Study Arabic in Morocco (Tetouan)

  Morocco

Tetouan

Dates: Starts any Monday

Description: Learn Arabic Language in Morocco:
Located on the Mediterranean and surrounded by majestic mountains, Tetouan (pop. 335,000) is a popular Moroccan resort because of its excellent beaches. The city is well-situated less than 40 miles from Tangiers and only a one hour ferry ride from the Spanish coast. Tetouan is more than a beach resort because its history and identity is defined by the intersection of several religions and cultures. Arab poets refer to it as "The White Dove" while other cultures refer to it as "little Jerusalem" due to the large Jewish population living alongside a large Arabic population.

The Medina (old town) is on the World Heritage List by UNESCO and is dotted with squares, souks and buildings from its fifteenth-century founding by Andalusian refugees. The refugees, both Muslims and Jews, brought with them the most refined sophistication of Moorish Andalusia, an aristocratic tradition that is still reflected in the architecture of the Medina. Their houses, full of extravagant detail, are quite unlike those of other Moroccan towns; indeed, to the old Arab quarters of Cordoba, Granada and Sevilla. The Spanish connection was reinforced by colonization in the early years of the last century, Tetouan becoming a provincial capital of the Spanish northern protectorate, encompassing the Rif Mountains. Although French is the official second language (after Arabic) throughout Morocco, Spanish is widely spoken in Tetouan. There are also many reminders of mainland Spain, particularly in the cuisine and in el paseo - the summer evening stroll.

School Facilities: The school is located in the center of downtown, overlooking Place Moulay Mehdi, the city's most beautiful public square in the historic Spanish quarter of the city. Facilities are fully-equipped with the latest audio-visual equipment including television sets, VCR and DVD players, wireless headphones, and high-speed Internet connection. Capacity is 72 students/day.

Participants: Mostly university students and independent travelers who are under 30 years old. Wide variety of nationalities: 43% of students are from Europe, 29% from North America, 14% from South America, 7% from Asia, and 7% from Africa.

Highlights: Arabic Immersion Program (included in tuition):

    * 4 hrs/day classes (20 hrs/wk)
    * Group classes (max 6)
    * Private room in host family
    * 3 meals daily
    * Some organized activities
    * City tour of Tetouan
    * Airport pick-up in Tangiers
    * Emergency message service
    * Travel Assistance Program

Options (extra cost):

    * one-on-one classes
    * Weekend excursions

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to American, Australian, Canadian, European and World Wide Participants.

Participants Travel to Morocco Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Written Application

AmeriSpan Study Abroad's Mission Statement: Since 1993, AmeriSpan has sent more than 23,000 people abroad. Our staff has three passions: language, culture, and travel. Individually and as a group, we have accumulated experiences and knowledge related to these passions. We have traveled to more than 65 countries - every continent except Antarctica - and speak 10 languages. We are happy to share this enormous amount of relevant knowledge with you. Every AmeriSpan staff member has studied and/or lived abroad for extended periods of time. We understand your questions and concerns because we have personally dealt with the same issues. We have gone to great lengths to make it easier for you than it was for us. After enrolling in a program, you will receive a copy of the "Need-To-Know" fact sheets on the country or countries that you will be visiting. These fact sheets include information about entry requirements, climate, health and many other "Need-To-Know" things. If you still have questions, we'll be happy to answer them. We are neither a language school nor a travel agent we're a hybrid of the two, a language travel organization. AmeriSpan has evaluated hundreds of schools, host families and destinations to determine which programs to offer. Our independence allows us to give you unbiased evaluations of the programs. We do not just list what is included, rather, we clearly state our opinions. Each program description contains a program review that describes what we like and what we don't like about the program. Aside from assisting you with which program to choose, we work hard to make the whole process as simple as possible. AmeriSpan pre-arranges your school, lodging, airport pick-up and other services. With AmeriSpan, you will not have to worry about international wire transfers, international phone calls or dozens of other possible complications with arrangements and money.

Year Founded: 1994