Morocco: Al Akhawayn University (Exchange Program)
Study abroad in Morocco at Al Akhawayn University in Ifrane.
Al Akhawayn University is a small, liberal arts institution in the beautiful town of Ifrane in the Atlas Mountains. Immerse yourself in Moroccan culture, explore the many outdoor activities and travel to the nearby historic cities of Fez and Meknes. Great fit for many majors including Business, Communications, Middle Eastern and North African Studies, Computer Science, History, International Relations, Arabic and French.
Why study abroad in Morocco?
“I wouldn’t trade my experience in Morocco for anything else. In fact, Morocco has opened my eyes to so much more than I thought it would before I left.” - Rollins Study Abroad Alum
Academic Information
Courses
- Courses are taught by AUI faculty and the learning environment is similar to Rollins.
- Students can select from a variety of courses and are strongly encouraged to take a class in French or Arabic while at AUI.
- Some classes incorporate field trips such as Dr. Zvan-Elliot's North African Politics and Government class.
- Check out the Al Akhawayn's course catalog for a list of possible classes.
Transfer of Credit
- Students take 4-5 courses and most courses are worth 3 credits so students earn 12-15 credits on this program.
- Courses appear on the Rollins transcript as transfer credit; the grades are displayed and are factored into the Rollins GPA.
- It can take up to three months for grades to be processed and appear on the Rollins transcript.
- Students can take major and minor courses abroad (with approval from the academic department) and can also take competencies and rFLA200-level seminars abroad (with approval from the Registrar).
- This program has Registrar approved rFLA200 seminars and competencies, check them out here!
What It’s Like to Study Abroad in Morocco
Housing & Meals
- Students live in single or double rooms in the residence halls at AUI. Bathrooms are en-suite.
- Residence halls are gender segregated and students may not access residences of the opposite gender. However, there are shared common areas and many spaces across campus where students can gather and socialize.
- Students have a full meal plan and access to three different on-campus restaurants that are open seven days a week: a Moroccan and International cuisine restaurant, a grill, and a pizzeria/Italian restaurant.
- There is also a café with pastries and sandwiches and the grill is open for late night food until 11:00 pm.
- The campus store is also available with a small selection of groceries and office supplies.
Activities & Excursions
- There are over 40 student organizations, intramural sports teams, weekly movie screenings, campus parties, and an end-of-semester talent show.
- AUI arranges an included three-day weekend in-country excursion.
- Travel around Morocco is easy and inexpensive. Ifrane is connected to the nearby and historic cities of Fez and Meknes via bus and both cities have larger bus and train stations.
- Past students have been able to spend holidays with Moroccan friends at their homes and travel around Morocco with other international students, visiting places like the vibrant city of Marrakesh, the laidback beach town, Essaouria, and the famed blue city of Chefchaouen.
Things to Consider
Same-sex relationships are criminalized in Morocco. LGBTQIA+ students should carefully and thoroughly check the US Department of State LGBTI Travelers page and ILGA Sexual Orientation Laws in the World for more information as well as the IP Your Identity Abroad page in MyRollins.
Students with mobility disabilities may find accessibility and accommodations different from the United States. Check the US Department of State Travelers with Disabilities and specific to the country, Mobility International USA, and the IP Your Identity Abroad page in MyRollins for resources.
Program Calendar: Fall 2024
| Dates | |
|---|---|
| Aug 25 | Orientation |
| Sept 2 | Classes Begin |
| Sept 16 | Holiday Eid al Mawlid |
| Nov 6 | Holiday Green March |
| Nov 18 | Holiday Independence Day |
| Dec 13 | Last Day of Class |
| Dec 15-23 | Final Exams |
Program Calendar: Spring 2025
| Dates | |
|---|---|
| Jan 14 | Arrive |
| Jan 15-17 | New Student Orientation |
| Jan 20 | First Day of Classes |
| Mar 24-28 | Break |
| Mar 31-Apr 1 | Spring and Eid al-Fitr Break |
| May 1 | Labor Day Holiday |
| May 8 | Last Day of Classes |
| May 10-18 | Exam Period |
| May 19 | Depart |
Program Calendar: Fall 2025
| Dates | |
|---|---|
| Aug 29 | Arrive |
| Aug 30-Sep 3 | New Student Orientation |
| Sep 4-5 | Holiday: Eid Al Mawlid |
| Sep 8 | First Day of Classes |
| Nov 6-7 | Green March and Long Weekend |
| Dec 13 | Last Day of Classes |
| Dec 15-23 | Exam Period |
| Dec 24 | Depart |
Requirements for Admission
- Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors
- Clean record with the Office of Community Standards and good academic and college standing
- Professional application: materials are submitted on-time, are edited before submission, and are thorough and thoughtful
- Minimum 2.75 GPA
- Required advising session (30 minutes) as part of the application process. Visit MyRollins to schedule an advising appointment.
Incoming Exchange Students
The coordinator for incoming exchange students is Jenifer Ruby, Director of International Student & Scholar Services. For information about application and advising for incoming exchange students, please visit the website for International Student & Scholar Services. You may also contact Ms. Ruby at jruby@rollins.edu for more details.
Getting There
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Flight
Students arrange their own flight to Morocco and transportation to the university once they arrive. Students can arrange for pick-up at the Fez airport or train station through AUI for a small fee.
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Orientation
Orientation at AUI includes academic advising, an introduction and tour of the campus, an introduction to Moroccan culture, social events, an organized shopping trip, an introduction to student services on-campus, and athletic and campus organization fairs.
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Visa
- US citizens do not need to pre-apply for a visa to Morocco. Students will register for residency once on-site during their on-site orientation.
- For general information about the visa process and visas for non-US citizens, see our Passports & Visas Page in MyRollins.
Costs
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Program Fee
Most Rollins financial aid and scholarships will apply to the semester abroad.
Tuition: $30,290
Housing: $5,115
All meals/food: $3,295
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Also Includes
Orientation, campus/program activities, printing fees, program administration, and emergency insurance.
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Estimated Additional Costs
Transportation: Round-trip airfare from FL $800, on-site $510
Passport: $165
Refundable Housing Deposit: $200 (returned to student after the program ends)
Books/course materials: $60
Personal expenses: $1,600
Federal student loan fees if applicable: $40
Professional licensure, certification or credentials costs: $0 -
Need-Based Scholarships
Scholarships based on financial need are available to off-set costs associated with international airfare and other costs associated with study abroad. Students can apply for scholarships through the Rollins program application.
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Living and Working
Having a credit card while abroad is very helpful. Morocco has a low cost of living compared to the United States.
Connect with an Advisor, Apply or Learn More
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