During this intensive language program, classes meet for several hours a day, a total of 70 contact hours of Modern Standard Arabic and are taught by local faculty at the Qalam Language Center in Rabat. Students in the program live with Arabic-speaking Moroccan families and attend classes at Rabat Qalam Center in the modern "Souissi" area of the city, housed in a spacious villa and enclosed within its own tranquil garden, the school is an ideal place to learn and also offers students plenty of space for quiet study or reflection. Students will gain the advantage of an authentic cultural and linguistic immersion in an Arabic speaking country alongside formal languages classes. Cultural Excursions to visit various points of interest in Morocco supplement the Arabic training and further enhance the immersion experience provided at Qalam.
Program Highlights
- Intensive Arabic language program in the capital and second largest city in Morocco.
- Rabat was a world heritage site in 2012.
- Students will experience authentic cultural and linguistic immersion through daily classes, cultural activities and excursions, and living with Moroccan host families.
Eligibility
This program is open to all undergraduate students, including students who do not attend George Mason University. Non-students are also welcome to participate.
Undergraduate students must have a minimum GPA of 2.25.
All participants must have successfully completed ARAB 110 or the equivalent before the start of the program.
Credits
Students will choose the 3-credit course during the application process.
Course Options
Undergraduate:
- Arabic - ARAB 375: Study Abroad in the Arab World
- On return to Mason, students will have the option of testing out of 200/300-level classes. Please reach out to the Arabic Department for more information.
Program Dates*
December 29, 2020 - January 17, 2021
Sample Itinerary
| Day 1 |
Students arrive in Rabat & check-in with host families |
| Day 2 |
Morning: Orientation; Afternoon: Placement Test and Oral Interviews |
| Day 3 |
Morning: Class; Afternoon: Rabat City Tour and Language Partner Meetings |
| Day 4 |
Full Day of Class |
| Day 5 |
Trip to Marrakech. Overnight |
| Day 6 |
Trip to Marrakech. Return to Rabat |
| Day 7 |
Morning: Class; Afternoon: Cultural Excursion and Language Partner Meetings |
| Day 8 |
Morning: Class; Afternoon: Moroccan Cooking Workshop |
| Day 9 |
Full Day of Class; Arabic Calligraphy Workshop |
| Day 10 |
Full Day of Class; Language Partner Meetings |
| Day 11 |
Morning: Class; Afternoon: Departure to Sahara |
| Day 12 |
Weekend Trip to Sahara |
| Day 13 |
Weekend Trip to Sahara. Return to Rabat. |
| Day 14 |
Morning: Class; Afternoon: Pottery Workshop and Language Partner Meetings |
| Day 15 |
Full Day of Class; Arabic Calligraphy Workshop |
| Day 16 |
Full Day of Class |
| Day 17 |
Morning: Class and Final Exam; Afternoon: Class and Exam Correction and Language Partner Meetings |
| Day 18 |
Morning: Class and Oral Presentations; Afternoon: Farewell Ceremony |
| Day 19 |
Students depart for the U.S. |
* Dates and itinerary subject to change. The Global Education Office reserves the right to make changes to a program in light of currency fluctuations, changing security and safety conditions, and/or any other unforeseen circumstances.
Program Cost
Winter 2021: $3,750
Included: Tuition for 3 credits, accommodations with a host family, breakfasts and dinners provided by host family, lunches (Monday-Friday), guided tours and excursions as described in itinerary, airport pick-up in Rabat, cell phone & sim card rental in Morocco, international emergency medical insurance.
Not included: Airfare*, passport and visa fees, some meals, daily transportation, personal spending, required textbooks and/or course materials.
*Note: This program does not include a group flight. Information regarding arrival times and location will be sent out to all participants after the application deadline. Do not purchase airfare until you receive the "Green Light for Flights" notice from the Global Education Office via email. The notice will include information on the arrival/departure airports, flight times, and where to meet the group. Students who fail to follow the guidelines GEO sends out will be responsible for applicable costs of changing their flights.
When the time comes to purchase airfare, GEO will be recommending the purchase of Flight Interruption and Cancellation Insurance. The “Green Light for Flights” email will provide additional information about this insurance.
Program Payments
Students on MasonGEO programs must pay the advertised program cost in order to participate. This cost will be made in three payments (Deposit + First Payment + Final Payment). Students using financial aid can provide additional paperwork in lieu of deposit and final balance payments.
Application Deposit: A non-refundable program deposit $200 must be received by the application deadline. This fee is paid online through the MasonAbroad application system and is included in the program fee.
First Payment: A non-refundable payment of $1000 must be received by October 20th. This fee is paid online through the MasonAbroad application system and is included in the program fee. Students who are using financial aid may have this payment deadline extended. See "Financial Aid" information below.
In the event that a student’s financial aid or VA Benefits is estimated to cover the entire costs of the study abroad program, the entire charge will be posted to their student account, since that is where the aid will be applied. In this case students do not pay their first payment through MasonAbroad. However students must submit their “Intent to Use Financial Aid” form by the first deposit deadline.
Final Payment: The final balance payment is due by November 10th. This is the difference of your Program Cost minus the $1200 you've already paid (Deposit + First Payment). Students who are using financial aid may have this payment deadline extended. See "Financial Aid" information below.
Financial Aid and VA Benefits: Students who intend to use financial aid or VA benefits to fund their program fees (partially or in full) must have the "Intent to Use Financial Aid" or "Intent to Use VA Benefits Form" completed and on file with the Global Education Office by the First Payment deadline. The "Intent to Use Financial Aid" form is available in the MasonAbroad application system once you have started your application for this program. If you are using VA Benefits please contact your program officer to request the "Intent to Use VA Benefits Form."
Withdrawal and Refund Policy: All participants are bound by the Mason GEO
Withdrawal and Refund Policy.
Payment Instructions
For more information on payments, financial aid, and information for non-Mason students:
Payments
Scholarships
GEO offers a number of need- and merit-based scholarships. All Mason students on this program are welcome to apply:
Scholarships
Application Opens:
May 1st
Application Deadline:
Oct 10, 2020
Application requirements:*
Program Deposit: $200 for all applicants.
Course Selection Questionnaire: You will choose the course(s) you would like to be receive credit for on this program. Check the "Academics" tab to see what courses are offered on this program. If you need help selecting your course, check with your academic advisor.
Passport Status Questionnaire: You do not need a passport to complete this questionnaire or the application. However, if you do not have a valid passport, you should begin applying for one now. The Global Education Office offers Passport Grants to help.
Signature Documents: Read and electronically "sign" the documents regarding the acknowledgement of risk, the pre-departure orientation, and your financial responsibility.
Intent to Use Financial Aid Form: For Mason students only. If you use financial aid, this form must be completed by your financial aid counselor and submitted by the 1st payment deadline.
Additional requirements for non-Mason applicants:
Official transcript: To be mailed or emailed to the Global Education Office at George Mason University.
Non-degree Contract Course/Admission Form: Please complete the form and upload it into the questionnaire.
* Additional application requirements may apply to individual programs. Once you open your application, you will see all application requirements.
Application instructions: