Morocco: Ifrane Semester

Program Overview

Al Akhawayn University (AUI) is located in the beautiful resort community of Ifrane in the wooded Middle Atlas Mountains about 37 miles from Fez, a formerly rich imperial city and now a protected World Heritage site. The campus is located on several acres of rolling terrain, and consists of large chalets grouped around pleasant squares. This new, state-of-the-art campus offers excellent housing and all the conveniences to CCIS students. Ifrane, located in an area known for its beautiful forests, mountains, lakes, and streams, provides an excellent backdrop for both intellectual and physical pursuits.

Studying in Morocco is a fascinating way to have a non-traditional study abroad adventure and explore the wonders of this mixture of cultures. Moroccan cultural diversity is reflected through both the large number of spoken languages and the eclectic ancestry of Moroccan people that includes French, Spaniards, Arabs, Jews, and Berbers. The opportunities to experience this diversity by exploring ancient cities, beautiful beaches, and exquisite religious monuments are endless. Within easy reach are the great historic cities of Fez, Rabat, and Marrakech. Spain and all of Europe wait eight miles away, across the Strait of Gibraltar.

Academic Profile

Al Akhawayn University in Ifrane

Al Akhawayn University (AUI) was founded in 1995 as a private university by King Hassan II of Morocco with contributing financial support from King Fahd of Saudi Arabia. It is the first and only English language university in Morocco developed on the model of US higher education. Montana State University has had a partnership with AUI since its founding, and this unique and wonderful CCIS program offers one of the few opportunities U.S. students have to study in North Africa.

AUI is grounded in African, Arab, and Islamic culture and models its organizational structure, curriculum, language, and teaching methods on the American system of higher education. All classes are taught in English, allowing students interested in learning the Arabic language to simultaneously take courses in their field of study.

Course Offerings

Al Akhawayn offers unique Arabic Language and Culture programs for CCIS students interested in building expertise on the Arab world. All courses, except language study courses, are taught in English. Additionally, students can choose from courses in the following fields: Accounting, Arabic, Biology, Business Administration, Chemistry, Computer Science, Culture Studies, Economics, Engineering, English, European Studies, French, Geography, History, Human Resource Development, Humanities, International Relations, Islamic Studies, Literature, Mathematics, Physics, Political Science, Psychology, Social Sciences, Sociology, Spanish, and Women’s Studies. For additional course information, visit the university homepage, http://www.alakhawayn.ma

Academic Highlights

The highlight of the academic program at Al Akhawayn is the opportunity to take in-depth Arabic language and culture courses at all levels, from beginning through advanced. Focusing on both spoken and written Modern Standard Arabic, the language program also includes a Moroccan Colloquial Arabic component that teaches basic polite words and phrases unique to Morocco. This course component is essential to help students integrate, adapt, and learn about North African culture through language.

For students interested in other subject areas, AUI has established research centers for natural resources, strategic studies, and Islamic culture and arts, and women’s studies. The campus offers a state-of-the art library, laboratory, and classroom facilities that support the university’s undergraduate program. Program offerings include Business Administration, Humanities and Social Sciences, Science and Engineering, and languages.

Activities and Opportunities

Student Life

Students live in spacious, on-campus residence halls with Internet compatible rooms. AUI offers a full array of student organizations from sports to concerts and cultural programs. Sporting equipment is available in the Student Activities Office and students also have access to sports facilities including a running track and Olympic size pool. There is a medical clinic on campus, as well as a library, student union, and bookstore.

Alumni Feedback

"At AUI you are able to get a real understanding of the Middle East. When you are taught from an Arab perspective rather than a western one, you see and understand a broader perspective. I was immediately welcomed at AUI by their friendly staff and faculty. The students will make you feel at home, especially when they prepare their famous mint tea for you."
-Aaron Moore

"My time in Morocco helped to make Arabic a part of me and it was exciting to put my language skills to practice. Travel a lot, take advantage of nearby cities like Fez, a place full of exciting and challenging experiences."
-Jeremy Fowler

"My favorite memories of Morocco were the wonderful people and friends I met, learning the ancient and beautiful language of Arabic, the cities of Chefchaouen and Fes and all their delights, and of course climbing Jebel Toubkal, a 4,000 meter peak in the Sahara Desert."
-Jason Walker

"Expect hospitality, ancient tradition and architecture, and adventures from the Mediterranean to the Sahara."
-Anna Lindstedt

"It would be difficult to choose one memory. I have many fond memories. An aspect of the program is sharing one's room with another Moroccan student. My roommate Mouna became a very close friend and we are still in touch. We'd drink Shai together in the afternoon and I went to visit her family several times in a town nearby. She taught me to make some Moroccan dishes and we had several feasts with friends in the dorm. The generosity and kindness of the Moroccan people left an indelible mark on me."

"Morocco's overwhelming landcapes, the vivid marketplaces, the generosity and hospitality of the people make it a place one's always longing to return to."
-Catherine Dratz

"I enjoyed the program that I was in so much that after graduation I got a job and moved back here to Morocco."
-Kasey Adamek

Ifrane, Morocco Semester Program Details

Duration

Fall 2008: August 28 to December 20
Spring 2009: Jan 17 to May 18

Application Deadline(s)

Fall: April 1
Spring: November 1

Eligibility Requirements

Students must have at least a 2.5 GPA and have sophomore status to be eligible for the program.

Costs

Fall 2008: $8,590
Spring 2009: $8,590

Costs Included

Tuition, double room, airport pickup, orientation. The cost includes board and medical insurance.

Costs Not Included

airfare ($1,200), books, personal costs

All costs, fees, and dates are subject to change without notification. Please contact the appropriate individual to verify all costs, fees, and dates for this program.

Submit Application Materials To:

Study Abroad Advisor
Office of International Programs
Montana State University 400 Culbertson Hall
Bozeman, MT 59717 Phone: 994-7151
Fax (406) 994-1619
E-mail: morocco@montana.edu

How do I apply?

Start the CCIS Study Abroad application process by downloading and printing the following forms. These PDF documents are viewed using Adobe's Acrobat Reader plug-in, which is available free. If you don't have Acrobat Reader installed on your computer, click here.

Download CCIS Study Abroad Application Instructions and Procedures*
(File size:19KB)

Download CCIS Study Abroad Application and Academic Reference Form*
(File size:28KB)

Download CCIS Course Request Form*
(File size: 5KB)

Course listings for Al Akhawayn University can be found at the following website: http://www.aui.ma/DSA/Admissions/admission-eng/admissions-undergrad-coursedescription.htm

*All MSU students must make an appointment with the MSU Office of International Programs before completing the application.