COR 375 with Dr. Kurt Hoffman

• $1,400 for those with full CCS benefit
• $2,800 for those with half CCS benefit
• $4,200 for those with no CCS benefit

Experience Morocco – an initiation into the Islamic, Arabic, African world. Discover the unique culture of Morocco through first-hand experiences with economics, education, family life, government, and religion; see how these social structures work together in the country. Encounter Morocco’s diverse geography from lush coastal plains to mountains to dunes in the Sahara desert.

Learning activities may include:

Economics

Explore the narrow streets of Morocco’s medinas – lined with fresh fruit stands, spices, hammered brass, copper, and silver goods, famous tile and pottery work, leather and handwoven goods. Spend some time bartering in the small souks (marketplace). Discover Marrakech’s lively, and well-known, medina center square – Jemaa el-Fna. Visit Casablanca, Morocco’s principal port and economic capital, to discover more about youth entrepreneurship and the economic role Morocco plays with Mediterranean neighbors. Potentially meet with “Start-up Your Life in Casa”, an organization in Casablanca, to discuss small business and social enterprise in the city.

Education

Learn about Moroccan education by visiting a University, either Hassan II University or Al Akhawayn University in the city of Ifrane. Understand literacy issues, and educational practices, through a lecture given by a Moroccan instructor. Discover the beauty of another language, through taking a 3-hour Arabic language class; put this into practice by conversing with members of the community and your homestay family.

Family

Spend a night with a homestay family in a medina in Fes, Morocco’s ancient capital and spiritual center. Take a 2-hour camel ride out into the Sahara will bring you to a village where you will spend the night in traditional tents with Morocco’s original inhabitants – the Berber. Experience another homestay in a Berber village experiencing the “Day in the Life of a Berber.” See what traditional Berber family relationships are like in contrast to those living in the medina; you will have the opportunity to complete daily activities with the Berber such as collecting water from a well, transporting water by donkey, brewing mint tea, baking bread in a clay oven, and preparing traditional tagines together.

Government

Understand Morocco’s governmental systems and see how they have changed over the years. Discover significant historical places such as the King’s Palace in the capital city of Rabat, the 2000-year old Roman ruins of Volubilis in Chefchaouen, the ruins of Sijilmassa, and an ancient ksar (fortified village) in Rissani. Explore Ouarzazate, “the Land of 1000 Kasbahs”, to see where ruling sheiks and kings once lived. After discovering much of Morocco’s ancient political structures, including Meknes – an imperial city and UNESCO world heritage site – learn more about modern politics at a visit to the U.S. Embassy.

Religion

Take an in-depth look at religious relations and see how it affects modern Moroccan culture. Visit several mosques, such as the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, and the Koutoubia Mosque in Marrakech, as well as at least one church and the Jewish museum in Casablanca. Visit the ancient madrassa (university) established in the medina of Fes. Attend lectures from both Muslim and Christian scholars to learn about religious and cultural differences within the country. Experience religious history as you explore Fes, the cultural and spiritual capital of Morocco.

Other potential activities:

• Visit the Atlas Movie Studios.
• Learn to make delicious fresh bread, tagines, and Moroccan hot mint tea.
• See the unique aqueducts and date palms in Erfoud.
• Climb up in small caves near the beautiful Todra Gorges as you cross the Atlas Mountains on the route that ancient traders such as Marco Polo used.
• Visit Essaouira, a picturesque coastal town that wood carvers and artists often make their home. Try your skills at surfing in the Atlantic or visit the hammam.
• See the argan orchards from which argan oil is made and exported around the world.

“Morocco is beautiful. From the rich history, to the mountains of rock and sand, to the big brown eyes of the Berber people, and into the rich traditions ingrained in everyday life, beauty is everywhere. My experience has caused me to want to live a dynamic life that is impacting others while bringing the Kingdom of God with me wherever I go. I do not think I could have said that in full faith before traveling to Morocco and for that realization alone, this trip was completely worth it.”

Sarah Lantis

“My Cross Cultural experience was one of the most meaningful times in my life. I learned so much about the Moroccan culture, human culture as a whole, and especially myself. I made so many friends on my trip and I hope that these friendships can last forever. Some day, I hope to return to Morocco and spend another night under the Saharan sky. I can’t wait.”

Steven Salow

“My perspective changed a lot throughout my time in Morocco. My perspective of the world changed in that I learned to break stereotypes. The Muslims I got to know were kind and hospitable and cannot be characterized by the radical Islamists. My perspective of myself changed as I pushed myself out of my comfort zone. My perspective of my future changed as my desire for Christ to be in my life grew because of this experience. In Morocco, God revealed to me a story of transition from brokenness to hope that I will keep with me.”

Michelle Postiff

Travel Information

Departure Dates

January 2023 experiences may begin sometime during the last week of December 2022 and last 19-23 days. Students should not make irreversible plans until their departure date is confirmed by the CCS office in early Fall 2022.

Health & Safety

This experience, like all CCS experiences, is subject to political and safety realities at the time of departure. CCS options can be physically and emotionally intense and stretching. Before enrolling, all participants should consult the disclosures on Physical Hardships of CCS.

Passport and immunizations required (both at additional cost).

Trip Costs

CCS program costs do not include: tuition, passport, immunizations, or the $150 study abroad fee.

CCS trips are not guaranteed and are subject to change.