Morocco’s history reflects centuries of interaction among diverse ethnic and religious communities, creating a rich and complex cultural landscape. Our curriculum engages this heritage through courses in North African, Middle Eastern, and Islamic Studies while helping students develop strong skills in Modern Standard Arabic and Moroccan Colloquial Arabic (Darija) for everyday communication. Students with advanced French proficiency may also enroll in French-taught courses offered at the IES Abroad Center or through our partner institution.
Study in Rabat
At a Glance
Program Dates:
- Academic Year 2026-2027: Early September - Mid May
- Fall 2026: September 04 - December 17
- Spring 2027: January 30 - May 14
- 2027 Fall: Early September - Mid December
- 2027-2028 Academic Year: Early September - Mid May
Credits:
Estimated Cost:
Visa Required:
Housing:
Language of Instruction:
Language Prerequisites:
Part-Time Internship (Optional):
About the Program
Program Advisor
Cyane Thomas
Once you’ve applied for a program, I’ll be your direct point of contact. From housing to course registration and everything in between, I’m here to help you prepare to study abroad. Once you’re accepted to your program, you’ll find even more detailed information about what you need to know before you depart in your Predeparture Guide. Let’s get started!
About the Destination
Why Rabat?
As you walk the boulevards of Rabat, it’s hard not to be enchanted by the mystery and tradition of this timeless city. From the bustling souqs (open-air markets) and energizing atmosphere of the city to the serenity of the nearby sea, Rabat is an ideal place to learn about the languages, cultures, and religions of North Africa and the Middle East.
The Student Experience
Returning Home
Blog Summary:
If you study abroad during the fall semester then you can wrap up the souvenirs for your family and friends and treat them as Holiday gifts
Some...
Program Dates
Academic Year 2026-2027
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Fall 2026
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Spring 2027
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2027 Fall
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2027-2028 Academic Year
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Academics
Our mission is simple: to provide you with the best study abroad program possible—which includes the highest quality academic and cultural experiences.
We offer unique courses that explore Moroccan Language, history, and culture with an in-depth and hands-on approach. Our world-class professors and course options at prestigious local universities enhance your academic experience and provide you with new perspectives each day in class.
You take 12 to 19 credits per semester. Modern Standard Arabic (6 credits, semester long) and colloquial Moroccan Arabic during orientation (1 credit, during orientation) are required. All other courses are 3 credits, unless otherwise stated.
Partner Institution
Université Mohammed V
Named after the former King of Morocco, the Université Mohammed V was founded in 1957 after Moroccan independence as the country's first modern university. IES Abroad Rabat students with advanced-level proficiency in Arabic or French may enroll in courses taught in these languages in the Faculty of Letters and Humanities of the University Mohammed V - Agdal.
Courses
Create your own academic experience by selecting from the following required and optional program components:
Orientation Course
- IES Abroad Intensive Introduction to Colloquial Moroccan Arabic (required, 1 credit)
Semester Courses
- IES Abroad Modern Standard Arabic course (required, 6 credits)
- IES Abroad Colloquial Moroccan Arabic course (optional, 3 credits)
- English- or French-taught IES Abroad area studies courses (optional, 3 credits)
- French- or Arabic-taught courses at the Université Mohammed V (optional, credits vary)
- Internship Placement and Seminar (optional, 3 credits)
To learn more about IES Abroad’s innovative theoretical and pedagogical approaches to teaching language abroad, refer to the IES Abroad MAP for Language & Intercultural Communication.
NOTE: This is a list of planned course offerings. After you are accepted, you will see a list of final course offerings in your MyIESabroad account. Additionally, IES Abroad reserves the right to cancel a course due to insufficient enrollment or circumstances beyond our control.
IES Abroad Courses
African Studies (2)
| Course name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| AF/SO 320 - Sub-Saharans in Morocco | Fall, Spring | French | 3 |
| AS/CU 221 - North African Cultural Identities | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
Partner Institution Courses
Université Mohammed V
Courses are available in Arabic and French and focus on language, linguistics, literature, and cultural studies. You are advised on-site about the academic offerings of the university. Courses are available in the following fields:
- Communication
- French Literature and French Studies
- Geography*
- History and Civilization
- Islamic Studies*
- Philosophy
- Politics
- Psychology*
- Sociology
Course offerings may vary from semester to semester and particular courses may not be available during your semester or academic year in Rabat.
*Note: These courses are only taught in Arabic.
Requirements
- 18 years of age
- In good standing at your home school
- Sophomore, junior, or senior standing when program begins. Undergraduate candidates only.
- A cumulative GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale (GPAs under 2.75 will be considered on a case-by-case basis)
About the IES Abroad Center
The Center is where our highly trained local staff provide on-the-ground support throughout your time abroad.
The IES Abroad Rabat Center is located within easy walking distance of the city’s famous shopping and cultural hub called The Medina. Whether you’re visiting the significant Mausoleum of Mohammed V, or marveling at the Hassan Tower, the Center is your study abroad hub.
IES Abroad Rabat Staff
Housing
Homestay
Live with a local family in the Medina within walking distance of our Center and experience Moroccan traditions, family life, and cuisine. You will receive three meals daily. You may request to live with another IES Abroad student in your homestay.
Field Trips
Even though your adventure starts in Rabat, our field trips take you beyond the city to discover the culture and traditions of your host country. All trips are included in the program fee unless otherwise noted with ($).
NOTE: IES Abroad field trip destinations, activities, and lengths of stay may vary according to term and availability.
Part-Time Internships
Did you know that, while in Rabat, you can intern as part of your study abroad experience? With a part-time internship, you’ll gain global work experience that will increase your job readiness and give you an advantage after graduation. With an internship, you will:
- Take an important step in your career development by navigating the professional world with our support.
- Learn more about yourself both personally and professionally and build confidence in the process.
- Experience what working in Rabat is really like and gain an authentic understanding of the workplace culture while developing real, applicable job skills that will bolster your career readiness.
- Begin building an international network by making connections with coworkers and peers.
All of our internships are supervised and earn IES Abroad credit. You participate in a 3-credit seminar to complement the practical experience you gain during the internship for a greater understanding of work life in your host country.
NOTE: IES Abroad Rabat offers a variety of internship opportunities for students with two or more semesters of French or Arabic study. For students with no previous study of French or Arabic, placement options are limited and cannot be guaranteed in advance.
Placement Examples
Research Projects
Administrative Work
Charities & Nonprofits
Volunteer Opportunities
When you volunteer in Rabat, you have the chance to make a difference in the local community while meeting new people and gaining a new perspective on the world. If you are passionate about volunteering abroad, just let the on-site staff know at the beginning of your term.
Past volunteer opportunities in Rabat include:
Hospital Volunteer
Visit patients in a hospital
Beach Clean-Up
Volunteer to help reduce litter and protect our oceans
Animal Shelter Volunteer
Assist at a dog and cat shelter
Program Cost
Academic Year 2026-2027
Fall 2026
Spring 2027
2027 Fall
$7.9 Million in Scholarships & Aid
We firmly believe that financial limitations should not prevent a qualified student from studying abroad. This is why we commit millions of dollars to our study abroad scholarships and aid.
Orientation
Health & Safety
With 75 years of experience, we are proud to set the standard for health and safety in study abroad. Our Chicago-based and on-site staff are all highly trained and experienced in the matters of health, safety, and crisis management. We are here for you from predeparture to your return, and are ready to support you—no matter which time zone you’re in. We plan for "what ifs" so that you don’t have to. From international health insurance included in your program cost to highly trained local staff who can connect you with English-speaking healthcare providers, we work around the clock to ensure your health and safety while abroad.
Apply for your passport today!
Getting your passport is a crucial step for studying abroad. With processing times taking longer than usual, consider this a gentle reminder to not procrastinate on getting or renewing your passport.
Frequently Asked Questions
Identity Resources
Student Ambassadors
No one knows the IES Abroad experience better than a student who has lived it! From budget tips to housing experiences, our volunteer Ambassadors are here to share it all.
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