Courses
What are the class schedules?
Classes begin everyday at 9:00am and continue until 12:45pm. There are four, fifteen minute breaks throughout the morning. Afternoon classes take place from 2:00pm until 5:45. Excursions take place twice each week from 2:00pm until 4:00pm. Lunch is served at 1:00pm. The library is open from 9am until 6:00pm.
Who are the instructors?
Our instructors are all experts in teaching Arabic as a foreign language. They hail from some of the most prestigious Universities in Morocco and all hold advanced degrees specializing in Applied Linguistics and foreign language acquisition. Many of our instructors also have experience teaching Arabic in American Universities while participating in a yearlong Fullbright exchange. They all are native Arabic speakers and they are also fluent in English and French.
What textbooks are used?
Our Modern Standard Arabic classes primarily use the textbooks from the world renowned “Al Kitaab” series by Georgetown University Press. Our classical Arabic classes also use the Madina Islamic University series textbooks.
The primary textbook used in the Colloquial Moroccan Arabic courses is The Peace Corps Handbook for Moroccan Arabic.
What should I bring to class?
You should bring two notebooks, a pencil, and two pens (each a different color).
Do I have to buy my textbooks, or are they included?
We do recommend that students buy their textbooks before arriving in Morocco, because these books are very expensive here. Alternatively, students may also borrow the books from the school on deposit if they do not wish to purchase their textbook.
Can I get college or University credit for my classes at Qalam?
There are two ways to get University or college credit for your courses taken at Qalam. The most common way to get credit by having us work directly with your home university or college. If you put us in contact with your student advisor responsible for your study abroad we will be happy to provide course syllabi, course descriptions, and course schedules to help them approve the classes. Once you have begun taking courses here we can continue to communicate with your home institution with attendance sheets, grades, and progress reports.
Qalam wa Lawh, in concert with our partner Languages Abroad, has also been accredited by Brookhaven College, a member of the Southern Association of Colleges and Universities. Our beginning and Intermediate courses can be taken with Brookhaven credit. This credit can also be transferred to your home institution.
If you are interested in seeking credit through study at Qalam, please contact our program director, Malaika Freeland, at m.freeland@qalam.ma .
Accommodation
What types of accommodation is offered?
Qalam wa Lawh student services offers three types of accommodation for students; host families, apartments at school, and downtown apartments. Our students all seem to prefer the at school apartments because of the convenience of traveling to class, the comfort of the facility, the access to internet and computers, as well as the atmosphere of being with their classmates and international friends. The school housing is equipped to support those who wish to spend their evenings researching or doing homework. As well as those who may feel more comfortable in familiar surroundings.
However, at school apartments may not be the best option if your interest is truly being “immersed” in the Arabic language and Moroccan culture. For students wishing to get the most linguistic advancement from their time here, we always recommend homestays with Moroccan families we carefully select for their ability to provide and safe and educational environment.
For long term students or when at school housing is full, we also subcontract furnished apartments downtown. These apartments have all the necessities, although few luxuries. However, they do afford students privacy and autonomy.
Is there a kitchen, café or food service offered at school?
Yes, the school cook provides breakfast (for students housed at school) lunch (for all students) and traditional Moroccan tea during breaks. Students may also use the stove, microwave, and dishes available in the kitchen.
Host families
What should I bring with me to my host family?
Bring your own shampoo and toiletries. Also it may be wise to bring your own towels. Moroccan host families are very accommodating and generous however some cultural differences will probably come to play during your stay. Moroccans tend to use resources very sparingly and are not tolerant of waste. So it’s important to be mindful of the impact you have on the home environment.
What are Moroccan host families like?
Moroccan host families are very eager to share in everything that they have with their foreign guests. They love to talk about politics and religion and are generally very open minded to discussing new ideas and concepts which they may not necessarily agree with. Moroccans generally love foreigners, even if they may not like your government (or more specifically, head of state). For example, it would be very common for an American traveling here to be told in a casual encounter with a Moroccan, “Oh I love America and Americans! But I do not like Bush!”
Moroccan host families tend to be very protective of their guest students, especially female students. They tend to treat them as they would their own children.
Travel
Where is the nearest airport to the school?
The closest airport to the school is the Rabat/Sale airport, just 20 minutes from our school. However, the only airline which flies to Rabat airport is Air France so flights to RBA can be more expensive than other Moroccan airports.
Casablanca Mohammed V airport is 1 ½ hour drive from Rabat or alternative 1 ½ hour by train. There is a train station located in the airport basement and fares to Rabat stations from the airport are 100dirhams (approximately 10 Euros/ $13) for a first class seat. Many major and discount airlines fly into Mohammed V and this makes it the most common choice for air travel into Morocco.
The airport of Marrakech is a fast growing entry point into Morocco and currently there are many European discount airlines offering very enticing rates for flights to Marrakech. Marrakech is a 4 hour direct train ride away from Rabat and the tariff for a first class seat is approximately 25 Euros or $30.
How much should my airline ticket cost?
North America: The least expensive airlines are Royal Air Maroc (flying from New York and Montreal direct to Casablanca), British Airways (connecting flights in London direct to Casablanca) and Air France (connecting flights in Paris direct to Casablanca). From the east coast tickets should cost about $800-$1200. From the west coast and Midwest flights will average $900-$1400 depending on the number of connections needed. The least expensive way to book these tickets is usually directly through their websites, http://royalairmaroc.com , http://bristishairways.com , and http://airfrance.com .
Britain: Many new discount airlines fly from UK airports direct to Marrakech (4 hours train ride from our school) and Casablanca. Easy Jet and Ryan air sometimes offer fares for as little as £30. Flights to Casablanca via British Airways average £100-£200.
France: Royal Air Maroc and Air France offer many specials for flights from Charles de Gaulle to Casablanca and Rabat. These flights should cost between €150 and €400. Again discount airlines like Ryan air and Easy Jet offer alternative routes at very interesting rates.
How do I get to school from the airport?
If you want to be met and picked up at the airport (Casablanca or Rabat) this is something we would be very happy to accommodate. However, you may also choose to take the trains or a taxi from the airport and this will be much more cost effective. Once you have arrived in Rabat, you can take a blue “petite taxi” and ask the driver to take you to Supermarche Soussi. You can print this map of the school neighborhood and point out to the driver you destination, being sure to indicate “Supermarche Souissi” as a place marker on the map. Be advised that you should not have to negotiate your taxi fare in the petite taxis. These taxis all have meters and the meters should be running! The fare from Rabat Agdal train station to school is 15-20 dirhams (or €2/$2.5)
Activities
What types of activities are included in the course?
Your courses include two guided Rabat excursions per week. These excursions can be anything from fun social activities like horse back riding or bowling to visiting sites of great cultural and historic interest like the Royal Palace, the 8th Century Arab ruins, or the souks. Each excursion is led by an experienced Arabic tutor and is 2 hours long. Students pay for their own transportation and entry fees.
What Rabat sites are typically visited during the week?
Historic sites:
City of Chellah
Oudaya Fortress
Souks
Royal Palace
Hassan Tower/Mausoleum
Archeological Museum
Political/Cultural Activities:
Parliament
Museum of Currency
Postal Museum
Natural Science Museum
Gallery Bab Rouh (art gallery)
Villa Des Artes
Exotic Gardens
Social Activities:
Horse Back Riding on Skhirate Beach
Trip to Temara Beach
Bowling
Ice Skating
Moroccan Café
Hilton Park
Tour Agdal
Tour Centreville
University Mohammed V
BBQ
Morocco
Does the school arrange tours of other Moroccan cities?
Weekend tours to Meknes, Volubillis, Casablanca, Fes, Marrakech, Kenitra and Ourzarzate are organized based on student demand. These tours are led by experienced Arabic instructors. We also provide advice and assistance to students planning to travel on their own for the weekends.
What is the weather like in Morocco in the summer?
The climate in Morocco varies dramatically from one city to another over any given season, so it’s important to do research before you travel.
The Rabat climate is typically milder than other Moroccan cities because of its coastal location. Summer temperatures in Rabat average about 23° C (73° F). Heat waves during July and August can bring on temperatures as high as 32° C (90° F). There is very little rainfall during the summer months.
Interior cities like Meknes, Marrakech and Fes have heat waves with indexes often 10 degrees higher than Rabat temperatures. Heat stroke and dehydration can be a real concern when traveling to these cities. It’s very important to conserve your energy and maintain good hydration and nutrition or order to avoid possible injury.
What is the weather like in Morocco in the winter?
Just like in summer, the winter weather in Morocco can be very unpredictable. While there is snow on the Atlas mountaintops at Ifrane and Marrakech, there are many days on the coast and Western Sahara when temperatures do not dip beneath 20° C (69° F).
Winter temperatures in Rabat average 12° C (56° F). Winter and specifically the Months of January-March are the rainy season. Wet weather can bring temperatures down to near freezing.
Interior cities like Fes, Marrakech, and Meknes experience even lower temperatures and indoor heating is nearly non-existent in Moroccan hotels, public buildings and restaurants. So it’s important to dress appropriately and dress in layers. Wear long underclothes and always wear warm socks. It’s also helpful to cover your neck and head as this will do a great deal more to ward of the chill.
Is it safe to travel alone in Morocco?
In general, yes, Morocco is a very safe place for a person to travel, whether man or woman. However, it is important to be cautious and practice good common sense in order to avoid dangerous situations when traveling. You should always do research and ask around for advice before visiting a new city. The Qalam employees and instructors are very happy to provide any information that they can for students planning to embark on a solo excursion. We generally advise students to try their best to blend in, stay in well lit popular areas, and avoid carrying large sums of money. Ensuring students have a safe, carefree experience is a high priority to everyone here at Qalam.
Registration
How soon do I need to register for my course?
You should register for your course as soon as possible in order to ensure class space. This is especially true for our high season (April-August) when most classes fill very quickly. However, it is possible to register for a class even up till the first day class begins as long as there is space. But bear in mind, if there is no space in our on location apartments; it may take up to two weeks to arrange your housing if there has not been advanced notice.
How can I pay for my classes?
We accept Visa, Mastercard, cash in any major currency or Moroccan currency, and wire transfer. You should be able to get cash easily and inexpensively from ATMs throughout Rabat. There are 5 banks and ATMs within walking distance of Qalam wa Lawh.
Do you offer any group discounts?
If you have a group of 4 or more students all traveling at the same time at the same level of study, we are able to offer special group prices to you. Contact us for more details.
Are there any scholarships available to study at Qalam?
Because Arabic is a critical needs language, there are currently many grant and scholarship opportunities for students interested in taking intensive courses in Arabic. In North America, particularly there are many places to seek funds, such as, the Boren scholarship (link http://www.iie.org/programs/nsep/undergraduate/default.htm), the Gilman International scholarship (link: http://www.iie.org//programs/gilman/index.html) the Fullbright Hays Scholarship (link: http://us.fulbrightonline.org/home.html ).
Qalam wa Lawh Center for Arabic Studies also offers financial aid and scholarships on a very selective basis. Students must demonstrate a true financial need for assistance as well as a passion and dedication for studying the Arabic Language in the hopes of furthering peace and diplomacy throughout the world.