.S. citizen tourists traveling to Morocco for fewer than 90 days. For visits of more than 90 days, U.S. citizens are required to apply for an extension of stay (providing a reason for the extension) and should do so as far in advance as possible.” You can find more information on U.S. State Department travel advice to Morocco found here:

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https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information- Pages/Morocco.html

According to the Consulate General of the Kingdom of Morocco (http://www.moroccanconsulate.com/visa.cfm) citizens of the following countries do not need a visa prior to arrival in the Kingdom of Morocco. They are issued a three month visa on arrival.

Algeria - Andorra - Argentina - Australia - Austria - Bahrain - Belgium - Brazil - Bulgaria - Canada - Chile - China - Republic of Congo - Croatia - Cyprus - Czech Republic - Denmark - Estonia - Finland - France - Germany - Great Britain - Greece - Guinea (Conakry) - Hong Kong - Hungary - Iceland - Indonesia - Ireland - Italy - Ivory Coast - Japan - Kuwait - Latvia - Liechtenstein - Lithuania - Luxemburg - Mali - Malta - Mexico - Monaco - Netherlands - New Zealand - Niger - Norway - Oman - Peru - Philippines -Poland – Portugal - Puerto Rico - Qatar - Romania - Saudi Arabia - Senegal - Singapore (Singaporean nationals may stay up to one month without visa) - Slovakia - Slovenia - South Korea - Spain - Sweden - Switzerland - Tunisia - Turkey - United Arab Emirates - United States of America

Visitors intending to stay in Morocco longer than 90 days, however, should request a permission to extend the duration of their stay, at the nearest Police Precinct to their place of residence in Morocco. The AUI International Office staff will help facilitate this process.

As you can see, both of these websites indicate that you do not need to have a visa prior to arrival in Morocco. Airlines may deny boarding to passengers who do not have a return flight booked or if the return flight is scheduled for more than 90 days after the entry date, believing that you will violate the 90 day period for which visas are initially issued. This also should not be a reason for denying boarding, because tourists may apply for an extension to their stay once they arrive in Morocco. This is something our staff has assisted students with for many years.

Tips for Challenges with Boarding:  We recommend that you attempt to book a flight to Morocco on an airline other than Delta or one of its SkyTeam partners.  If you book a flight with a Delta partner airline, we recommend that you try to check in with that partner airline rather than with Delta.  Book a return flight from Morocco. If you are unsure of your travel plans after the end of the program, you can purchase a fully-refundable ticket, cancel it for a full refund, and book your actual return flight at a later date.  Print a copy of this information to take with you to the airport and ensure that you understand the visa regulations for Morocco in case you need to explain them to an airline representative.  Download a copy of the letter in the Student Portal, print, and bring it with you to the airport. If you face difficulty when checking-in because of a question about your visa you may attempt to show this letter to the airline representative. Our experience has been that representatives are not very willing to look at this letter (or the websites which provide the information noted above), but it may be useful.  If you have any challenges boarding your flight, please contact AMIDEAST staff in Washington D.C. immediately at 202-412-8564.

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Arrival Information Please anticipate waiting longer than you may be accustomed to when exiting the airport. Clearing customs will be your introduction to the cultural differences you will encounter while living in Morocco.

You will be met at the airport by an AMIDEAST Morocco representative who will be holding a sign with the AMIDEAST logo. If you arrive in Rabat, there is only one exit from the arrivals and customs area of the airport. Regardless of which terminal your plane arrives, a staff member will be present at the exit, so stay at that terminal until you see a person carrying an AMIDEAST sign. AMIDEAST staff will be tracking the status of your flight and will wait for you, even if your flight is delayed. Do not worry about being left at the airport. We will wait for everyone to arrive before traveling to the hotel in Rabat. If you need to contact an AMIDEAST representative while at the airport in Morocco please contact Doha Ait Ahmed (06-64-48-93-91 - from within Morocco).

If your baggage does not arrive on the flight with you, submit your claim to the airline’s airport baggage services. To file a claim, you will need your luggage claim tags that were given to you at check-in. Please make sure to keep this with you in your carry-on luggage.

If your flight is delayed for more than an hour, if you missed a connection and have been re-routed by the airline, or if your flight is canceled, you must contact AMIDEAST immediately at 202-412-8564 (if you are in the U.S.) or at 06-64-48-93-91 (if you are in Morocco).

What to Wear in Morocco Though Rabat may at first seem like a fairly liberal city, in many respects it is still rather conservative. What you wear can send messages to those around you; it might also make your Moroccan friends and host family uncomfortable. Visitors from abroad (especially female visitors) can draw unwanted attention to themselves if they wear revealing, tight-fitting, or other inappropriate clothing. Even if your local friends wear them with no problems, a non-Moroccan does need to be more careful. Living on the Al-Akhawayn University Campus you will notice students dressed in far more western ways than you would in other places throughout Morocco. You will likely want to dress in a similarly western style on AUI’s campus, however, it is important to understand the customs of the country as a whole because you will most likely be traveling during the semester.

Here are some tips on what to bring with you. Please remember that while tank tops and shorts are worn frequently in the US, they would be considered inappropriate and disrespectful in most places in Morocco. Below are some clothing suggestions:

 In General: Jeans, khakis, trousers, or a long skirt, with cotton shirts, a sweater or sweatshirt, and comfortable walking shoes would be a good daily uniform. A light jacket would be useful for cooler nights in the fall and spring, as well as a coat for the colder months.

 Keep Warm: Winters in Rabat are generally mild, however winters at AUI in Ifrane tend to be quite cold and snowy. Because most houses and buildings (not dorms) do not have central heating, students should be prepared for cold temperatures exacerbated by high humidity. Bring more than one sweater and/or sweatshirt in addition to a winter coat. We recommend that you dress in layers and pack a hat, scarf and gloves. You may also want to bring long underwear or thermos to wear to bed because of the lack of central heating. Moroccan winters can also be quite rainy, so bringing a rain jacket is advised.

 Nice and Well Worn Options: Bring a few relatively formal (but conservative) outfits, as you may be invited out with your host family to a fancy event or there may be formal events at AUI. Also bring a set of clothes you don't mind getting dirty in case you participate in community service projects.

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 Culturally Appropriate Dress: Adult men and women rarely wear shorts in Morocco unless at a pool or beach. You should not plan on wearing them in your Moroccan home (unless you are in a dorm and have OK-ed it with your Moroccan roommate) as it would be inappropriate to wear shorts in front of your host family and their guests. Women, in particular, should be careful of their dress. Do not wear sleeveless, short or revealing clothing, as this type of dress results in noticeably more unwanted attention and possibly harassment. Young Moroccans can be quite fashionable but you should avoid wearing any clothing that is excessively tight, short or especially revealing. During the Pre-Session Program, remember that you will be living with a host family and how you dress and behave is a reflection not only on yourself but also on members of your host family. You will be commuting from your place of residence to AMIDEAST using buses and taxis, and you want to avoid uncomfortable staring and unwanted attention. This does not mean you cannot wear fashionable clothing, just make sure it is conservatively stylish.

 Be Comfortable: A hat is useful to keep the sun off your head and to keep cool. If your everyday walking shoes are not sturdy enough for more rugged terrain, please bring a pair of athletic shoes or hiking boots if you plan to do any travelling around the country. Casual jewelry is fine, but keep it to a minimum so you do not draw additional attention. Please note that it can sometimes be difficult to find larger shoe sizes, for both men and women, so if you wear a larger shoe size don’t count on buying necessary shoes (good walking shoes) while in Morocco. Moroccan Dress Norms Contemporary Moroccans dress includes an array of different styles, from traditional to modern. How people dress is a function of their age, class, religion, economic status and location. Dress differs depending on what part of Morocco you’re visiting. International students are not expected to wear traditional Moroccan dress. Most male Moroccans wear “Western-style” clothing, like suits or jeans. Men who wear earrings may be assumed to be gay. Tattoos and face piercings are also not common. Men generally do not wear tank tops or shorts in public, except at tourist sites or the beach. Most women wear Western fashion, though styles are generally looser and tops have long sleeves. The wearing of the veil (hijab) is a religiously and politically debated topic. There is no one unified Islamic belief concerning the veil; some religious scholars say that veiling is required by Islamic law, and others see the veil as a cultural symbol that was imported into the Islamic world from the Byzantine court after the death of the Prophet Muhammad. Even those who agree that women should be veiled have varying opinions over the type and amount of covering provided. Non-Muslims are not expected to wear a veil.

Here are some clothing examples for female students:

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Here are clothing examples for male students:

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Packing List Please make sure your luggage is sturdy and can withstand being thrown around. Below is a list of standard items to consider bringing with you to Morocco.

Carry on packing list:

□ Passport-original and photocopies (also leave a copy of your passport with a parent or other trusted person at home) □ 2nd form of ID (such as a driver’s license) □ Plane tickets □ Contact information for AMIDEAST and AUI □ Copies of important documents (birth certificate, important contacts, marriage license, inoculation records) □ Contact information for academic advisor and study abroad advisor at home institution □ Phone numbers for lost or stolen credit card and/or debit card □ Debit and/or credit cards (be sure your debit has a 4-digit pin code) □ Emergency cash in U.S. dollars □ Prescription medications for the semester □ All valuable items you are bringing along □ Something to read/ entertainment for the long flight! Luggage Packing List:

Medication & Toiletries

□ Prescription medications for entire stay with medical prescription and generic drug name. Make sure these are in their original containers. Also ensure that you check with CISI Insurance and your doctor to ensure that the medications you are brining are legal in Morocco. You should also bring a copy of the written prescription and generic drug name. Please do not plan on mailing yourself medications as these can often get held up in customs. If you have any concerns about medications while you are abroad, please contact [email protected] as soon as possible. □ Multi-vitamin or supplements (if you take them in the U.S.)

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□ Oral rehydration salts and anti-diarrheal medicine □ Sunscreen with high protection index □ Travel sizes toiletries, feminine supplies (tampons for women), etc… [You can get these in Morocco but they will not be like what you are used to, you should consider bringing your own supply for the semester]. □ Medic alert bracelet (if applicable) □ Glasses, contacts, and contact supplies (and your prescription); lens solution is available locally □ A bath towel [available in Morocco but the quality is different and some students prefer their own] Clothing

□ Several light-weight/cotton short- and long-sleeved shirts □ A few pairs of jeans/pants □ A couple of loose-fitting skirts/dresses for when it is warmer □ Underwear, bras and socks □ Sweaters and/or sweatshirts □ Comfortable walking shoes □ Light jacket □ Rain jacket □ Heavy jacket (winter nights are chilly, with no central heating in buildings) □ Hat for sun protection □ Sunglasses □ Cotton bandana and/or scarf(s) [you can get beautiful scarves in Morocco also] □ Warm hat, scarf and gloves □ Bathing suit and cover up □ One pair of sandals/flip-flops □ Sleepwear □ One nice outfit for special occasions Books & electronics

□ 110/220V converter and adapter (round, 2-prong adaptor) □ Laptop computer (if you have one) and charger □ A pen/pencil and notebook □ Camera, memory cards and batteries □ Travel size flashlight or headlamp □ Travel alarm clock □ Journal and address book □ Index cards to make flash cards (if you like Index card flash cards) □ Arabic/English, English/Arabic dictionary (we suggest Hans Wehr Arabic-English Dictionary) □ Guidebook Other suggestions:

□ Small souvenirs or gifts for your host family and new friends (items reflective of your culture, region, or interests) □ Zip-lock bags □ Wet wipes □ Small selection of favorite music, movies, or books □ Earplugs (if you're a light sleeper) □ Money pouch □ Durable, high-quality water bottle □ Extra set of contact lenses/glasses and prescription □ Favorite recipes

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□ Photos or memorabilia of your family, friends, and university life (remember to choose ones which will be considered culturally appropriate) □ One good backpack or shoulder bag What NOT to pack:

 Your U.S. cell phone will not work in Morocco unless it is a tri/quad band phone. If you wish to use your US phone line, you must arrange for roaming cell services through your provider. If you do have roaming on your phone, be aware that this can get quite expensive. Otherwise just use the local phone line and pre-paid cell phone that AMIDEAST will provide for you.  Travelers’ checks are not widely accepted in Morocco, although you can cash them at some banks and hotels. We suggest travelling with a small amount of cash and using ATMs to get local currency on demand.  Do not bring too many clothes needing special care. Dry cleaning is available and reasonably priced for most items, but it is much easier to deal with clothing that can be hand or machine washed. Your host mother may prefer to do your laundry; in this case make sure not to give her things that need special care and hand wash those items yourself.  Clothing that is tight or revealing (low cut, no sleeves, too short, etc.); this type of clothing will attract negative attention from members of your local community, as well as reflect poorly upon you and others in your apartment and/or AMIDEAST. Generally, we suggest that you err on the conservative side.  Valuables; do not bring items that cannot be replaced.  Appliances with American voltage. Many small appliances, such as hairdryers, MP3 entertainment docks, electric shavers, or electronic toothbrushes, burn out even with adapters or converters. These appliances should be purchased locally if you need them.  Any bag that you cannot easily carry or manage yourself.

Baggage Considerations:

 Don’t check anything you’re not willing to lose; this includes cash, cameras, passports, jewelry, prescription drugs, irreplaceable items, and breakables.  Pack all liquid containers in sealed zip lock bags in case they leak in your bag.  Pack a carry-on with essential items which could get you through the first 48 hours, in the event that your checked luggage is delayed or lost. If the airline demands that you check a carry-on at the gate, take the time to remove all valuables.  If you do lose your baggage, keep in mind that most airlines require reports to be filed within 21 days of the date the luggage was lost. If you miss the deadline to complete a baggage report, the airline can deny your claim.  Include a copy of your name and personal information, along with the AMIDEAST's contact information, inside your luggage since exterior baggage tags can become separated from luggage.  Prior to departure determine your airline’s specific luggage weight and carry on limitations, including quantity of liquids and size of containers you will be allowed to bring on the plane.

Departure Checklist

Before you depart for the airport, please be sure that you have the following items and have completed these tasks:

□ Passport (valid for at least 6 months after expected departure from Morocco) □ Registration with home Embassy (for U.S. citizens, at https://travelregistration.state.gov) □ Insurance card and information □ Copy of passport left with family member □ Copy of credit and debit card left with family member □ Bank information: make sure your card does not expire while you are in Morocco

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□ Emergency cash □ Morocco staff contact information. Please leave a copy of this with your family and keep a copy for yourself during the flight. □ Baggage contains a durable name tag and adheres to airline weight requirements (see baggage considerations)

Section II: Academics and Academic Policies

Al-Akhawayn University The AMIDEAST Education Abroad Program in Ifrane offers a diverse curriculum through direct enrollment at Al- Akhawayn University (AUI), a private Moroccan university patterned on the American model of higher education. Students on the program reside and attend classes at the 98-acre AUI campus, which includes modern classroom buildings and dormitories, as well as a library and IT facilities, sports facilities, and a student center including dining halls.

Founded in 1993 by Royal Dahir (charter), AUI opened its doors to students in January 1995. The University is coeducational, residential, and primarily undergraduate but has rapidly growing graduate programs. The outlook is international, with over 25 nationalities represented among students, staff, and faculty. Tolerance is promoted and expected from all members of the community as they live and work together.

The majority of AUI’s 1000+ students study full-time and live on campus. The student population is equally balanced between men and women. There is an increasingly international character to the student body, with over 160 students of 28 nationalities on campus in study abroad and exchange programs during the regular semester, or during the intensive Arabic and North African Studies summer program. The student-faculty ratio is 11 students for each full-time faculty member. Because the average class size is 17, students have ample opportunity to question, respond, and interact with their professors and classmates.

The administrative, pedagogical, and academic organization of AUI is modeled on the American university system, and English is the language of instruction.

Please make sure to read the information for international students, including the extensive student handbooks, located on AUI’s website at http://www.aui.ma/en/international/incoming-students/forms.html.

Academic Culture (AUI and Pre-Session) This is a serious academic program and as a result you should not expect it to be any easier than a semester on your home campus. While you should maintain the same standards for this academic program that you do for the courses at your home institution, the teaching styles and conditions that you will encounter inevitably will be different than those to which you are accustomed. However, it is important that you do not undervalue the quality of the academic experience in your courses simply because they are not identical to your home institution. You should not let these differences negatively affect the rigor with which you approach your courses. In fact, the process of adjustment that you must make to accommodate these differences demands greater rigor, and this process will be a valuable part of your academic experience.

Pre-Session program Academics: During the Pre-Session program students will take intensive courses. Students can expect to spend 15 hours in the pre session studying Darija (Moroccan Arabic) and have 3 lecture/discussion sessions with academic experts in

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contemporary Moroccan social issues, politics, and culture. Students should expect at least 2 hours of homework each night. Most of your classes will be in AMIDEAST’s building in Rabat’s Agdal district. It is located close to coffee shops, fast food restaurants, cafés and shopping. AMIDEAST has classrooms, a computer lab, wireless Internet, offices for program staff, a small program library, and space for students to relax.

ARAB 112: Moroccan Arabic and Culture (1 credit) The purpose of this course is to provide students with an introduction to Moroccan Arabic and Culture through classroom instruction in Moroccan Arabic (15 hours) and three extended lectures/discussions (two hours for a total of 17 contact hours) on various aspects of Moroccan culture. Students are introduced to common words, expressions, and structures used frequently in everyday speech by Moroccans. They practice them in class before they are given assignments to carry out with native speakers in real situations. Students also attend lectures focused around many facets of Moroccan culture and have time to discuss these aspects both with each other and with faculty. The syllabus for this class can be found be downloaded here.

Al-Akhawayn University’s Academic Policies

Please consult the Al-Akhawayn University student handbooks for policies related to academic matters. Electronic versions of the AUI International Student Handbook and the general Student Handbook (for all AUI students) can be found at http://www.aui.ma/images/Student%20handbook%202019%202020%20last%20version.pdf.

Pass/Fail

Pass/fail registrations are not permitted in AMIDEAST Education Abroad Programs.

Who Will Be in Your Classes? The students in your classes will be other students on the AMIDEAST AUI Pre-Session program. Once at AUI, other international students and Moroccan students at the university will be taking classes with you.

Who Will Be Teaching? Arabic classes in the program are taught by teachers specially selected to teach in the AMIDEAST program. All are experienced language teachers who understand contemporary language teaching pedagogy.

Course Work during the Pre-Session All course work MUST be turned in directly to the professor unless the student has received other explicit, documented instructions to the contrary. Students are required to keep hard copies of all of their assignments (every major paper or take home examination) for one year after the official program end date; electronic copies can only be used to supplement the hard copy versions of the work. Individual professors do not have the final authority to extend deadlines, make special arrangements for students, or otherwise modify or make exceptions to AMIDEAST Education Abroad Program academic policies. Any special arrangements tentatively proposed by professors must be submitted to the Academic Coordinator and Program Manager on site for review, and the AMIDEAST Education Abroad Director will determine final approval. It is each student’s responsibility to understand all site specific regulations governing completion of work and departure from the program site.

Attendance during the Pre-Session Students are expected to be present at all regularly scheduled class meetings, and programmed events. Irregular attendance or unexcused absences may result in a lower course grade, failure of the course, or dismissal from the

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program. The student is responsible for any work missed as a result of absences. If the student will miss class or field trip due to a family emergency, personal difficulties or illness, the student must contact AMIDEAST staff as soon as possible, preferably in advance. Students are not permitted to travel away from the program site while classes are in session. Weekend travel is permitted provided students submit the appropriate paperwork to the Program Manager in advance (see the section entitled Absence from the Program Site under the Student Responsibilities Appendix).

Incompletes In the rare instance that a student is granted permission to leave the program early for medical reasons or crises involving close family members, and he or she has not handed in all required academic work, AMIDEAST will assign one of two grades for any course(s) not completed:

 a grade of Withdrawal (W) if the student leaves the program prior to the withdrawal deadline

 a grade of Incomplete (INC) if the student leaves the program following the withdrawal deadline, misses exams or assignment deadlines that occur after his/her departure, and has secured approval from the Program Manager and Academic Coordinator to make up the missed work (based on a clear outline of requirements and due dates as noted below). An AMIDEAST grade report that includes one or more incompletes will be accompanied by an attachment that provides complete information about what the student is required to do in order to complete the course(s), and the date by which the Academic Coordinator and/or Program Manager at the program location needs to receive the missing work. AMIDEAST will assign a deadline date that is no more than one semester after the end of the course or courses in question.

If the student does not make appropriate arrangements with the Program Manager prior to departure, a grade of F will automatically be assigned.

If the student misses the deadline for completing work for incomplete courses, all incompletes will automatically be converted to failing grades (F). If the student meets the deadline, the appropriate professor(s) on site will grade the assignment(s) and report the new course grade(s) to the Program Manager. AMIDEAST will send a new AMIDEAST grade report to the student and his/her home institution, reporting the updated grade(s).

Appeals During the orientation, if a student wishes to appeal any matter related to AMIDEAST Education Abroad Program academic policies, such an appeal should be addressed to the Program Manager and Academic Coordinator. Appeals related to policies of the student's home institution must be addressed to the home institution.

AMIDEAST will serve as an intermediary between the student and the academic partner regarding grade disputes as appropriate, but final grade determination in all cases is the purview of the academic partner. Each home university has the right to handle such cases involving its student in the program, should it choose to do so. The home university may also choose to issue its own transcripts to students in the program.

Academic Policies Program participants are governed by three sets of policies:

 Policies set by AMIDEAST Education Abroad Programs in consultation with the Academic Consortium and program staff (throughout the semester)  Policies set by Al-Akhawayn University  Policies set by the student's home institution

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In the case of conflict among these three sets of policies, the most stringent policy shall apply in every case, except where explicitly stated below. It is the sole responsibility of the student to become familiar with these policies and with any more demanding policies that may be imposed by his/her home institution. It is also the sole responsibility of the student to obtain complete information concerning how academic work completed overseas is assessed by the home institution, and how credit is counted toward the student's degree program.

AMIDEAST’s Institution of Record If you need credit for the courses taken during the Moroccan Arabic and Culture Pre-Session you must check with your home institution to find out if your institution will accept the AMIDEAST and Al-Akhawayn grade report. Please note that AMIDEAST can only provide a transcript from AMIDEAST’s official U.S. institution of record. In most cases, the student’s home institution grants credit or transfer credit based on information included in the AMIDEAST grade report, following successful completion of coursework in the AMIDEAST Education Abroad Program. In some cases, however, the home institution requires that the coursework completed abroad transfer through an official U.S. institution of record.

Students must indicate their need to use AMIDEAST’s institution of record on the Study Abroad Advisor Form, which is submitted at the time of application. Students cannot be retroactively processed as an institution of record participant. Participating in an AMIDEAST Education Abroad Program through the institution of record requires a supplemental processing fee, which will be included in the student’s program fee bill from AMIDEAST (unless the student’s home institution asks to be billed for this fee on the form when it is submitted). The Institution of Record fee is $350. Please note that the institution of record fee is non-refundable after the final bill has been sent, and the student will be held responsible for payment of this fee even if s/he withdraws or cancels within 30 days of the program’s start date in Rabat.

Academic Integrity AMIDEAST requires that students demonstrate the highest standards of academic integrity. Standards of honesty and norms governing originality of work differ significantly from country to country. AMIDEAST expects students to adhere to the more stringent of the American and local norms.

Three important principles are usually considered when defining and demanding academic integrity. These stem from the fundamental tenet that a student should not present the work of another person as his/her own.

1. Final examinations, quizzes and other tests must be completed without assistance from another person, without looking at or otherwise consulting the work of another person, and without access to notes, books, or other pertinent information (unless the professor has explicitly announced that a particular test is to be taken on an “open book” or “open notes” basis). 2. Use of another person’s work must be documented in any papers, oral presentations, or other assignments carried out in connection with a course. This usually takes one of the following forms: a) If you are quoting directly from another’s work, the usual form might be: As noted by Esposito (2005: p. 35-36): “The first four caliphs were all companions of the Prophet: Abu Bakr (reigned 632-634), Umar ibn al-Khattab (634-644), Uthman ibn Affan (644-656), and Ali ibn Abi Talib (656-661).” b) Or alternatively, if not including a direct quote, in the following way: Abu Bakr reigned as caliph from 632-634 C.E. He was a companion of the prophet, as were the three caliphs following him. These four caliphs are together referred to as the rightly guided caliphs. (Esposito 2005, p.35-36).

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c) If you are including information told to you by another person, a common form of documentation would be: While the colloquial forms of Arabic spoken in different countries across the Middle East and North Africa vary considerably, learning one of these forms will be very helpful in a student’s efforts to learn Modern Standard Arabic, as well as other forms. (Richard Allen, personal conversation, May 15, 2007) d) Of course, you do not need to document facts that can be considered general knowledge. For example: The Middle East is the home of the three great monotheistic religions – Judaism, Christianity and Islam. e) The general rule is that if you have to look something up, or if you learned it recently either by reading or hearing something, you have to document it. 3. The same written work may not be submitted in two courses, nor may a work for which you have already received credit in the United States be submitted to satisfy a requirement while studying on an AMIDEAST Education Abroad Program.

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Section III: While you are in Morocco

Rules and Regulations It cannot be stressed enough that you are a guest in Morocco. As such, you should always be aware of the impact this has on your experience. You are expected to adhere to the terms of the Program Agreement and Release, the Student Code of Conduct, the Student Responsibilities, and the Travel and Visitor Policy during your time enrolled in the AMIDEAST program. Based on AMIDEAST’s long experience in the region, these have been put in place to ensure your safety and well-being and serve as a reference for appropriate standards of behavior while you are in Morocco.

We ask you to keep in mind that your actions represent not only yourself, but also affect the reputation of AMIDEAST as an organization and AUI as an institution, including program staff and fellow students (present and future). You are an unofficial ambassador for your country. The U.S. Center for Citizen Diplomacy elaborates on this point by stating that:

Citizen Diplomacy is the concept that the individual has the right, even the responsibility, to help shape U.S. foreign relations, “one handshake at a time.” Citizen diplomats can be students, teachers, athletes, artists, business people, humanitarians, adventurers or tourists. They are motivated by a responsibility to engage with the rest of the world in a meaningful, mutually beneficial dialogue.”

Citizen diplomacy is one of the most effective tools of foreign policy, especially in the era of globalization and at this important time in the evolving relationship between the U.S. and the Muslim world.

As a foreigner in Morocco, you may have a feeling of impunity or “being above the law.” This attitude has dangerous repercussions, as you are always subject to the jurisdiction of Moroccan law and courts. Although the law is not evenly applied to foreigners and nationals, law enforcement agents have in the past and continue to arrest foreigners in an arbitrary fashion (usually related to illegal drugs and political activity, though not limited to these two situations).

Students are required to attend AMIDEAST-arranged program functions, such as dialogue sessions, cultural activities, joint projects with other institutions, and field trips. The objective of these sessions is to connect you to Moroccan society and Moroccan peers and foster cross-cultural learning.

Guidebooks

We strongly recommend that participants purchase a guidebook immediately and begin to read it carefully. Selecting the best book is a personal choice and we suggest that you purchase one that you will feel most comfortable using. A Moroccan Arabic phrasebook can be useful for communicating with your family and in the market because Moroccan Arabic differs drastically from Modern Standard Arabic. Our recommendations include: Travel Guide:

Lonely Planet Morocco

The Rough Guide to Morocco

Phrasebook:

Moroccan Arabic: Lonely Planet Phrasebook

Travel Talk Moroccan Arabic CD & Booklet

Culture & Customs:

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Culture Smart! Morocco: A Quick Guide to Customs and Etiquette

Morocco: The Collected Traveler: An Inspired Anthology and Travel Resource

Personal Expenses If you decide to travel on weekends, you are responsible for all expenses. You will need to bring money (or have access to it through the use of an ATM card; ATMs can be found on the AUI campus) for expenses such as transportation, cell phone cards, personal items and any other incidentals you wish to purchase during your semester in Morocco.

Money/Exchange Rate The basic unit of currency in Morocco is the dirham (DH), which is divided into 100 centimes. The exchange rate as of November 2015 is approximately US $1 = 10.08 MAD. However, the dollar has been gaining and losing value against the dirham for quite some time, and the exchange rate may vary widely during your stay in Morocco. Dirhams cannot be taken out of the country and Moroccan currency is not easily available abroad. Plan to exchange dollars at major banks or withdraw cash using ATM cards. There are both exchange windows and ATMs at the airport. Note: Traveler’s checks are very difficult to cash and we do not recommend that you bring them.

Credit cards are accepted at some large restaurants, hotels and shops, especially international chains. However, do not be surprised if a business’ credit card machine is broken, and do not expect to use your ATM card at most of the stores and restaurants you will be frequenting. You can also use your ATM card to withdraw cash at any bank linked with your credit card network, which can be identified by a logo on your card (e.g., Cirrus, Plus, Visa, MasterCard). Check with your bank prior to departure to find out which Moroccan banks will accept your ATM card and what charges your bank imposes on such transactions. There are occasionally problems with the funds or machines at different banks. If your card does not work at one bank, do not panic. Simply try to withdraw money at some of the many other banks throughout the city. You will, however, want to make sure that you notify your bank about any countries you will be visiting prior to your departure, so that they do not put a hold on your card when you try to use it internationally. Please also be sure to have a 4 digit pin for your ATM card, as 6 digit codes tend not to work while abroad.

General Business and Banking Hours

Morocco follows a Monday-Friday work week, with many businesses taking a long lunch break for Friday prayers. Shops are open from approximately 9:00 am to 7:00 pm, but generally all close for lunch between 12:30 pm and 3:00 pm. Most stores are open on Saturday and some on Sunday. Banks are usually open from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm, Monday through Friday. Please note that many businesses will have different hours during Ramadan. Some businesses, primarily restaurants, will actually close completely or at least during the fasting period. There will be a limited number of restaurants open during Ramadan, primarily in the neighborhood of AMIDEAST.

Tipping

Moroccans in the service industry (baggage handlers, museum guides, etc.) expect to receive a small tip of 5-20 dirhams. Plan to tip 10% of the bill at restaurants and cafes. It is not necessary for you to tip a taxi driver. It may be difficult to get change for a large bill, so carry plenty of small denominations and coins.

Moroccan Arabic and Culture Pre-Session Host Family Accommodations

During the one week Pre-Session you will be living with a host family in Rabat. You will have an opportunity to form personal relationships with Moroccans and participate in Moroccan family life. This may require some adaptation on your part. For example, it is likely that you will be sharing a room, and you may not have the amount

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of private time, personal space or independence that you are accustomed to having. There will certainly be differences in economic means among the families. You will observe and experience many different aspects of life in Morocco, and you will be expected to be respectful and approach these experiences with flexibility and an open mind. All AMIDEAST students are placed in pairs in homestays. The only exception to having a pair in your homestay is if there is an odd number of either gender on the program; in that case, of course, one student will be placed singly. Experience has proven that this arrangement actually makes for a much better homestay. Safety is one concern; by placing you in a homestay with another student, we ensure that you will always have someone with whom you can walk to class and explore the city. Furthermore, we have found that complaints of street harassment – especially among women – have decreased markedly since we started placing students together. Beyond this, feedback from past students indicates that living with another program participant actually assisted them with interpreting the culture and understanding their host family. Students are able to bounce ideas off of each other and help each other in learning new cultural norms. Our staff in Rabat will go into much more detail about these issues during on-site orientation, but in the meantime, be assured that dual placements have proven to be beneficial (and popular!) Please note that we make every effort to match students up based on similarities in their profiles. We also take things like background in French and Arabic into consideration (e.g., if we have two students who have a strong background in French and who have indicated that they would like to live with a family with whom they can practice their language skills on a regular basis, we'll try to place them together; conversely, we're not likely to place a student who has had four semesters of Arabic with a student who has had no exposure whatsoever to the language). Matching students with similar language skills ensures that both students have an equal opportunity to build strong connections with the family. AMIDEAST staff carefully screen and select host families so that they are representative of Moroccan society. Nearly 99% of Moroccans are Muslim, so it is almost certain that you will be living with a Muslim family. Most families speak Darija (Moroccan Arabic) at home, while some may also speak Tamazight. Although it is likely that someone in your host family will speak English, we cannot guarantee it. However, most of AMIDEAST’s host families have welcomed other American students and are able to communicate effectively, despite the initial language barrier. In Morocco, it is common for family members from multiple generations to live together in one house. Until they are married, and sometimes even after, Moroccan children live with their parents and continue to actively participate in family affairs. Similarly, the elderly often live with their children and their grandchildren. It is also not uncommon for multiple generations to share sleeping space. Meals in Morocco are often communal. Host families will try to feed their students a lot. Many meals are eaten in front of the television; indeed, in many Moroccan homes the television is almost always on. That does not mean that the family does not want to talk to the student. Egyptian or other foreign soap operas dubbed in Arabic are the common mealtime entertainment. Families that follow traditional routines may have the following habits: Breakfast usually consists of bread, jam and cheese (Vache Qui Rit). Most people drink instant coffee that they mix into steamed milk, or mint tea with sugar. Lunch is the largest meal of the day. Even people working outside the home often have lunch with their family. The main dish, usually a stew, or tagine, is traditionally served on

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and consumed from one large platter. Side salads and mixed vegetables are also usually served. Instead of cutlery, bread is used to scoop up food. Tea time customarily occurs in the late afternoon/early evening after work or school. Moroccan mint tea is the staple, but cookies and sweets are often served alongside. Dinner is a smaller meal than lunch and is usually served right before bed. Soup, olives, bread, salad or leftovers are common dinner items. Friday lunch is a special meal. Friday is the day when Muslims gather together for the noon prayer at the mosque, and in Morocco, couscous with meat and vegetables is traditionally served for lunch afterwards.

Other Living Considerations

While living with your host family, you will want to consider the following:

 Please note that if you are not going to spend the night at your host family’s home, both AMIDEAST and the host family must be informed. In an emergency situation, AMIDEAST, your roommates, and your host family need to be able to know where you are physically staying so that we can contact you as soon as possible.  Like many parts of the world, you should NEVER place toilet paper in the toilet. While some apartments’ plumbing may allow it, toilet paper will clog most toilets and cause you embarrassment! There is usually a small basket near the toilet for you to dispose of your toilet paper.  Buildings in Morocco are made of stone and are designed to keep cool in the summer. During the winter it may not be very warm inside. All apartments and host families have heating, but don’t expect it to be warm enough to walk around in shorts and t-shirts! You’ll still have to wear sweaters/sweatshirts at home.

Notes about living at Al-Akhawayn University

AUI is located on the top of a large hill and just a short walk away is the small but bustling town of Ifrane. Living and studying at Al-Akhawayn University is an experience unlike other study abroad opportunities in Morocco. The campus is secluded in the mountain town of Ifrane, located in the heart of the Middle Atlas mountains. Although the Middle Atlas tend to be a more conservative area, those who attend AUI tend to be from the upper classes of Morocco. Due to this, the culture at AUI is less conservative than the rest of Morocco and often differs from students’ expectations of living in a majority Muslim country. Students are encouraged to get off campus during free time and explore Ifrane and neighboring areas in order to gain a better understanding of the region.

Telephone Access

Cell Phones

AMIDEAST will provide you with your own “pay as you go” cell phone within the first two days of arrival. If you wish to keep this phone after the three week Rabat Pre-Session you may buy the phone from AMIDEAST at the original cost. You are responsible for adding credit to this phone as needed by purchasing scratch phone cards, which are available at most shops. You will be able to call home with this phone, although this option is more expensive than the other options available (see International Calls below). If you do not choose to buy the phone from AMIDEAST, your transcript will not be released until you return the AMIDEAST-issued cell phone at the end of the three week Pre-Session. If your cell phone is lost, you will be billed for its full replacement cost. A smartphone will work in Morocco, but it will need to be set up for roaming and will cost about $30 per month depending on your carrier. If you intend to bring a smartphone, please make arrangements with your carrier before you leave the U.S.

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International Calls

You may buy a calling card to use from a landline. The best way to stay in touch with family is to have them purchase calling cards in the U.S. to call you on your cell phone – there is no charge in Morocco for calls received on cell phones, although rates from the U.S. to Moroccan cell phones are expensive (between 20 and 30 cents per minute). A good site to use is www.callingcards.com. Another way to stay in touch with family is to use (http://www.skype.com/); Skype-to-Skype calls are free, and Skype calls from a computer to a U.S. phone are very cheap.

Payphones

Payphones are found throughout Morocco and are easy to use. There are also special stores where long distance calls can be made.

Directions for Calling Internationally:

Calling the U.S. from Morocco 001 + Area Code + Telephone Number

Calling Morocco from the U.S. (for family and friends) 011-212 + city code + number

Internet Access

The AMIDEAST office has a wireless Internet network as does the Al-Akhawayn campus. Education Abroad students who bring their own laptops can use the AMIDEAST network during working hours (Monday–Saturday, 8:00 am–8:30 pm, Sunday, 9:00 am–5:00 pm). AMIDEAST also provides access to its computer lab equipped with Internet services during specified hours. You should expect to have limited or no access to this lab one to two days per week. Rabat also has many Internet cafés; one hour costs approximately 6 dirhams (approximately 80¢). Internet speed in Morocco is slower than you are used to in the U.S. because bandwidth is not as great. You should be prepared for this. Downloads can take a very long time as a result. In addition, the entire network experiences intermittent outages. This is normal, so you should adjust your expectations accordingly.

Receiving Mail in Morocco We strongly discourage you from receiving letters and packages from home while in Morocco. The Moroccan Customs Service may hold packages until duty is paid. The Customs Service fixes an estimated value on the contents of your package (this estimate is NOT based on the value declared). Students in the past have had issues with this, and some have had to pay $100 or more simply to collect their packages. Sending a package through DHL or other specialized companies will not prevent this. AMIDEAST is NOT responsible for getting goods out of Moroccan Customs for you. In case of an emergency situation where you feel that a package needs to be sent, please see the Program Manager in Rabat BEFORE the package is sent to you and make sure that your family and friends understand these difficulties before you leave home for Morocco. Please use the following address for receiving mail when you are in Rabat during the Pre-Session:

AMIDEAST Morocco Education Abroad (Student’s Name) 35, Zankat Oukaimden, Agdal Rabat, MOROCCO

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Mail may take as little as a week or as long as many months to arrive. AMIDEAST is not able to redirect letters and packages that arrive once the pre-session program has ended. Please do not rely on having medications mailed to you while you are abroad.

Please note that some courier companies not only charge a fee for sending packages to Morocco, but also charge a fee upon receipt of a package. Some courier companies also charge a daily storage fee.

Time

Morocco is on Greenwich Mean Time, which is 5 hours ahead of EST. (When the U.S. is on daylight savings time and Morocco is not, Morocco is 4 hours ahead of EDT.)

Climate

Morocco has been called a cold country with a hot sun. Morocco's climate is moderate and subtropical, cooled by breezes off the Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic Ocean. In the interior, the temperatures are more extreme, winters can be fairly cold and the summers very hot. Ifrane is high in the mountains and as a result is quite cold in the winter with an average temperature of 40°F. In the summer, it has an average temperature of 70°F, which is cooler than most other places in Morocco. Rabat, which lies on the Atlantic coast, has a moderate climate with an average winter temperature of 55°F and summer temperature of 85°F. However, the temperature can vary greatly throughout the day. For example, winter mornings maybe a chilly, damp 50°F, which then becomes a sunny 70°F in the afternoon, before turning cold again in the evening. The spring is warmer but with some cold snaps. Typically, the winter is wet and rainy, although there has also been a history of drought. Please note, however, that few houses in Morocco have central heating, so the winters can seem much colder. On AUI’s campus dorms do have central heating, but most shared spaces are still kept rather cold.

Electricity

Morocco’s electricity supply is 220 volts/50 cycles AC. Sockets are generally of the two-pronged European variety. American equipment which is dual voltage still requires an international adaptor and surge protector.

Health and Travel Advisories

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides current information for travelers on their website, https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/morocco. There are no vaccinations required for travel to Morocco; however the CDC does provide suggestions. Drink the water at your own risk, and do so carefully. This is especially true when outside of Rabat, which has a relatively clean water supply. You will likely have some digestion adjustment issues, and drinking tap water will exacerbate this. Everyone will react differently, and you should be very attentive to your own health. Bottled water is widely available. We recommend that you consult your physician prior to departure for any supplemental advice. If you choose to drink tap water while in Morocco, please wait at least a week and begin consuming it in small doses before drinking it regularly.

The U.S. Department of State’s website is a source of current information regarding travel to Morocco, and we strongly suggest that you read it. You should take simple precautions (as you would take in any major city): purse snatching, pick pocketing, and other thefts do occur, even in broad daylight, especially in busy marketplaces and tourist areas. Not walking long distances alone makes you less vulnerable. Tourists are common targets for pickpockets. Be aware of your bags and cameras. Do not carry large amounts of cash or your passport with you (a photocopy of the picture page is sufficient). To avoid petty theft, use common sense: dress down, do not bring or

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wear expensive jewelry, and do not do anything that you would not normally do at home. Keep your wallet in your front pocket, wear a money belt, do not hang your pocketbook on the back of your chair, do not change money on the streets, and be aware in crowds. As is true in any major city, there are certain areas of Rabat that should be avoided, especially during certain times of the day. Please discuss any concern with the program staff in Rabat.

The U.S. Embassy in Rabat is located at: 2, Avenue de Mohamed el Fassi (212) (537) 76-22-65 https://ma.usembassy.gov Hours: Monday - Friday from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

The Consulate General in Casablanca is located at: 8, Boulevard Moulay Youssef (212) 522-26-34-50 (212) 661-79-70-00 (American Citizens’ Service)

Citizens of the United States of America are welcome to visit the U.S. Consulate General for routine consular services for American citizens on any Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, excluding U.S. and Moroccan holidays, from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. and from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m.

AMIDEAST requires that all students register with their Embassy in Rabat prior to their arrival. If you are a U.S. citizen, please complete your registration with the United States Embassy at this link before coming to Morocco: https://step.state.gov/step/.

Insurance AMIDEAST provides medical insurance for all students on its programs through Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI). In addition to medical insurance, AMIDEAST education abroad students are provided with security and natural disaster evacuation services through CISI. Our field staff is also trained to help students in case they need medical assistance.

AMIDEAST staff in Washington D.C. will register you with CISI Insurance (you do not need to do this on your own). Approximately 2-4 weeks prior to the start of your program, your CISI insurance card will be uploaded to the Student Portal. We recommend you print a copy of the card to bring with you to your host country.

Once in country, AMIDEAST program staff help students deal with medical issues as they arise and have a list of recommended providers and hospitals both in the host city and in areas visited on excursions. AMIDEAST staff can help you make appointments and accompany you to medical appointments, but AMIDEAST staff members are not responsible for paying for any medical expenses you may incur during your time abroad. You should be prepared to pay for your own medical expenses while on the AMIDEAST program.

AMIDEAST keeps a list of private clinics and doctors and will provide students with recommendations as needed. AMIDEAST will assist students seeking medical care during their semester in Morocco. Students and host families are provided with emergency telephone numbers for use should they become necessary.

While at AUI, students also have access to the on-campus health center and are covered by AUI student health insurance in addition to their CISI coverage.

Safety and Security AMIDEAST takes issues of safety and security very seriously and does everything in its power to ensure that students have a healthy, safe and secure environment. AMIDEAST's longstanding physical presence in Morocco

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has enabled it to develop an extensive network of contacts and a very positive reputation among Moroccans. AMIDEAST/Morocco’s Country Director maintains close ties to the Regional Security Officer at the U.S. Embassy and local program staff members are included in the U.S. Embassy warden network. AMIDEAST is a member of the Department of State’s Overseas Security Advisory Council and also reviews other sources of information from international organizations, news media, and informal networks within the region. AMIDEAST facilities are accessible only through controlled entrances that are guarded 24 hours a day. Local staff is able to simultaneously send out text messages (SMS) to all students' mobile phones to update them instantly on issues related to safety and security. Most of the staff at AMIDEAST are Moroccan, and many have worked for AMIDEAST for years. They maintain a vital local network and contribute to the understanding of ongoing and developing situations on the ground. While neither AMIDEAST nor any other institution or program provider can guarantee that accidents won’t happen or that unexpected security situations won’t arise, AMIDEAST does take these matters very seriously and continually monitors the local environment. AMIDEAST also continually updates safety and security procedures and has contingency plans in place to respond effectively should unforeseen events occur. Finally, a superb communications infrastructure links AMIDEAST’s headquarters office in Washington, DC, with the local AMIDEAST center in Morocco, and key staff members are available around the clock to respond to emergency situations. AMIDEAST advises all students to read the U.S. State Department’s Country Specific information sheet for Morocco (https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/morocco-travel-advisory.html)

General Safety Tips  Do not carry your passport with you (unless you are leaving your host city), but always carry a copy of your passport information page, along with another form of identification.  Avoid mannerisms that draw attention to you: smiling at new people as you walk down the street, speaking loudly in public, or making eye contact. While these things may be normal and friendly in your home country, they will likely draw much unwanted attention while in North Africa.  Traveling with a friend or in a small group is better than traveling alone or with a large group. Walking with someone else helps deflect approaches by people who might bother you, but walking in a large group may call more attention to you.  If you are out at night, always walk with someone else. If you visit friends alone in the evening, ask them to escort you home or until you are in a taxi.  Always tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return.  If you want to visit a new neighborhood, make your first visit during the day. Look at the map and note the nearest sources of public transportation and routes.  When asking for directions, use common sense and approach people who seem non-threatening.  Traffic accidents are the biggest risk to the health of study abroad students. Always stay alert as a pedestrian and make safe, informed decisions when crossing the street. Never assume a car will stop for you or steer out of the way. Stay on sidewalks away from the curb, and walk facing on-coming traffic whenever possible.  Be aware of purse snatching, pick pocketing, and other thefts as they do occur in Morocco; even in broad daylight and especially in busy marketplaces and tourist areas. If someone threatens you and demands your belongings, give them up. Your safety is more important that your belongings.  Never put your wallet in your back pocket, in a backpack outside pocket or in a coat/jacket pocket. Wallets in the back pocket of your pants make for an attractive target.  If you have any concerns about the city, speak to AMIDEAST staff. Your safety is one of their goals, and as locals they will be able to give you more detailed information about areas you may want to avoid.

Safety in Taxis Taxis are one of the most efficient ways to travel around Morocco and in its cities. There are two kinds of taxies in Morocco, petit taxis and grand taxis.

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The petit taxis are metered, and will take you to a specific destination. The driver may not know where you want to go from an address alone, so it is a good idea to be able to give him a landmark or directions if necessary. Each taxi can take up to 3 people and the cost is per ride, not per person so they are an economical choice if several students are going together. They are equipped with luggage racks to carry baggage. Things to remember about petit taxis:  Petit drivers are allowed to pick up multiple passengers with multiple destinations; if your destination doesn’t coincide with someone already in the car the driver may refuse to pick you up.  The charge of the fare will be per person for the trip they took; pay attention to the meter when you get in especially if there is already someone in the taxi when you flag it down.  Petit taxis are color coded by city; in Rabat the petit taxis are blue.  After getting in the car make sure the driver turns on his meter, if he doesn’t do this automatically you can make a friendly reminder.  When possible have small change ready for taxi fares.  You can hail a taxi from any location but you should always make sure you are in a safe place to get in the taxi from the street.  When riding in a taxi, women should not sit in the front passenger’s seat of the car. Grand taxis are more like buses and have specific routes. Grand taxis travel between cities for a set price that you pay ahead of time. Here are some things to keep in mind:  You can get one at a station, usually labeled with a sign or anywhere along their route (which if you took frequently you would learn).  You can also get off anywhere along the route or at the final destination by communicating this with the driver ahead of time.  These taxis take 6 passengers, 4 in back and 2 in the front.  Women should avoid the center seat in front of the taxi. In general, taxis are a very safe way to travel around Rabat and Morocco if you keep the following general safety tips in mind:  Taxi drivers are generally not tipped. It may be difficult to get change for large bills throughout the country, but it will be particularly hard in taxis. Be sure to carry plenty of small denominations and coins for taxis.  In general, taxis are the safest forms of transportation for women. When riding in a taxi, women should not sit in the front passenger’s seat of the car.

Crowds Keep an eye on your purse, bag, or wallet, especially in crowded public areas such as at bus stations, crowded sidewalks, and markets.  In crowds, keep your bags close to your person, either under your arm or by your chest.  Backpacks should not be worn on crowded public transportation, as you will not be able to watch them. If you must wear a backpack, keep your valuables in a separate location and use a small combination lock on your zipper. You may wish to hold the backpack in front of you or over one shoulder to ensure that you can watch it at all times.  Avoid carrying large bags during travel, as it will draw attention and attract pick pockets.

Public Gatherings North Africa, the Middle East and Morocco have a changing political climate, which often leads to protests, demonstrations, and strikes. Protests are of special concern for foreigners in Morocco. Students are required to stay away from public demonstrations and should always avoid areas prone to instability and disorder.

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Alcohol & Drugs Being a more conservative Muslim country, it is discouraged for Muslims to purchase or consume alcohol. There are places in Morocco where foreigners can purchase alcohol, but in many cases these places have negative reputations with locals which you should keep in mind. If you do decide to drink, be mindful of the following:  If you plan to drink, always drink in moderation; never return to your host family after drinking.  Avoid drinking large quantities of alcohol, particularly with people you do not know well and in public places like cafes or hotel bars.  Avoid drinking with large groups of local males or in locations where large groups of young men congregate.  If there is a group function where alcohol may be present, and you would like to invite your language partner or other Moroccan friends to attend, let them know there may be alcohol present.

Do not use illegal drugs during your time abroad. The use of illegal drugs is not only a health risk but also puts you at risk for arrest:  The legal ramifications of using illegal drugs abroad can be very serious, and your home government cannot get a citizen out of jail overseas if he or she has been convicted of a drug offense abroad.  Illegal drugs can be tainted or contain substances other than those advertised, and taking them can lead to an overdose or worse.  Misuse or abuse of prescription drugs is dangerous. Do not respond to the stresses of adjusting to a new culture by taking more than the prescribed dosage of either your own psychological medication or drugs prescribed to another student.  The social and cultural consequences of using drugs can be different in a foreign country. This behavior may be viewed very negatively by your new acquaintances abroad. Drug penalties in Morocco are strict, and Moroccans view illegal drugs much more harshly than Americans as a result.

Money Safety  Do not handle or display large quantities of money—Moroccan Dirhams or Dollars—on the street. Retrieve from your wallet or pocket only the amount of money needed.  Be discreet with credit cards, jewelry, and electronic devices.  Exchange small amounts of money frequently rather than large amounts all at once. You will get the most current exchange rate and will be less of a target.  Never carry more money than you immediately need or than you can afford to lose.  If you need to carry substantial amounts of money, wear it under your clothes in a concealed money belt or pouch.  At home, lock your money and credit cards in a suitcase in your room, and be discreet with money around your host family. Even if you trust them, you may not be able to trust visitors they have while you are out.

Exchanging and Withdrawing Money from ATMs  Go with a friend when you exchange money or use an ATM.  Bring your passport with you when exchanging money because you may be asked for it.  Avoid exchanging or withdrawing money when it is dark.  Do not call attention to yourself by speaking loudly when dealing with money.  Count your money before stepping away from the exchange counter. Use your cell phone calculator to figure the exchange rate and be sure you received the right amount of money.  Bring new, clean, and crisp dollar bills. Moroccan banks and exchange offices rarely accept bills that are old, torn, or have any markings on them.  ATMs in Morocco typically accept Visa, MasterCard, Cirrus, Plus, and NYCE. ATMs only dispense money in Moroccan Dirham.

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 Do not rely entirely on your ATM card for retrieving money. Have some cash you can exchange if your ATM card is not working.  Make sure your ATM card will not expire during your time abroad. If it seems that it will, call your bank ahead of time and request a new card early.  Alert your bank that you will be going overseas; they may put a block on your card if you do not let them know and they see foreign transactions.

WorldAware and Your Safety/Security In order to further enhance our access to up-to-the-minute information in crisis situations, AMIDEAST contracts with a company called WorldAware, which also offers certain services directly to our students. WorldAware’s mission is to protect international travelers through the use of technology and intelligence.

All students on AMIDEAST Education Abroad Programs are able to access the WorldAware website for background information on their local community and other places they may be visiting. Detailed information about WorldAware and the services available will be communicated shortly before your departure for Morocco. Prior to departure you are required to register with WorldAware on-line. During your time abroad any travel outside Rabat must be registered with WorldAware as well. Full information about the registration process will be sent to all students by email about 10 days prior to departure from to the host country.

Section IV: Background Information

Historical Overview Since 10,000 BC, various tribal groups, sultans, kingdoms, and European empires have ruled over Morocco. This North African coastal country straddles the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea. It links Arab world and Africa with Europe, a mere eight miles away across the Strait of Gibraltar. The first prominent civilization in Morocco was the Berber or Amazigh civilization whose imprint can be seen by the 70% of contemporary Moroccans who have Amazigh ancestry. Later Morocco was ruled by the Romans, Visigoths, and various Arab and Amazigh dynasties after the Muslim conquest in the 8th century of the Common Era, and French and Spanish colonizers before regaining its independence in 1956.

The Alawi Dynasty rose to power in the 17th century and remains on the throne to the present day. Its most prominent early Sultan was Moulay Ismail, who made Meknes his capital. One of his successors, Sidi Muhammad Bin Abdallah (1757-90) was the first foreign ruler to recognize the independence of the United States in 1777. However, in the 19th century, Morocco, like other parts of the Arab world, became deeply indebted. Because of the competing interests of various European powers (including the British, Germans, French and Spanish), Morocco was able to stave off European occupation until 1912. However, in that year the Sultan, Moulay Abd ar–Rahman, signed the Treaty of Fez leading to a French protectorate in the central part of the country and a Spanish protectorate of the north and extreme south. Many Moroccans resisted the French and Spanish occupiers, especially in the Spanish sector in the north where the rebellion in the Rif lasted well into the 1920s and in the southern part of the French protectorate, where resistance persisted into the 1930s. The independence movement began in the 1930s among the intellectual elite in Fez and other cities. It gained greater support in the aftermath of the Casablanca Conference of allied leaders in

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1942, during with President Franklin D. Roosevelt met with Sultan Mohammed V and promised American support for Moroccan aspirations.

After World War II, Moroccan nationalism and resistance to Franco/Spanish occupation grew rapidly. The Istiqlal (Independence) Party was formed and Moroccan nationalists boycotted French-owned businesses and pressed their demands for independence, etc. The French and Spanish tried to keep their hold on Morocco and exiled Mohammed V to Madagascar, making him a nationalist hero. Faced with an armed rebellion in neighboring Algeria, France agreed to allow Mohammed V to return and then quickly granted Morocco its full independence in 1956. King Mohammed V reigned until his sudden death in 1961 when he was succeeded by his eldest son Hassan II. Under King Hassan II Morocco experienced periods of significant political repression during a period now known as the Years of Lead. When Hassan II died of a heart attack in 1999 he was succeeded by his eldest son, King Mohammed VI.

Beginning with his first address to the nation, King Mohammed VI began to place the focus of his reign on economic and social development and the eradication of poverty. Under his leadership, Morocco adopted a modified Family Law (al-Moudawana) providing more rights and protection for women in the areas of marriage, divorce, and child custody. While Mohammed VI’s policies have been widely embraced by European and North American countries, they have also been met with opposition from traditionally minded Moroccans and fundamentalist Islamic groups. As calls for change reverberated throughout the Arab world in 2011, Morocco too experienced demonstrations and calls for increased democracy and a true constitutional monarchy (Morocco has had an elected Parliament since independence in 1956 with a multi-party system and generally free elections since King Mohammed VI ascended the throne). As a result of the demonstrations the King proposed a process to rewrite the Moroccan constitution. The new Constitution was approved by a referendum in July 2011 and the first elections under the new Constitution were held in November. According to the 2011 Constitution, the leader of the party with the largest number of seats in the Parliament must be the Prime Minister and appoint virtually all of the members of the Government, though the King retains considerable power in the areas of foreign affairs, defense and religious affairs. The largest party after the November 2011 elections is the Party of Justice and Development (PJD) a moderate Islamist party. They have said they will form a coalition with the Istiqlal (Independence) Party, the Popular Union of Social Forces (USFP – a center left party akin to European socialist parties) and the Party of Progress and Socialism (PPS – led by members of the former Communist Party).

Geography Morocco's physical landscape is as varied as its culture, ranging from sun-scorched deserts to temperate coastal plains, mountain peaks to sandy beaches. Morocco, including the area known as Western Sahara, is slightly larger than the state of Texas and is a fusion of geographical landscapes. A mild, Mediterranean climate predominates in most parts of the country, with hot, sunny summers, and cool, moist winters. Visitors can even ski on the snowy slopes of the Atlas Mountains in winter.

Contemporary Rabat, Morocco

Your program is based in Morocco’s capital city of Rabat. Situated at the confluence of the Bou Regreg River and Atlantic Ocean, Rabat is a relaxed yet stately metropolitan community of 1.2 million people. The city has a rich history and is known as one of the four imperial cities of Morocco. Its medina (old city) is easy to navigate and includes housing as well as shops and traditional craftsmen plying their trades. The modern city, dating to the early 20th century has wide, pedestrian-friendly, tree-lined boulevards, many green spaces, and houses the political and administrative offices of Morocco’s government as well as its parliament, supreme court and Royal Palace.

In addition to government offices, Rabat is home to Morocco’s most prestigious academic institutions and numerous non-governmental and

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international organizations, including ISESCO (the Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization). Mohammed V University was Morocco’s first modern university and is joined in Rabat by such prestigious institutions as the Hassan II Institute of Agronomy, National Administration School, and Applied Statistics

Institute. A recent addition to Rabat’s research and cultural institutions is the Royal Institute of Amazigh Culture.

Rabat’s waterfront is undergoing a total makeover with construction of a marina, apartment and commercial complexes, and a landscaped walkway along the riverside. A light rail system has recently been completed and links Rabat with Salé, its twin city across the river, and extends through the modern city to Madinat al-Irfan (City of Knowledge, or university quarter).

Moroccan Society & Culture

Characteristics of Moroccan society, such as an emphasis on family, religion, gender roles, and honor, are reminiscent of those found elsewhere in the Arab world. Life still revolves around the family, and people have many duties and obligations to both their immediate and extended family members. Nuclear, and sometimes extended, families occupy the same house, and children continue to live with their parents until they are married. Religion plays a major role in daily life, with the call to prayer coming from every mosque five times a day. According to the constitution, Islamic law is the basis of all legislation, and family law is dictated by separate religious authorities for Muslims and Christians. Moroccans view male and female roles as distinct and complementary. Though this divide is beginning to fade among some segments of society due to urbanization, women are still traditionally seen as housekeepers and men as breadwinners. Honor is an important value in Moroccan culture. It denotes respect, entitlement, dignity, reputation, and admiration. Though honor is ultimately tied to an individual and his/her behavior, it cannot be separated from the family (unlike in the West where honor is primarily an individual attribute). A family member’s actions can severely damage the honor and reputation of the entire family. Damaged family reputations affect marriage prospects, business transactions, friendships, and authority. Honor is tied to many other facets of life, such as hospitality, generosity, dress, appearance, social power, politics, respect for elders, and business. Things to Keep in Mind  It is very important to remember how honor and reputation relate to your stay in Morocco: you can earn respect for yourself by upholding your honor, but you can also harm the honor of Moroccan friends and associates if you behave inappropriately (e.g., appearing intoxicated in public or visiting a member of the opposite sex alone).  As you prepare to live and study in Morocco you should consider international affairs in which Moroccans may hold strong views, such as the Arab-Israeli conflict. As a country with significant ties to both Israel and Palestine, Morocco has long been a supporter of the Arab-Israeli peace process. Over 600,000 Israelis are of Moroccan descent and the Jewish culture has influenced Moroccan traditions and architecture. Historically, Morocco served as a meeting ground for Israeli and Egyptian officials to orchestrate President Anwar al Sadat’s visit to Israel in 1977– making him the first Arab leader to visit the country. While there is a strong tie between Israel and Morocco, there is also support for the Palestinian cause. This can be seen by Morocco’s approval of the Palestinian Authority’s efforts to gain United Nations membership. Overall, Morocco has often been thought of as a key ally to the United States in promoting peace negotiations between Israel and Palestine. Although there are no diplomatic relations between Israel and Morocco, Morocco does recognize the Palestinian Authority (PA) and there is a PA embassy in Rabat.

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Darija and Modern Standard Arabic Chart

Below is a short chart to introduce you to the basic differences between Modern Standard Arabic and Colloquial Moroccan Arabic (darija). Studying these differences will help you adjust to speaking Arabic in Rabat. Colloquial Moroccan Arabic will be discussed during orientation and will be taught throughout the program.

English MSA (transliteration) MSA (Arabic script) Darija (transliteration) Darija (Arabic script)

سالم Salam أهال Hello. Ahlan

إييه Iyyeh نعم Yes Na3am

ال La ال No La

واخا Wakha حسنا OK Hasanan

إن شاء هللا In sha allah إن شاء هللا God willing In sha allah

سمح ليا SamaH Liya لو سمحت Excuse me. (to get Law samaHt attention)

سمح ليا SamaH Liya إسمح ل Excuse me. (to get IsmaHlee past)

واش يمكنل Wash yumkenli هل تمانع May I/Do you Hal timna3 mind?

سمح ليا SamaH Liya آسف)ة( (Sorry Asif(a

الباس ؟ ?Labes كيف حالك)ي(؟ (How are you? Kayfa halak(i

الباس و أنت)ي(؟ (Labas, u nta (nti حسن. (Fine. And you? Hasanan, Wa inta(i

بشحال هدا؟ Beshal hada بكم هذا؟ How much is this? L’kam howa hatha

ف ني الـ ...... ?..…………… Feen al أين الــ ...... ؟ Where is the….? Ayna al

ف ني كاين بيت الما ?Feen kayn beet I’ma أين الحمام Where are the Ayna al hamam toilets?

واش عندك رسف ?Wesh 3andak sirf معك فكة؟ ?Do you have Ma3ak fakah change?

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ن واش يمكنل نصورك Wesh yumkinli neswarak يكمن ن تصويرك؟ ?Can I take a photo Yumkoonani tasweerak (of you)?

نض ليمن / ضور ليرس Dur limen/ Dur lisr لف يم ني/ لف يسار Turn right/left. Lif yameen/ Lif Yassar

س ي نيشان Seer nishan إىل األمام Go straight ahead. Ila al-amam َ شنو سميتك؟ ?Shnu smitek ما أسمك؟ What is your name Ma ismak (male)?

شنو سمي ِتك؟ ?Shnu smitik ما أسم ِك؟ What is your name Ma ismiki (female)?

سمي ن …Smiyti اس م …My name is….. Ismee

أنا من Ana min أنا من I am from…… Ana min

أنا طالب)ة( (Ana talib(a أنا طالب)ة( (I am a student. Ana talib(a

كل ش مزيان Kul shi mezyen كل شء بخ ي Everything is Kul shay’ be kheir good/ok.

ما ش مشكلة Mashi mushkil ال مشكلة No problem. La moshkilla

نبا ت Nabitee نبا ت Vegetarian Nabitee

عندي حساسية ل 3andi Hasasiya li عندي حساسية ِل I’m allergic to… 3andi Hasasiya li ن تعاونل ل Ta3awenni إلحقو ت Help! IlHaq uni

لما L’ma ماء Water Ma’a

ماكلة Makla طعام Food Ta3am

بغيت Bghit أريد I would like….. Oureed

واش كتعرف نجل نيية؟ ?Wash kata3raf niglizeya هل تتكلم اإلنجل نيية؟ Do you speak Hal tatakalam alengilizee English?

ا كنتكلم عر ت شويه Kantkilm 3rabi shwiya أتكلم العربية قليل I speak only a little Atakalam Al 3arabi qaleel Arabic?

ما فهمتش Ma fahimtish أنا ال أفهم I don’t understand. Ana la afham

عفاك 3afak من فضلك (Please Min fadlik(i

باراك هللا فيك / شكرا Barak allahu fik/ Shukran شكرا Thank you Shukran

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بال جميل / ال شوكرا ع ل Bla jmeel/lashokran عفوا You’re welcome Afwan

وجب/ عفوا alawajab/ Afwan

أهال/ مرحبا Ahlan / MarHaba مرحبا Welcome! MarHaba

صباح الخ ي Sabah El Kheir صباح الخ ي Good morning. Sabah El Kheir

مساء الخ ي Msa’ El Kheir مساء الخ ي Good evening. Masa’a El Kheir

بالسالمة Bslama مع السالمة Goodbye. Ma3 salama

مت رسف ن ي Mitsharfeen ت رسفنا Nice to meet you. Tasharrafna

يال ! Yalla يال ! Let’s go! Yalla

م يوك Mabrouk م يوك Congratulations! Mabrouk

من ني انت (Mneen nta (nti من أين أنت؟ (Where are you Min ayn inta (inti from?

بزاف Bizaaf كث يا A lot/ Too much Katheeran َ ا شوية Shwiya قليلً A little Qaleelan

ن ن سا ف Safi يك ف Enough/Stop Yakfi

Social Events & Festivities

Ramadan is the holy month of fasting and is the most festive period of the year in Morocco. Since the Islamic calendar is lunar, Ramadan falls eleven days earlier each successive year. All Muslims (except children, the sick, the elderly, and other groups as stipulated by the Qur’an) abstain from eating, drinking, smoking, and sexual activity from sunrise to sunset. Muslims spend more time praying (with higher attendance at mosques), visiting friends and family, and giving alms during Ramadan than at any other time of the year. It is a month of contrasts: celebration and reflection; relaxation and strict discipline. During this time, Morocco transforms into a kaleidoscope of light and color, with colored-glass Ramadan lanterns hanging everywhere and glittery streamers above streets. When the maghrib (sunset) prayer sounds at sundown, the breaking of the fast, known as iftar, begins. The feasting and merry- making often last until just before dawn, when the suhur (pre-dawn) meal is served. Entire work and school schedules change for Ramadan, with shortened daytime hours and businesses open into the night. In the weeks leading up to Ramadan, people will be getting ready by purchasing and preparing special foods, changing schedules, etc. Ramadan is followed by Eid al-Fitr, a multi-day celebration that ranges from family gatherings to “spring-break- like” parties. Other Holidays Aside from designated holidays, Moroccan social events range from intimate gatherings at home to public outings. Invitations for visits to Moroccan homes should be readily accepted, as you will be treated with great hospitality. Generally, you will be invited for a meal, though you may also experience an invitation just to “be together.” Tea and coffee may be offered for a few hours of pure socializing and talking. Moroccans also socialize by going to public parks, going downtown to the medina on Mohammed V Street, and engaging in many other activities that are also

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common in the West. Many foreigners have the idea that Moroccans smoke a lot of shisha or hookah (water pipe), and while some Moroccans do smoke hookah in their private homes, it is never found in cafes or on the streets.

Religion

Islam heavily influences daily life in Morocco. From the fasts of Ramadan to the five daily calls to prayer, it is a significant force in virtually all aspects of Moroccan life. It has been the dominant religion in the region for nearly fourteen hundred years and the official religion of the modern state since Morocco regained its independence in 1956. The population is overwhelmingly Sunni Muslim, adhering to the moderate Maliki school of Islamic law. Moroccan Islam has attracted considerable attention from scholars for its openness to democratic reforms (support for multi-party democracy, human rights, women's rights, and acceptance of liberalism in government). American anthropology as a field has been strongly influenced by fieldwork carried out in Morocco by pre-eminent scholars such as Clifford Geertz, Lawrence Rosen, Paul Rabinow, Vincent Crapanzano, Daisy Dwyer, and others. The diversity of the hybrid cultural variants in the country is fascinating. Not only in religious practice but also in music, folklore, rituals, architecture, and ethnic interactions. The new emphasis on Amazigh (Berber) culture is another area of increasing interest in many fields as well. Morocco is the Arab country that had the largest Jewish population prior to the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948, and Moroccan Jews have played key roles in Morocco over many centuries. Members of the Moroccan Jewish community were active in the independence movement and a Jew served in the first post-independence cabinet in the mid-1950s as Minister of Posts and Telecommunications. The history of relations between Jews and Muslims in Morocco has, however, been mixed, with some periods of discrimination and hardship for Moroccan Jews, particularly during times of civil unrest in the country as a whole. During World War II, when Morocco was ruled by the pro-Nazi Vichy French government, Sultan Mohammed V refused to implement the Vichy Government’s anti-Semitic laws and protected Morocco’s Jews. However in 1948 riots against Jews broke out in some cities, and Jews started to emigrate to the new State of Israel and elsewhere (primarily France and Montreal). The number of Jews in Morocco has shrunk from roughly 265,000 in the mid-1940s to 2,500 – 5,000 today. Jews are still deeply involved in Moroccan commercial life, and André Azoulay is one of the King’s most trusted advisors. While educated Moroccan Muslims are proud of Morocco’s Jewish community and its treatment, prejudices are still present, particularly in the lower classes. Proselytizing is illegal in Morocco and is considered a serious offense. In 2010 the government started a crackdown to show the severity of the offense. They expelled 20 Christians deemed as proselytizers, some of whom had been in the country doing the same work for 10 years. Anyone is free to practice their own religion in Morocco, but you are required to keep it private, and any acts that could be interpreted as proselytizing should be avoided, even if that is not your intention.

Things to Keep in Mind  Entering mosques is illegal for non-Muslims in Morocco (except the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, which is a major tourist attraction, and the mosques in Moulay Idris and at Al Akhawayn University).  Moroccans may inquire about your religious persuasion, and this is not considered an intrusive or rude question. It is best to respond simply, directly and honestly, not showing offense, as this can insult the person asking. An answer stating that you don’t believe in God may be met with skepticism or disrespect.  Do not argue or debate religion with people with whom you are not familiar and comfortable.  Proselytizing is strictly illegal in Morocco. Therefore, do not bring religious publications with you to share with Moroccan friends (though you may bring religious materials for your own personal use). Even innocently doing so might be interpreted as proselytization, which is prohibited and punishable by law.

Social Relations

Rules, both formal and informal, governing social interactions vary substantially depending on the circumstances.

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Though foreigners are sometimes “exempt” from traditional customs governing social relations, it is still best to observe how Moroccans interact among themselves to get an idea of what is appropriate. Relations between men and women, even when a foreigner is involved, are still subject to public scrutiny in Morocco. A large segment of Moroccan society still values traditional gender roles, and interactions that are common between members of the opposite sex in your home country may be considered offensive in Morocco. Still, people from certain class levels and with certain personalities may be comfortable with social relations as practiced in the West. Your interactions with Moroccan society depend largely upon how well you know the person and the specific situation. Same-sex relations in Morocco are generally more intimate, even in public, than in the West. Same-sex friends will make intense eye contact, smile, and touch, while greeting each other with a kiss on the cheek and a long handshake. Male and female same-sex friends will often walk hand-in-hand or arm-in-arm in public; this should not be interpreted as homosexual behavior. If a Moroccan friend treats you in this fashion, it generally means that you are viewed as an equal and accepted as a friend. Foreign males sometimes feel uncomfortable with this interaction and associate it with homosexuality; however, it is comparable to the bond shared between American athletes where same-sex social barriers disappear. Mixed-gender situations can be complicated, and rules depend exclusively on how familiar you are with the person and the specific circumstances. Well-educated Moroccans who have traveled extensively are more likely to have a relaxed approach and are unlikely to misinterpret the meaning of your actions. On a formal level, mixed-gender relations may appear somewhat distant and conversations may seem impersonal. Eye contact is not avoided, but minimized, and the woman should initiate a handshake. Once a male-female friendship has formed, these standards are relaxed somewhat. For instance, opposite-sex friends may kiss on the cheeks, but they still rarely will hug. Some, but certainly not all, Moroccan men will approach and pursue foreign women, in part because they may assume that sex or marriage is a possibility. These assumptions are based on a limited understanding of Western women, due partly to portrayals in the media of sexual freedom in the West or observations of female tourists who drink alcohol and wear revealing clothing that is unacceptable for Moroccan women. Moroccans may also see marriage to a foreigner as a passport (literally and figuratively) to a more affluent life. Dating practices in Morocco differ significantly from those in the West, but there are also many variations within Moroccan society. Only a minority of Moroccans considers it proper for young men and women to socialize on a one-to-one basis, and generally dating occurs in public venues and includes activities such as going to movies, cafes and restaurants, going to social clubs, or taking walks. Intimate time in a private setting, such as an apartment or house, is not common even among the wealthy and Western-educated. Couples who spend the night together will offend neighbors’ sensibilities, and the couple (especially the woman) may experience reprisals from the doorman or landlord. Intimate or affectionate behavior, such as kissing, is not seen in public, and bystanders will respond negatively. Holding hands has become more common among young couples in Morocco, though only in specific locations. For instance, one would not see a couple hold hands in rural areas, but around upper class neighborhoods and cities it is a more common sight. Things to Keep in Mind  Approach male-female relationships with caution at first, until you understand acceptable behavior. Observe how the Moroccans around you behave, and follow the lead of your Moroccan peers.  Foreign men should act more reserved in the presence of Moroccan women, as too much attention may be misinterpreted (as interest in a wife or sex) and compromise a woman’s honor and reputation.  Foreign men should not approach or converse with Moroccan women if they have not been properly introduced. As long as male students understand the social distance that exists between men and women and avoid behavior that suggests familiarity or intimacy, they should not experience any problems.  A foreign woman who starts a conversation with an unknown male Moroccan—for purposes other than bargaining, academic work, or business transactions—may run the risk of having her behavior misinterpreted as openness to a sexual advance or interest in marriage.  Women who project an air of confidence and comfort when conversing with Moroccans will encounter little difficulty or awkwardness.

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 You will not be subject to the same dating rules as the most conservative classes of Morocco, but you should be aware that not all practices in the West are acceptable in Morocco.  Interactions in public, whether between foreign men and women or with Moroccans, should conform to Moroccan standards of conduct.

Women’s Issues

We will be discussing women’s issues in greater detail during the onsite orientation, but ask that you be familiar with this section before departure. Morocco has experienced a blending of reform and Islamic tradition, allowing women to do more in society than in the past. Still, it is important to note that Morocco is still a conservative society with specific views of gender roles. Most Moroccan women do not stay out late at night or travel alone. At the same time, many women work and are active in politics, business, and community development. Foreign women living in Rabat are not expected to follow the same social customs as Moroccan women, but you should be aware of these differences. Foreign women should also be cautious when befriending or dating Moroccan men, keeping in mind the aforementioned information about relations between men and women in Morocco. While Morocco is generally a safe country with a low crime rate, gender-based harassment is commonplace and increasingly recognized as a problem by Moroccans. Forms of harassment can include cat calling, whistling, staring, making lewd comments, pursuing women on the street, and occasionally groping them. Women may be more likely to experience persistent sexual harassment in certain areas, such as downtown, and the worst incidents occur in crowded areas during holidays. Things to Keep in Mind  There is nothing you can do to avoid harassment completely, but dressing respectfully and avoiding eye contact on the street can help reduce the instances and severity of harassment.  Avoid walking alone, especially on empty, dimly lit streets at night.  If you are verbally harassed, you should ignore the comments and proceed with your business, even if person continues to call to you. This is sometimes difficult to do for people who are used to acknowledging and nodding to people in the street, however it is very effective in dissuading further harassment. You are encouraged to be mindful of your behavior in the streets instead of following old habits. However, if you are groped, you should shout and publically indicate that the man has touched you. Someone will likely intervene and there have been recent well-publicized cases where the harassers were sentenced to long jail terms when the victims pursued the cases. Please be sure to report to our staff if you are involved in any incident such as this, or if you are uncomfortable at any point.  Many female students find it more comfortable to be in the company of a male fellow student while in public, as this can decrease harassment.  AMIDEAST advises against women riding crowded public buses alone, where harassment is common. Riding with someone else or take a taxi/tram is safer.  In general, taxis are the safest forms of transportation for women. When riding in a taxi, women should not sit in the front passenger’s seat of the car.

Making Friends

Rabat is a cosmopolitan city with residents of many nationalities. Though foreigners often find it easier to make friends with fellow expatriates, making Moroccan friends is the best way to really learn about Moroccan culture and society. International students sometimes say that it is difficult to make friends with Moroccans, whether due to cultural misunderstandings, differing perceptions of friendship, or language difficulties. However, there are many opportunities to make friends with Moroccan students, and one failed attempt should not discourage you from being open to new friendships. As in any country, there may be a certain segment of the population that may wish to become friends with you for financial gain or (for women) sexual reasons, but this is not true of the vast

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majority of the people you will meet. Some Moroccans like to have foreign friends for social class reasons. Others will be eager to become friends with you to learn more about your “foreign” culture, interests, and life. Moroccan friendships often become very close and intense quickly, leading some foreigners to feel uncomfortable and break off the friendship or increase the distance. In the context of Moroccan culture, the bond of friendship includes many rights and obligations, and your new friends will not be shy to ask for and offer favors or call you daily. In fact, if you don’t talk to a Moroccan friend for a few days, they will likely take it as an insult. This is considered a part of being friends, and you’ll notice that Moroccans will often go out of their way to respond to any requests you initiate. Things to Keep in Mind  There are many ways to meet Moroccans, including through the activities AMIDEAST arranges, educational and cultural functions, volunteer work with local organizations, attending concerts, theatre, and gallery openings, or from chance encounters.  Take advantage of these opportunities to meet and speak with Moroccans in their own environment; your efforts will be generously repaid in warm friendships and improved Arabic skills.

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Food Etiquette & Meals

Moroccan food is a combination of Mediterranean cuisine, predominantly from Spain, France, Greece, surrounding African countries, with a few distinctly Moroccan dishes. Moroccans have put their special touch on borrowed recipes by modifying spices and other ingredients. Breakfast can be a fusion of French and Moroccan cuisine which includes a baguette with butter, jam, or nutella, Moroccan pancakes, various types of bread sprinkled with oil, pastries, fruit and sometimes yogurt. Lunch is the main meal of the day, starting around 2pm typically. Lunch usually includes salads (fresh tomato/cucumber, rarely lettuce), rice, bread, cooked vegetables (sometimes stuffed or stewed with meat), and grilled or roasted meat (beef, lamb, chicken, or fish). Tomatoes and potatoes are very common. Pork is considered haram, or forbidden, by Muslims and is not served in Moroccan homes, though bacon and other pork products may be available in some markets. Dinner times vary, and the meal is generally light, consisting of similar dishes to breakfast or leftovers from lunch. The best way to sample Moroccan dishes is through a home-cooked meal. Some favorites include tajine (a stew which can consist of lamb or chicken with prunes, almonds, olives, and other vegetables), kefta (seasoned lamb), harira (a hearty soup with meat, lentils, chick peas and other ingredients in a tomato base), kebabs (pieces of lamb/other meats on a skewer), pastilla (originally pigeon pie but most commonly made with chicken now), and common staple of every Friday noon meal, couscous. Things to Keep in Mind  Food etiquette is important, especially when you are invited to be a guest in a Moroccan home.  One sign of appreciation to your host is simple: eating and not declining what is offered to you.  In traditional homes, meals are eaten from a common plate, typically using your right hand. When eating from a common plate it is customary to eat only the food directly in front of you (your host or another guest may place choice morsels of meat in front of you if they feel you are not getting the best; when this happens you should eat what is placed in front of you and thank them).  Try not to your plate full of food, as your host will be delighted if you return for seconds.  If you are offered a food you absolutely cannot eat, respond with sensitivity. For instance, if you are allergic to a specific food, you can explain this and your hosts will understand. You may also take a little piece and act as if you ate it; leaving food on a plate is not a sign of disrespect. If you finish all the food on your plate your host may take that as a sign that you want more.  There is always food left over from any meal with a guest present, as running out of food makes the host appear stingy. In addition, those who prepared the meal eat from what is left by the guests, so it is truly inconsiderate not to leave enough for them (and you probably will not know how many of “them” are waiting to eat in the kitchen; your hosts will be urging you to eat more and telling you that you haven’t eaten anything – you will need to decline more than once or twice before they will stop pushing you to eat more).  A safe guideline to follow about how much food to eat is to observe those around you. If people aren’t eating very much, another course may be coming and you may want to save room for more food.  Many Moroccans in Rabat are used to the idea of vegetarians, so simply stating that you are a vegetarian may be received well. However, if you are a vegetarian and offered meat, and you are pushed for a reason as to why you won’t eat it, you can explain to your hosts that for health reasons you do not eat meat. This may be better received than a lengthy explanation of your personal beliefs about eating meat.  After entering the house, pay attention to whether your host or other guests have removed their shoes; if they have, you should do the same.  Wash your hands before sitting at the table.  Traditionally, you should only eat or offer/pass food with your right hand (this custom is fading rapidly, as more people use utensils).  The same table manners you would practice at home are generally applicable in Morocco: blowing one’s nose, loud speech, or belching during a meal are all considered impolite (although a polite belch at the end of the meal is a sign that you have enjoyed it).  Bread is eaten at every meal, sometimes as the eating utensil.

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Discrimination Some Moroccans stereotype others more than may be common in your home culture. Stereotypes and direct comments are often directed at racial minorities and may not be meant in as prejudicial a way as they sound. However, racism and discrimination can be a problem in Morocco. There can be negative attitudes toward people who identify as LGBTQ, as well as black people and people with Asian features. It is important to note that not all Moroccans have these negative attitudes. Some simply have limited or no experience with people who are different from themselves and repeat what they hear others saying.

Sexual Orientation Generally, LGBTQ individuals in Morocco do not show affection in public and are not open about their sexual orientation with strangers. Thus, you should be extremely confidential about the identity of Moroccan LGBTQ friends. You may also wish to be discreet about your own sexual orientation in public, as it is difficult to judge how strangers may react.

Racial Attitudes Most Moroccans are genuinely curious about foreigners and may be quick to ask you to identify your race and background. Racial profiling of foreigners tends to be prevalent, and assumptions may be made about foreigners based on film, music, and other popular entertainment, which can lead to misunderstandings and misconceptions.

Students of color or those with Asian features, in particular, have reported attitudes and behaviors that at times made them feel uncomfortable, embarrassed, and sometimes even unsafe. Students report that most incidences tend to be fleeting and innocuous enough that they can dismiss them and carry on. Nonetheless, you should be aware of the situation and exercise caution, particularly in new environments.

Despite the added challenge of being a student of color or an LGBT-identified student in Morocco, many students report that they enjoy not only improving their language skills and learning about Moroccan culture but also helping Moroccans break their stereotypes by interacting with them. Please watch your Identity and Intersectionality and your Health, Safety, & Security pre-departure webinar videos in your student portal to learn more.

Cultural Adjustment

Many students choose to study abroad to experience living in a new and different culture. Studying in Morocco is a fulfilling and rewarding experience, though adapting to the new environment is not always easy. The stress of cultural adjustment is experienced differently by each student, but there are some common stages that many will encounter. It is difficult to assess in advance the degree to which the process of cultural adjustment will affect you, but preparing yourself prior to departure and understanding your reactions as you experience them will aid in successful adaptation. AMIDEAST Education Abroad Programs are structured to include opportunities for students to develop their intercultural competence. Using five frameworks – language use; non-verbal behavior; communication style; perceptual style; and cultural assumptions and values – as key windows for understanding cultural difference, students on AMIDEAST programs in Morocco are encouraged to look below the surface and search for deeper understanding of how Moroccans perceive the world around them. Equipped with those tools, students can then move to adapting their behavior to Moroccan norms while in Rabat. Those same tools can later be used in other cultural contexts to become truly effective intercultural communicators in a wide range of contexts both at home and abroad. One way to prepare for the challenges you will face is to understand and identify the stages of cultural adjustment and their corresponding emotional states. The length of each phase depends on the individual student. These stages are not disconnected and often overlap during transitions. They are also not exclusive, as some aspects of one phase may show up in the middle of another one. The Honeymoon Stage: Unconscious incompetence

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When you first arrive in Morocco, everything around you will be new and fascinating. This stage is also known as blissful ignorance, where the predominant feeling is one of exhilaration and excitement after months of anticipation. Your new surroundings, especially the sites, people, and language, may make you eager to engage and accept your new environment, though many people still are unsure about asking for assistance. For these reasons, it may not occur to you that you may be making cultural mistakes or misinterpreting your surroundings. Cultural misunderstandings may accumulate, making you more likely to experience the second, less pleasant stage of cultural adjustment. The Hostility Stage: Conscious incompetence The hostility stage is characterized by frustration, anger, anxiety, a judgmental attitude, fear, and often depression. You realize that differences exist between you and your host culture, but you do not always understand how to deal with problems as they arise. The strains of living in an unfamiliar environment and speaking a foreign language can lead to feelings of isolation. You may seek comfort from your peers, but focusing too much on your frustrations can exacerbate the problem and create an “us-them” mentality. The difficulties you encounter may seem to outweigh any sense of achievement. You may become more critical of the physical environment and Moroccans. The demands and stress from your academic program can exacerbate the situation. You may feel like no one understands you, and homesickness often accompanies this stage. This phase can be short-lived but it also can recur. However, you will get over it once you start to integrate and gain a better understanding of aspects of Moroccan society. The Integration/Acceptance Stage: Conscious competence Humor is a sign that a visitor has moved from the hostility stage toward the integration stage. You know that cultural differences exist and you start to understand them and adjust your behavior accordingly. These changes don't come naturally to you, but you make a self-conscious effort to act appropriately, with a better perception and awareness of your surroundings. Cultural mistakes that would have caused frustration previously are now more easily laughed off. This stage is best reached through making Moroccan friends, finding shared leisure activities, accomplishing daily errands, and being willing to ask questions when things are unclear to you. You begin to feel more functional in your life and often have settled into a normal daily schedule. The Home Stage: Unconscious competence A sense of fulfillment is achieved when you are able to strike a balance between retaining your own culture and being functional and happy in the new culture. You are successfully adjusted to the norms and standards of Morocco, and culturally acceptable behaviors are instinctive and come naturally to you. This phase is accompanied by a sense of acceptance of the Moroccan environment, as you understand that it is not likely to change and you have found a way to fit into it. Cultural awareness is a learned and valuable, life-enriching skill. Reaching this stage takes time and work on your part; there may be many times when it seems unattainable, but perseverance and flexibility ensure success. Things to Keep in Mind  Before going to Morocco, you should acquaint yourself with the basic outlines of Moroccan culture and history.  Your adjustment to your new surroundings and to Moroccan culture will be easier if you are willing and able to manage frustration well, try new things, understand your strengths and weaknesses, step out of your comfort zone, be flexible with schedule changes, interact with people from diverse backgrounds, and be ready to laugh at yourself and your new surroundings.  You will experience Morocco in your own way, and it is best to come without preconceived notions, unrealistic goals, or expectations. Remain open-minded.  If you suffer anxiety while you are in Morocco, step back and remind yourself that you are undertaking one of the most unique experiences in your life and remember to enjoy all aspects of it. Always maintain your sense of humor, especially when you get annoyed, frustrated, discouraged, or embarrassed.  Feel free to discuss any problems/concerns you may encounter with the AMIDEAST program manager. It

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is easier to overcome when you talk about it than when you deny it.

End of the Program

While it may seem like a long way off, before you know it you will have completed your AMIDEAST Program and be an AMIDEAST EdAbroad Alum. When you return home, we encourage you to go to our website and learn more about the AMIDEAST Education Abroad Alumni Association. We have developed a number of resources for AMIDEAST's former students, and we hope the alumni section of our website will be a means to search for future opportunities, learn how to integrate your experience abroad into your resume, and locate resources for continuing to learn about Arabic and the Middle East and North Africa. Please as well check out information on the website regarding your AMIDEAST Grade Report/Transcript.

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