Meknes
Meknes, Morocco
Education
You may be able to combine any of the Service-Learning Experiences below with an ISA Academic Program.
Center for Disabilities
Arabic (Beginning), French (Beginning)
These centers work with children who are physically and/or intellectually disabled. They provide therapy, education, and recreational services. Participants may have the opportunity to shadow physical therapists, sanitize equipment and classrooms, teach English, assist with events, and plan recreational activities. This organization only accepts female participants. * NOTE: This organization is not available during the summer.
Community Support Center
French (Beginning), English (Intermediate), Arabic (Beginning)
This organization works with people of all ages, from primary and middle school-aged youth to disabled adults and elderly Moroccans, and provides them with the care and education they need. Create and teach English lessons for varying ages and abilities, as well as fun workshops, classes, and activities around the center like soccer and basketball, or even a specialized subject of your choice. * NOTE: In the summer months, participants in this organization are only able to work with elderly populations.
Women’s Development and Vocational Training Foundations
French (Intermediate), English (Intermediate), Arabic (Intermediate)
These foundations assist Moroccan women of all economic levels to complete their education. Many of the educational courses teach artisan skills (embroidery, calligraphy, literacy, cooking, and hair dressing) to increase employment opportunities and/or assist the women in starting their own businesses. Participant opportunities may include organizing logistics, preparing lesson plans, and teaching English to the women. Additional help may be needed with fundraising, marketing, or creating a social media presence or website development to help the women sell their products.
About the Location
Morocco, the westernmost country in the Arab World, is known as al-Maghrib (the west, or the place of sunset) in Arabic. It’s a country with incredible diversity which extends to its unique geography. From the majestic mountains of the Atlas and Rif ranges, to the sun-drenched sands of the Sahara, Atlantic, and Mediterranean, Morocco's natural beauty and culture make it the ideal location to live abroad.
Meknes, known as the Versailles of Morocco, was the country’s capital during the reign of Sultan Moulay Ismail, who set out to make it one of the grandest cities in the world. You’ll find incredible architecture in Menkes, such as Bab Mansour, a huge gate with towering arches and mosaic tiling. Due to the cultural and historic richness of the medieval city, UNESCO declared Meknes a World Heritage site in 1996. Today, Meknes embodies the intricate blend of the Arab, Amazigh, and European cultures composing modern Morocco.
Meknes
Complete your service-learning program in inviting Meknes, one of the four Imperial cities of Morocco. Unlike its busy and crowded neighbor, Fez, Meknes is smaller and more laid-back, making it easier to get around. Its intricate blend of Islamic and European influences makes it a unique place to live and volunteer abroad. Practice your French and Arabic language skills while you work in sectors like education, heath, and human rights in Meknes. Come to Meknes if you are looking to experience a city and country that are truly different from your own. If you want a broader understanding of all the different ways people live their lives, Meknes is the place for you.
What's Included
- Comprehensive advising and support
- Pre-departure orientation materials
- Visa support
- The Professional Development Toolbox
- Guaranteed placement with local host organization
- Airport reception and drop-off at Rabat–Salé Airport (RBA)
- On-site orientation through the Bridging Cultures Program
- Full-time resident staff with a maximum 20:1 student to staff ratio
- On-site ISA office, computer and WiFi internet access
- Housing
- Meals and laundry service (varies according to housing option chosen)
- Placement supervision
- Academic supervision
- Academic credit options
- Cultural activities
- Insurance
- 24-hour emergency assistance
- 24-hour on-site support
- Optional excursions (for additional fee)
- On-site transportation stipend
- Project materials stipend
- Donation to host organization
- ISA Service-Learning Portfolio
Academic Credit
Participants looking to earn academic credit for their ISA Service-Learning experience can explore the following options.
Credit From Your Home Institution
Participants may work with their home university to receive academic credit for their program. Each academic institution has a unique policy for granting internship, service-learning and experiential learning credit, thus students should inquire about receiving academic credit with their home university advisors, professors, and/or academic department heads. Many ISA Service-Learning participants have successfully received “Independent Study,” “Internship,” “Directed Studies,” or “Special Topics” credit for their program by presenting their Portfolio.
Transfer Credit from Carroll College
ISA Service-Learning has partnered with Carroll College in Helena, Montana, to offer a U.S. transcript and award lower division service-learning academic credits for ISA Service-Learning programs. Credit awarded will be based on the successful completion of the ISA Service-Learning Portfolio and the number of contact hours accrued at the host organization.
Participants will be able to earn 3 credits for the following programs: 4 and 6-week full-time programs, ISA Semester/Summer + Service-Learning, ISA Intensive Month + Service-Learning.
Participants will be able to earn 6 credits for the following programs: 8 week (or more) full-time programs.
The additional cost of academic credit is $300, and includes a transcript with either a pass/fail or a letter grade from Carroll College.
ISA Service-Learning strongly recommends that students receive confirmation from their home institution that credit transfer will be accepted.
Prices & Dates
| Program Code | Duration | Dates (mm/dd/yy) | Application Due Date | Price | Apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SUM-2021 | 4 Week | 05/26/21-06/26/21 | 03/01/21 | $2650 | Apply Now |
| SUM-2021 | 8 Week | 05/26/21-07/24/21 | 03/01/21 | $4300 | Apply Now |
| SUM-2021 | 4 Week | 06/23/21-07/24/21 | 04/01/21 | $2650 | Apply Now |
| FAL-2021 | 8 Week | Early Sep - Early Nov | 06/01/21 | TBA | Apply Now |
| SPR-2022 | 8 Week | Mid Jan - Mid Mar | 11/01/21 | TBA | Apply Now |
Housing Details
Housing in Morocco provides the opportunity for participants to experience aspects of the Moroccan lifestyle that are inaccessible to the average visitor to Morocco. All housing options are conveniently located to public transit routes.
The experience of living in another culture will be both educational and rewarding so long as you stay open-minded and reasonable at all times. There are differences in culture and lifestyle between Morocco and the U.S. Remember: the key to a positive experience is flexibility. With this in mind, you can become a true Meknesi!
Apartment
Apartments are fully furnished and located in the center of the Ville Nouvelle (the modern city built by the French). Laundry facilities are included. You will have convenient access to public transportation routes, shopping, restaurants, and nightlife. You will be provided with three meals a day (except on Sundays and excursion days) and the services of a housekeeper. Vegan and vegetarian diets can be accommodated. If you would like additional snacks and/or food, you are responsible for purchasing these goods from local markets, grocery stores or restaurants.
Homestays
Participants may have the opportunity to live with a Moroccan family. These accommodations are offered upon availability. If you are interested in this housing option please, contact the Program Manager to inquire about living in a homestay.
*Housing assignments are based on space available and are coordinated on a first come, first served basis.
Independent Housing
You may opt to secure housing independently. If you select this option, you will receive a discount equal to the housing portion of the program price. By choosing to opt out of ISA Service-Learning housing, you are solely responsible for researching and reserving housing, and paying all fees, deposits, and rent directly to the housing facility that you choose.
Visa Info
Participants must have a passport that is valid for at least 6 months AFTER their expected departure date from Morocco.
U.S. citizens
U.S. citizens do not need a visa to enter Morocco and may stay up to 90 days. Visitors intending to stay in Morocco longer than 90 days, however, need to request a permission to extend the duration of their stay at the nearest Police Precinct to their place of residence in Morocco. Once in Meknes the ISA Resident Staff will accompany you to the Police Precinct to ensure the appropriate documents have been completed.
Non-U.S. Citizens
Please note that non-U.S. citizens should contact their Consulate to verify specific entry requirements. As these requirements vary based on citizenship, non-U.S. citizens may not be permitted to travel to Jordan without a visa or outside of their visa dates. Also, visa fees for non-U.S. citizens may differ so please be sure to check specific consulate's website for the most up to date information.
Note: Embassy and Consulate contact information is subject to change without notice. Please refer to the website of the Embassy or Consulate to verify information.