Enjoy an Arabic language course in Morocco at our language school in the city of Fez.

The mesmerizing, historic city of Fez, known as Morocco's "Intellectual Capital", provides a unique ambiance for studying Arabic in North Africa. The most ravishing and mystical of Morocco's imperial cities, Fez was founded in 808 A.D. by the great Moroccan ruler saint Moulay Idris II.

It is still considered Morocco's premier religious city due to its great Islamic traditions. It is the site of Qarawiyyin Mosque (the largest in North Africa) and is also the burial place of Moulay Idris II.

Its medina is the most complex, with more ancient monuments, more mosques, Koranic schools, inns and souks than any Moroccan city. The beauty of the woodcarvings, tiles and pottery found here remains unmatched.

Other towns may be selling a rich choice of crafts, but chances are that many come from Fez -- and better still, in this city, you can watch the artisans make them. Set aside some time for shopping, perhaps at the potters' cooperatives on the edge of town, or the Centre Artisanal,where prices are fixed, unless you enjoy the ritual haggling that is required in the souk.

Set inside a "bowl" formed by surrounding hills, the old city of Fez is a gem of Moorish-Andalusian architecture. Its delicate minarets, flat roofed houses, narrow, winding streets, (some only 4 feet wide!), crowned by the imposing presence of the green tiled Mosque of city founder Moulay Idriss, and of the Karaouyne, all combine to inspire poets and artists from all over the world.

Since the faithful are forbidden by the Holy Coran to flaunt their wealth, many of the plain wooden doors lining the old medina's narrow alleyways often belie the wonders within. Here, large homes are built around an indoor atrium or courtyard with a fountain in the center. Most rooms open onto this cool, indoor garden, filled with trees or bushes.

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The Fez Medina - World Heritage Site
Rug Museum
Bahlil and Sefrou
Fez Festival of World Sacred Music

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SCHOOL FACILITIES
The school hosts a maximum of 150 international students, it shares its grounds with a well-established English school, thereby enabling interaction with young Moroccans. Other facilities include a small gym and TV / video area with Arabic films and satellite TV with stations from across the Arab World, gareden / patio area, 24-hour security, specialized Arab / Islamic library & enjoy Moroccan mint tea in the school snack bar.

NOTE: The school is closed on Friday's and Saturday's. , dress code when attending class, airport pick up is available from Fez airport at an additional charge.

Our school, established in 1983, is the pre-eminent institution in the Maghreb for the teaching of Arabic. It is housed in a large Moorish-style villa surrounded by a large oasis-like garden with date palms and rosemary shrubs.

Our school has 6 classrooms with a computer lab and wireless internet access. Students can relax in the private garden or retreat to the residence garden between or after classes.

The tranquil, residential neighborhood is only a 5-minute walk from the city center and within walking distance of many restaurants and cafes.

Students can choose between Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) or Colloquial Moroccan Arabic (CMA).

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THE BASICS
Course for all language levels in MSA & CMA - set 3 or 6 week courses - dates for beginners - use of course materials - lessons are usually held 8:00 am - noon or 3:00pm - 5:00 pm Sunday to Thursdays -class size max. 8 students (average 4 students)- min age 18 -

NOTE: It is NOT possible to take both the MSA and CMA language courses at same time. Please also plan to arrive earlier or the day before your course begins. The course start dates are normally mid week, due to religious holidays, please consider this when making travel arrangements. The school is closed on Friday's and Saturday's.

Standard: 4 lessons daily (20 hours per week)
(Set length of program 3 or 6 weeks).

Our programs cater to all language levels from beginner to advanced. Text books used are: Alif Baa', Al-Kitab fii Ta'allum al-'Arabiyya Vols. I and II, Al-Kitab Al-Assasi Vol. III plus additional materials.

Both MSA and CMA instructors hail from prestigious Moroccan universities, and traditional institutions (one of which is one of the oldest universities in the world). Our instructors are of exceptional caliber, have an excellent grasp of Arabic structure and vocabulary and apply a functional yet communicative curriculum.

NOTE: Students wishing to obtain university credit may be required to take a proficiency examination at the end of their studies at the school. We provide ACTFL proficiency examinations for a fee of 300 dhs; and on request can calculate a grade-point average.

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School Residence: (private room) no meals
The residence is in a beautiful villa across from the school. With a large garden and splendid view of the old medina, the residence provides a peaceful setting for studying and relaxing. All rooms have high ceilings and most open out onto private balconies. The kitchen and bath facilities are shared, no meals are included in this option and women and men are separated.

Host Family: (private room) 2 meals daily
Living with a host family is probably the best and most effective way to become fully immersed into the language and culture of your chosen country. All families are carefully selected and usually live not more than 20 minutes away. However, you should also have realistic expectations and be flexible in adjusting to the local customs, standard of accommodation and Moroccan daily life.

Students have access to all common areas and in most cases, will be expected to share the bathroom. All bed linens and pillows will be provided, however we suggest you bring your own towels. If your family does not provide a laundry service, they may allow you to use the laundry facilities for a small additional charge. When staying with a host family, your first night will be spent in a hotel and a school representative will introduce you to your host family the following day.

NOTES: Airport transfers may be included or available, also extra nights can be booked before / after course (at an additional cost), please check price page for details. The Sunday night accommodation before your course begins on Monday, is included in the program price. All meals will be local custom and meal times may be different to what you are used to, however you are not obligated to eat all your meals with the family, just notify them when you will not be returning to eat.. Our families are diverse with young couples without children, couples with children (of all age groups) and older couples with grown children who are no longer at home. Please see the Accommodation link for additional information.
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