Spring 2023
Dates: January 19, 2023 – May 21, 2023
Application Deadline: September 15
Costs: $6,807.27 (71,790 MAD)
Apply Now
Click here for Al Akhawayn University Summer Programs
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. Ifrane, located in an area known for its beautiful forests, mountains, lakes, and streams, provides an excellent backdrop for both intellectual and physical pursuits.
Al Akhawayn University 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 U.S. higher education.
Montana State University has had a partnership with AUI since its founding, and this CCIS program offers U.S students one of the few opportunities to study in North Africa.
Studying in Morocco allows students the unique opportunity to interact with a mix of cultures in a non-traditional study abroad setting. 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, Meknes, and Volubillis. Spain and all of Europe wait eight miles away, across the Strait of Gibraltar.
Montana State University
Rachael Peters
Study Abroad Advisor
Questions? Contact me
ccisabroad@montana.edu
This program is sponsored and administered by Montana State University. Questions? Contact Toby Blake, toby.blake@montana.edu.
AUI was founded in 1995 as a Moroccan public, not-for-profit 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 U.S. higher education. AUI is accredited by the Moroccan state as well as in the U.S. through the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). AUI has three schools—Business Administration (SBA), Science and Engineering (SSE), and Humanities and Social Sciences (SHSS). Thus, in addition to language and regional studies, students visiting AUI have the opportunity to engage with a broad range of subjects in accredited programs—EPAS for SBA and ABET for SSE.
Studying in Morocco allows students the unique opportunity to interact with a mix of cultures in a non-traditional study abroad setting. 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, Meknes, and Volubillis. Spain and all of Europe wait eight miles away across the Strait of Gibraltar. Travel within and outside the country is facilitated by an extensive and reasonably priced network of taxis, buses, trains, and flights.
Program Highlights: Courses, Engaged Learning, and Extra-Curriculars
For all the reasons given above, AUI is an institution where students have broad and deep choices for the courses, can advance in their degree plans, and explore Morocco and the broader region. Moreover, AUI’s curriculum and extra-curricular activities offer opportunities for service-learning, community engaged learning, leadership development, internships, and engagement with student clubs (including creating new clubs!).
Specifically, AUI has many opportunities for service-learning and community engaged learning, most directly through its Azrou Center for Community Development but also including relationships with many non-profits and community organizations in the area. Leadership development is infused at AUI but also supported directly through the Leadership Development Institute that provides workshops and trainings for interested students. Students can develop professionally through internships and work with existing or new on-campus clubs.
Course Offerings
*Note: Course scheduling and availability is subject to change at the discretion of the host institution.
View the semester course offerings here and the academic catalogue here.
Course Credits
15 per semester
Language of Instruction
English, other than language courses
Student Life
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.
If you require disability accommodation, please contact us right away.
Housing
Students live in spacious, on-campus, gender segregated residence halls. Visiting students all room with Moroccan degree seeking students, allowing for many opportunities for intercultural dialogue.
The cost of room and board is included in the program fee, although there will be some additional fees paid directly to AUI.
To learn more about the accommodations on campus, visit the website.
Duration
Spring 2023: January 19 - May 21
Costs
Spring 2023: 71,790 MAD ($6,807.27)
Application Deadlines
Spring: September 15
Eligibility Requirements
Interested students should have at least sophomore standing and a GPA of 2.5 based on a 4.0 scale or higher, in addition to transcripts and two letters of recommendation.
Have you talked with your study abroad advisor about your home institution's application process? Your institution's deadline might be earlier than the CCIS program application deadline. Check now to make sure all of your material is submitted on time!
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.
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.
Located along the Mediterranean Sea, Barcelona allows students to experience the culture of Catalunya. The mild climate, famed cuisine, and breathtaking arts give the Mediterranean region a distinct feel, unique from anywhere else in the world.
The Europe and the Islamic World Seminar is designed for students interested in an academic and cultural experience in France and Spain.
Learn Arabic or study regular university courses in Morocco. AUI is located in the beautiful resort community of Ifrane in the wooded Middle Atlas Mountains about 37 miles from Fez.
