Art, Design, and Arabic Language in Morocco

Students will spend the first week in Rabat, the capital city of Morocco, known for its historic landmarks and modern institutions. They will stay with host families and attend classes at the CIEE Center. The second week will be spent in Marrakech, famous for its historic palaces and stunning gardens, where students will stay in a riad in the medina.

In Rabat, students will visit traditional Moroccan fabric and crafts studios and see sites such as the Mohammed VI Museum, the Dar al-Hadith al-Hassania center for Islamic studies, and learn about topics including Islamic religious art and sacred design, Arabic calligraphy, and Amazigh Berber culture. Students will also learn to prepare tea and cook traditional Moroccan food with their host families.

In Marrakech, students will explore the Jardin Majorelle and Yves Saint Laurent Museum, visit design studios such as Marrakshi Life, LRNCE, and Arroz con Pollo, and ride camels in the desert. Students will also have the chance to experience a traditional Moroccan hammam.

Requirements: A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required. Students who do not meet the GPA requirement may still be eligible and should speak with OU’s International Education Office prior to applying.

Courses: DES3910 / ART3910: Art & Design in Morocco (4 credits)

ARB 1140: First Year Arabic Language I (4 credits)

Students may take either DES3910 / ART 3910 or ARB 1140, or both.

DES 3910 / ART 3910 is taught entirely in English. No prior knowledge of the Arabic language is required to participate on this program.

Classes will be held at the CIEE Center in Rabat during the first week and at various locations around Marrakech during the second week, focusing on art and design in the North African country. In destinations like colorful Marrakech, students will learn about historical and contemporary topics, such as local artisans at souks, Arabic typography and pattern design through architectural sites such as palaces and mosques. Credits count toward the major, minor or modified major in relevant fields such as Art, Design, and Cultural Studies.

Rabat: Students will live with host families, providing an immersive cultural experience. Placements consider student preferences and special dietary requirements. Homestays include breakfast and dinners.

Marrakech: Students will stay in a traditional riad in the medina, offering an authentic Moroccan experience. Breakfast is included in the hotel.

Traditional Moroccan foods include tagine, couscous, harira, mint tea, and pastilla.

This program is generously supported by the Hajja Razia Sharif Sheikh Islamic Studies Endowed Scholarship and the Sheikh family.   Mrs. Sheikh held a strong belief in formal education and encouraged her eight children to pursue college studies.  She was active in her community and a leader in her faith.  This important endowed scholarship supports students who are interested in learning more about the history, traditions and culture of Islam and who, as part of their studies, study abroad in a Muslim country or take courses in Islamic Studies.

Tuition: 4  or 8 Credits

You will be charged for these credits on your eBill at your normal rate of tuition.

Program Fee: $2,500

To be paid to OU on our MarketPlace payment system and includes airfare, housing, some meals, ground transportation, all excursions while in Morocco and health insurance.

Additional Costs: $450

You will need additional funds for expenses not covered by the program fee. Amounts are estimated as follows:

•   Meals: $100
•   Incidental Personal Expenses: $200
•   Passport (if you don't have one): $150

Scholarships and Financial Aid: You are able to use financial aid to cover your full cost of attendance for this program (tuition, program fee and additional costs). Scholarships are also available through your study abroad application.