Interdisciplinary & Global Studies Division

Ifrane, Morocco HU&A A Term 2008

Humanities & Arts Requirements, or Credit toward HUA or IN Minors or Majors

Term – A 2008

Project opportunities – Islamic history, culture, and society

Housing– Residence halls at Al Akhawayn University

Humanities & Arts Coordinator – Prof. Bland Addison

Preparation – A minimum of one unit (three courses) in the humanities and arts

Application deadline – October 4, 2007 (before 1:00 pm)

LOCATION

Students will study at Al Akhawayn University (AUI), located in Ifrane, Morocco.  Ifrane is 120 miles east of Morocco’s capital, Rabat, and 35 miles from the historic imperial cities of Fes and Meknes -- cities famous for their sacred mosques and colorful Berber inhabitants.   With a population of about 15,000, Ifrane is a peaceful resort and recreational village in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, known for its French colonial architecture as well as a royal palace.  Al Akhawayn University (AUI) is a semi-private, English-speaking university founded by King Hassan II of Morocco and King Fahd of Saudi Arabia.  Since about half the faculty hold American graduate degrees, AUI resembles in some respects an American university. 

Throughout Morocco, cous cous is the favorite meal in local restaurants and traditional pastries and fresh mint tea are typical snacks at sidewalk cafés.

PROJECTS

Students will complete two-thirds unit in AUI courses on the Arabic language, the history of the Arab World and Islamic Civilization, and/or contemporary issues in North Africa.  One-third unit will be an independent study project based upon individual research and tours to historic cultural sites in Morocco. These projects may focus upon a variety of areas, including history, religion, art and architecture, as well as contemporary socio-political issues.  Studying with Moroccan classmates and traveling to legendary Moroccan cities will provide students with a greater understanding of Arab and Muslim peoples.  The unit of work will either conclude the Humanities & Arts requirement or can be credited toward a Humanities and Arts or International Studies minor or major.

ESTIMATED EXPENSES

Estimated out-of-pocket expenses

$    800 
      150 
      500
$ 1,450

Travel to site (RT airfare)
Local transportation
Weekend tourist activities & incidentals
Estimated total out-of-pocket expenses

Expenses Included on your WPI Bill

$     500
    1,650
$  2,150

Program fees
Housing, meals and services
Total reflected on your WPI bill

Estimated Total Expenses

$3,600

tuition and on-campus housing not included

Subject to change due to fluctuations in exchange rate

 

Note:

In calculating the extra expense to participate in an off-campus project experience, compare this figure to expenses incurred while living on campus (groceries or meal plan, entertainment expenses, transportation, etc.)

Some scholarship assistance for students going to this project center is available for those who are U.S. citizens and Pell Grant recipients. Apply to the Benjamin Gilman International Scholarship Program.

Related Links

 

Travel Dates:

Arrive on site Monday, August 25, 2008
Depart site on Saturday, October 18, 2008
Housing is provided beginning and ending on the dates above.  Students who plan to arrive earlier or stay later will need to make their own accomodation arrangements outside of those dates.

 

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Last modified: August 21, 2008 15:20:42