Summer Passage to Morocco

The Virginia Military Institute is pleased to present “Passage to Morocco”, the premier cultural and linguistic immersion program in North Africa. Venture into a world of mystery, extreme contrasts, and beauty. Come to Morocco, and experience an Islamic culture that has thrived at the doorstep of Europe for centuries.

Dates: May 24 - June 29, 2019

Cost: $3,500 excluding airfare (subject to BOV approval)

Credit Hours: Up to 9 (6 for language and 3 for history & culture)

Fees include tuition, homestay room and board (two meals per day), insurance, and all costs associated with scheduled excursions except some meals. Roundtrip airfare to Morocco and books are not included.

Eligibility

Any current student in good standing with an accredited university is eligible to apply. VMI students need only submit an application. Applicants from other universities should include a faculty letter of recommendation, an official transcript, and a short essay outlining the applicant’s personal and academic goals for the program, along with the application. Application and a $250 non-refundable deposit must be received no later than 18 January 2019. Payment in full is expected by 15 February 2019.

Program Director

Dr. Mohamed Taifi, Professor of Arabic and French at VMI, will serve as the Program Director. Dr. Taifi is a native of Azrou, Morocco and a distinguished author, professor, and academic administrator. His vast knowledge and experience will ensure participants enjoy an exceptional academic and cultural experience.

Mrs. Khadija Bentouhami will be teaching the culture course entitled AR 481 Survey of Moroccan Culture. Mrs. Bentouhami has an MA in Comparative Literature from The University Sidi Mohamed BenAbdellah University in Fes, Morocco. Her field of interest is language teaching and cultural studies. She taught all levels of Arabic at VMI from 2001 to 2015 and developed many of the courses to help establish an Arabic major in the department. She assisted the director of the VMI Arabic summer program in Morocco and taught the Arabic culture class for the last 15 years.

Program Description

This four and one half-week program consists of intensive Modern Standard Arabic study, cultural diversity exploration through homestays, interdisciplinary lectures in English, and field trips to historical and cultural attractions. Although subject to change, excursions traditionally include visits to the capital city of Rabat, the Imperial City of Meknes, Roman Ruins at Volubilis, the Holy City of Moulay Idriss, Museums in Meknes and Fez, Islamic “Medersas,” mountain Berber villages of Ifrane, Azrou, and Sefrou, as well as the Sahara desert at Merzouga. Students can earn up to nine-semester credits; six semester credit hours (120 contact hours) in Modern Standard Arabic or French, and three semester credit hours for a course entitled “Survey of Moroccan Culture”. In addition to formal language instruction, all students will receive 10 hours of instruction in “Survival Moroccan Arabic.”

Academic Facilities

Classes at ALIF are conducted in a large, Moorish-style villa surrounded by an oasis-like setting of date palms, olive trees, and rosemary shrubs. The tranquil residential neighborhood is situated away from the noise of the downtown area yet is still within easy walking distance of many restaurants and cafes. ALIF has a specialized library with texts on Arab, North African, and Islamic studies, as well as a collection of Arabic language videos and cassettes.

Room and Board

Students will stay with selected Moroccan families or, in special cases, the student housing arranged by the Arabic Language Institute of Fez (ALIF). The home stay will greatly augment language acquisition and provide an enhanced understanding of Moroccan culture. For the overwhelming number of past participants, the experience of living in the heart of a Moroccan family (whose hospitality is legendary for good reason) is the highlight of their visit. The home stay also allows you to practice your Arabic in a supportive setting and learn about Moroccan culture from the inside. At least one member of the family will be proficient in English. However, students wishing a deeper immersion experience can request a non-English speaking or French-speaking family. Two meals per day will be provided with the homestay.