Open to Pitzer students only. Program options subject to change.
Program Title: Pitzer Exchange Morocco with Al Akhawayn University
Location: Ifrane, Morocco
Host Websites
https://www.aui.ma/en/international.html
Eligibility
Students must be in good standing at Pitzer College and have a 2.0 or higher GPA. Preference is given to juniors and first semester seniors but sophomores are eligible if space is available.
Preparation
At least one area studies course in literature or film, history, political studies, French or Arabic language is strongly recommended, but not required. Suggested additional general preparation course options include: Comparative Politics; Intercultural Communications; Language Culture and Society; Introduction to International/ Intercultural Studies; Introduction to Sociocultural Anthropology or The World Since 1492.
Application
Students must first apply through Pitzer’s Office of Study Abroad and International Programs. If accepted by Pitzer, students will then be asked to complete the Al Akhawayn University application.
Program Dates
Fall Semester: Early July to late December
Spring Semester: Early January to Late May
Required Courses
Students are required to take a full course load at the University including one language course (Arabic or French) and at least one course that includes content on Moroccan history, politics, literature, or culture. In addition, students will take the Pitzer course MLLC110 Intercultural Learning: Portfolio Writing via Sakai.
Intensive Language
Standard Arabic, Moroccan conversational Arabic and French are taught as regular university courses. Fall students typically enroll in a pre-semester intensive Arabic language/homestay program, which usually begins in July and concludes a few weeks before the semester begins at AUI.
Independent Study
See a Study Abroad Adviser
Course Options
The University has broad curricular offerings with particular strengths in International Studies, Women and Development, Media Studies, North African and Middle Eastern Studies, Political Science and International Cooperation, Computer Science, Finance, French, Arabic, Engineering, Psychology and Sociology.
For course options at the university, see: Course Information, which is where you will find the academic catalog. Refer to the Table of Contents for individual school sections.
Credit Possible
A pre-semester language course is offered by the Arabic Language Institute in Fez prior to the fall semester. Students must take 15 to 16 units at Al Akhawayn in order to earn four course credits at Pitzer. In addition, students will earn 0.5 Pitzer course
credits for the writing course via Sakai. (See above under Required Courses.)
Housing and Board Options
During the language program in Fez, students live with and take meals with host families. At the university, students have a shared room in in a dormitory and eat in the campus cafeteria. Dormitories are separated into male and female living spaces.
Additional Notes
Up to four students per year can be accepted. Students choosing the fall semester option are responsible for their own room and board during the three week break between the language and university components.
