Program Structure

The CLS Arabic Program in Meknes provides an intensive language learning environment. Students receive a minimum of 20 hours per week of formal classroom instruction by trained and experienced teachers. Sixteen hours per week are spent learning Modern Standard Arabic, while four hours each week are spent on the local Maghrebi Arabic dialect, known as Darija. Classes focus on improving students’ skills in listening, reading, writing, speaking, and spoken interaction. Participants are also required to take part in organized semi-formal and informal learning activities that promote interaction with the host community and culture. These activities will support the formal classroom instruction.

The CLS program in Meknes employs a communicative, interactive teaching style that promotes proficiency. Students are encouraged to practice their language skills together outside the classroom and while exploring the city. Students also participate in a variety of cultural enrichment lectures and activities. These activities cover a broad spectrum of experiences, from lectures to calligraphy workshops, to music performances, henna ceremonies, cooking lessons and others. Excursions and extracurricular activities provide valuable insight into daily life in Morocco as well as a rich opportunity for language practice.

Students are housed with local host families, who give them an opportunity to experience life in a Moroccan family and develop their language skills outside of class. Families provide two meals (breakfast and dinner) for students every day. Students receive stipends to cover weekday and weekend lunches.

The CLS Arabic Program in Meknes is administered in partnership with the Arab American Language Institute in Morocco (AALIM). AALIM is accredited by the Moroccan Ministry of Education and offers all levels of Arabic study throughout the year as well as cultural tourism and special programs for adult learners.

Visit the AALIM website for more information on their year-round language and culture programs.

Language Levels Offered:

• Advanced Beginning: Minimum requirement: completion of one year of college-level Arabic, or its equivalent, prior to the start of the program.
• Intermediate: Minimum requirement: completion of two years of college-level Arabic, or its equivalent, prior to the start of the program.
• Advanced: Minimum requirement: completion of three years of college-level Arabic, or its equivalent, prior to the start of the program.