Embarking on a study abroad journey in Morocco presents a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Arab and North African culture and society as it evolves in the contemporary world. The Qalam wa Lawh Center, situated in Rabat, Morocco, offers an array of study abroad programs during the semester, summer, and winter.
Morocco, often referred to as “Al Maghreb” المغرب, stands as a progressive Arab nation, boasting a culturally rich and diverse heritage with a history spanning over a millennium. It serves as a vibrant convergence point for Arab, African, Mediterranean, and European influences. Moroccans, renowned for their warm hospitality and openness, take immense pride in sharing their language and culture, extending a heartfelt welcome to visitors with open hearts and open minds.
Studying abroad in Morocco is an opportunity not only to explore but also to engage with the dynamic tapestry of Moroccan life, providing invaluable insights into the ever-evolving Arab and North African landscape. Join us at the Qalam wa Lawh Center to embark on this enriching cultural journey.
Study Abroad Program Highlights
Students globally aspire to pursue their education in a foreign land. This aspiration often stems from the desire to explore new horizons, immerse themselves in diverse cultures, and broaden their perspectives. Study abroad programs offer students a chance to reap numerous benefits, such as becoming fully immersed in a new language and culture, discovering fresh interests and pursuits, and forging lasting friendships with peers from across the globe.
At Qalam wa Lawh, our study abroad programs place a particular emphasis on maximizing these advantages. We offer students the opportunity to fully embrace the study abroad experience in Morocco, where they can immerse themselves in the local culture, cultivate new interests, and build lifelong connections with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Full Immersion Experience
Like all study abroad programs, immersing oneself in the local language and culture is pivotal. This immersion not only fosters personal growth and independence, making students better global citizens, but it also significantly enhances language acquisition and retention rates.
At Qalam wa Lawh, we ensure students achieve complete language immersion through our Intensive and Semi-Intensive courses, complemented by the opportunity to live in one of the world’s most captivating countries. During lunch breaks, students can explore the enchanting labyrinthine streets of the old medina, engage in the art of Arabic bargaining at local markets, and participate in Qalam’s weekend excursions to delve deeper into the wonders of this splendid nation.
Flexibility and Adaptability
Qalam wa Lawh believes in offering study abroad opportunities tailored to diverse student needs. Our dedicated staff ensures that every student receives the necessary care, support, and language education. We also provide customizable faculty-led programs for institutions seeking a unique study-abroad experience.
Trusted by the world’s leading universities
Qalam wa Lawh receives students from institutions and universities all over the world. These academic partners endorse Qalam by sending their students time and again because they know Qalam is as reliable for its academic rigor as it is for its safety and security. When an institution chooses to partner with Qalam, they can rest assured their Morocco study abroad students will be in the care of highly-trained Arabic language instructors and supported by dedicated student advisors with problem-solving experience in a safe, welcoming environment.
See list of Academic Partners >>
Shape your study program to fit your needs
Today’s study abroad students crave a balance of structure and independence, and personalization is at the heart of rewarding student experiences. That’s why Qalam provides a build-your-own style study abroad program. Students are able to shape the study abroad program in accordance with their language learning styles, career goals, and lifestyles.
Study Abroad in Morocco Program Options
As a year-round study abroad center, Qalam wa Lawh offers various study abroad programs throughout the year. Read below to learn more about Qalam’s study program options.
Semester & Year abroad programs
Semester programs are ideal for combining Arabic study with an in-depth understanding of Arabic culture and an opportunity to be engaged in the Arabic community. In addition to Arabic courses, students can gain deeper insight into Arabic culture through Area Study courses in various fields, such as sociology, history, and religion. Area Study courses are taught by distinguished professors from University Mohammed V, University Hassan II, and University Moulay Ismail in Meknes | Learn more about Semester Abroad Programs >>
Summer Intensive Study Abroad Program
Students who wish to learn Arabic rapidly will likely be most interested in the Intensive Arabic programs. Qalam wa Lawh’s Intensive sessions are four weeks long. In addition to Arabic courses, students benefit from tutoring, a wide range of cultural immersion activities, and the possibility of participating in weekend trips to various destinations in Morocco.
The summer intensive session is most popular among university students studying independently or as a part of their university programs. Qalam wa Lawh offers four summer study abroad sessions every year, each of which is four weeks long. Students may enroll in one or multiple sessions consecutively. | Learn more about Summer Abroad Programs >>
Winter Intensive Study Abroad Program
Winter programs offer the possibility for students to take advantage of their winter break to learn Arabic in Morocco. Rabat’s moderate climate makes it possible to undertake most cultural immersion and social engagement activities year-round without interruption. Winter sessions take place during the months of December and January and include all the amazing cultural immersion activities and Arabic study resources that all Qalam students enjoy | Learn more about Winter Abroad Programs >>
Design your own Faculty-led & Custom program
Faculty-led programs are ideal for universities hoping to include the Morocco study abroad experience in their Academic offerings. Qalam wa Lawh’s 20,000 sq. ft. modern campus is situated at the heart of Morocco’s capital, Rabat, and features equipped modern classrooms, private study space, a library, an on-site restaurant, on-site student residence and is just a few minutes’ walk from public transportation (Tramway, trains, buses), Morocco’s national library, and other major cultural sites for planned activities.
Program components
Qalam wa Lawh’s study abroad programs are customizable and may include any or all of the following components:
Arabic language courses
Qalam wa Lawh offers year-round intensive courses in Modern Standard Arabic and Moroccan Arabic. Students in semester study abroad programs may also enroll in Arabic literature, Media Arabic, Classical Arabic courses, or other specialized Arabic Courses. | Learn more about Arabic Language Courses >>
French Language courses
French language courses are available for students wishing to take advantage of their stay in Morocco to improve their French. In Morocco, French is widely used in science and business, and many students find it useful to study French during their stay. French courses can be requested on an individual basis or as a group.
Area Study Courses
Gain an in-depth understanding of Arab, North African, and Islamic culture, history, society from renowned professors from Morocco’s top universities through Qalam wa Lawh’s Area Study courses. Area Study courses are offered in all semester programs and can be incorporated into faculty-led and custom study abroad programs. | Learn more about Area Study Courses >>
Homestays or student residence accommodations
Study abroad students have the option to reside with a welcoming host family or in Qalam wa Lawh’s on-campus student residence. A limited number of off-site studio apartments are also available. | More details about Homestay and student residence accommodations >>
Volunteering abroad placements
The volunteer club at Qalam wa Lawh is available for students interested in making a difference, gaining new skills and building lasting connections and friendships. Students can participate in individual and group projects to benefit some of Rabat’s poorest and marginalized communities, all while utilizing their Arabic language skills. More about the Volunteer Program >>
Language Partners
Language Partners are students from the Rabat area who volunteer their time to practice Arabic with Qalam wa Lawh students. These young people meet with Qalam students twice per week as part of the Academic Semester program. Otherwise, meetings are at the partners’ discretion. Language Partners often meet with their Qalam friends at the Arabic Language Cafe to engage in discussion topics with a larger group over tea and cookies. | Learn more about the Arabic Language Cafe >>
Financing your Study abroad Program in Morocco
Studying abroad can be a complicated feat. That’s why Qalam encourage students to make use of all available resources for study abroad scholarships, grants, and financial aid. Below are some of the most commonly-used scholarships and financial resources for Qalam students.
Qalam wa Lawh Scholarship
Qalam wa Lawh offers the Ibn Battuta Battuta Arabic Scholarship for Peace and Diplomacy during winter, summer, and semester programs. The scholarship awards for excellence in the study of the Arabic language and for the dedication to promoting peace and diplomacy through cross-cultural dialogue.
Other Scholarships
Companies and organizations from around the world offer scholarships for study abroad students. Here are some popular ones:
- Boren Scholarships
- Critical Language Scholarships
- FLAS Fellowship for Graduate Students
These are just some examples of many scholarships and grants you may apply for. To see a list of more detailed scholarship ideas, visit the Scholarships and Grants page. The team at Qalam wishes you the best of luck with your search and applications!