Morocco Teenager Study Abroad

Program Snapshot Age Range: 16-18 Fun Ranking: Intensity: Some Homework Staff/Student: 1:6 (in class) Curfew: None

Tetouan Independent Teen

The Medina (old town) of Tetouan is on the World Heritage List by UNESCO and is dotted with squares, souks and buildings from its fifteenth-century founding by Andalusian refugees. The refugees, both Muslims and Jews, brought with them the most refined sophistication of Moorish Andalusia, an aristocratic tradition that is still reflected in the architecture of the Medina. Their houses, full of extravagant detail, are quite unlike those of other Moroccan towns. Although French is the official second language (after Arabic) throughout Morocco, Spanish is also widely spoken in Tetouan. There are also many reminders of mainland Spain, particularly in the cuisine and in el paseo – the summer evening stroll.

School Facilities: The school is located in the center of downtown, overlooking Place Moulay Mehdi, the city’s most beautiful public square in the historic Spanish quarter of the city. Facilities are fully equipped with the latest audio-visual equipment including television sets, VCR and DVD players, wireless headphones and high-speed Internet connection. Capacity is 72 students/day. Students stay in a homestay with 3 meals/day included.

Activities/Excursions: The school organizes several guided tours and visits to the traditional city of Tetouan and its numerous museums and social associations. During their program, students usually get the chance to attend local receptions, parties, weddings or concerts of Andalusian or spiritual music. In addition, students have the opportunity to watch a number of Moroccan movies and films in Arabic in the evenings or on the weekends. At an extra charge, students can participate in a variety of fun cultural classes which vary from week to week such as cooking, ceramics and music. The school organizes weekend trips to neighboring cities (Chefchaouen, Tangier, Asilah, etc.) and long-distant cities (Marrakech, Fez, the desert, etc.).

Lodging & Meals: Homestay with 3 meals/day

Supervision: Please note although this program will accept teenagers from 16-18 this is an UNSUPERVISED PROGRAM. This program is for mature, independent teens who understand along with their parents/guardians that little supervision will be provided and that all teens will be treated like mature, independent adults by school staff and host families. In our opinion, Tetouan is the best location for an independent teenager to learn Arabic. First, the city is a tourist town with a beach and lots of fun things to do. Secondly, there is a good mix of nationalities living in the city which makes it more tolerant of other cultures compared to other locations throughout the Arabic world. Finally, the school is very well organized and has attention to details which means any problems or concerns are addresses and resolved quickly.

To/From School: Participants travel unaccompanied via public transportation (bus, approximately 10-20 minutes, 2-5 Dirhams each way)

Prices/Dates (for 2008):