Skip to Content

Program highlights for Rabat, Morocco

The city

Languages spoken:
Moroccan Arabic (Darija),
Modern Standard Arabic,
French

Currency:
Moroccan Dirham (MAD, درهم)

Climate:
Mediterranean

City type:
Metropolis (Population >500,000)

Passport & Visa requirements

The program

Program type:
Specialty

Host institution:
Center for Cross Cultural Learning (CCCL)

Language of instruction:
English

Terms offered:
January, Summer

Program capacity:
January: 25 students
Summer: 35 students

Credit type:
U.S. semester credit

Deadline to apply

January 2027:
October 15

Summer 2027:
Application opens September 2026

Eligibility:

  • Minimum GPA: 2.5

Scholarships and Financial Aid:
Deadlines vary

  • Rabat is the capital coastal city of Morocco, with a Mediterranean vibe blended with Arab and African culture.
  • Study Arabic and Moroccan culture and society during a shorter-term program in January or June.
  • Experience daily life, from bustling souks and local outings, like a resident while living within a homestay.
  • Explore local and nearby historic sites and cultural wonders through included field trips and excursions.

Why study in Rabat?

Market in Rabat, Morocco.Students on a tour in Rabat, Morocco.

Does spending your days studying Moroccan culture and Arabic while living in a northern African capital city sound exciting? Imagine starting your day with sweet mint tea, exploring bustling souks filled with spices, argan oil, and handcrafted pottery, and ending at home with your host family, catching up over a bowl of tagine and couscous before finishing your coursework for your next class.

A short-term study abroad in Rabat might be just what you’re looking for.

As the country’s capital, Rabat is a thriving coastal city, with sandy beaches, historic sites, relaxed cafés, art galleries, restaurants, and shopping. You can live in a city that’s welcoming and easy to get around, with walkable and tree-lined avenues. This city of two million people sees balmy highs of 82 degrees in the summer and rainy lows of 42 degrees during January.

You’ll study at the Center for Cross Cultural Learning (CCCL), a 30-year private educational institute and cultural center. Walk to class from your local homestay, and enjoy lecture series on Moroccan society, Arab and Islamic cultures, art exhibits, and musical performances while at the learning center.

Several full-day field trips, included in your program fee, could mean you’re visiting villages, desert locations, or local must-see locations. During your weekends, you can quickly journey to Casablanca, Tangier, Fes, “the blue city” Chefchaouen, or “the red city” Marrakesh.