Volunteer in Morocco
This is a place where shadows merge with sunlight, where the sky and the sea meet at the horizon. Bounded in the north by the Mediterranean Sea and in the west by the Atlantic Ocean, Morocco bursts with vibrant colours of natural beauty. The interactions of the Imazighen (the indigenous Berbers), Arabs, and people of sub-Saharan, Jewish, and Andalusian origins have shaped Morocco’s unique land and culture.
The languages of these peoples have contributed to the unique richness of Moroccan culture. Arabic is the country's official language. However, the Berber language is widely spoken, while French is taught in primary schools and spoken throughout urban parts of the country. English is becoming an attractive language to learn nowadays in order to communicate with tourists from the English-speaking world.
However, Morocco is a North-African country that despite having come a long way since its independence, still struggles to provide its people with necessary services: The illiteracy rate is over 40%
and unemployment stagnates at 12%. Moreover, rural and urban Morocco differ immensely in terms of living standards.
The Thaqafat Association, a cross-cultural Moroccan association and the VIP representative in Morocco, is a non-profit organization founded by young Moroccans in 2002. Its objective is to promote Moroccan culture by exposing it to those of other countries throughout the world. Thaqafat Association cooperates with a number of NGOs, mainly in Rabat, Salé, Casablanca, and rural regions that offer volunteer projects in the areas of child
disabilities, women rights, education, the environment, and health care. Thaqafat’s relationship with these NGO’s enables this association to match applicants’ various interests and needs to those of a specific NGO project.
Short term volunteer opportunities in Morocco - from 1 to 4 weeks |
Volunteer Abroad in Morocco Overview
Orientation - Language - Homestay - Start dates and Fees
Orientation
A five day orientation will be provided upon arrival in Rabat. Volunteers learn about Morocco's culture as well as other important information regarding travel safety, medical issues, living conditions, and issues specific to their project. Volunteers also get introduced to the customary public bath - the hammam - the preparation of traditional Moroccan dishes, and how to bargain like a real Moroccan.
Intensive Language Course
Thaqafat Association organizes Arabic classes depending on the location of the host organization. The objective of the course is to instill volunteers with fundamental communication skills and enable them to hold basic conversations with their host families, NGO colleagues and staff, and at the volunteer project. By promoting these relationships, Thaqafat and VIP encourage volunteers to learn about Morocco's rich diversity, and in the process develop approaches to understanding and appreciating cultural differences. It is also possible to volunteer without taking language classes.
Excursions
During the volunteers' stay, a language teacher will take them on one excursion to a market, a museum or a histrical monument of Rabat. The program provides basic class preparation such as discussions prior to this excursion.
Accommodation
Volunteers can choose to stay in an apartment, hotel room, or with a Moroccan family in a homestay. Apartments or hotel rooms are arranged and paid by the volunteer in addition to their program fees. If a volunteer chooses the homestay option, s/he will share a room with a family member of the same sex; single rooms are not available. Note: Some homestays may not provide hot water or showers. Public baths are widely used by Moroccans in both cities and villages. Toilets may be either Western style or Turkish style.
Volunteer Service
After the orientation, volunteers will join the host project to begin the volunteer service. If a volunteer plans to stay in Rabat, s/he has the option of working from 1 week up to 3 months; however those who plan to work outside the capital must commit between 1 and 3 months to the project due to the time spent travelling to any other location. Also for placements outside of Rabat, accommodations will be a homestay at a higher cost, or on site accommodations at the project. Private rooms are not guaranteed.
Current host projects vary from education and health care to culture and crafts. The VIP long term program may include specific volunteer work such as:
- Teaching English and French to children in rural and urban areas
- Developing literacy programs in remote villages
- Assisting in family planning, basic health care, hygiene and for nutrition
- Teaching computer skills at various levels
- Working in sheltersor associations that assist female victims of violence, single mothers, orphans, or homeless children
- Helping village craftsmen and women expand their clientele of their weaving or pottery products
- Helping develop kindergartens and nursery schools in rural and urban areas
Arrival Dates 2012 for 8 & 12 week programs:
- Feb. 26, April 15, June 11.
- Fall Semester Dates to be Announced.
Program Fees 2012**
| Length of Program and Options | Cost |
|---|---|
| Short-Term (1-4 weeks) | |
| Click here for dates & fees for short term programs | |
| 8 Week Programs | |
| 8 weeks - with homestay | USD 2485 |
| 8 weeks - with homestay and no Arabic courses | USD 1829 |
| 8 weeks - with no Arabic course and no homestay | USD 1390 |
| 12 Week Programs | |
| 12 weeks - full program with Arabic and homestay | USD 2712 |
| 12 weeks - with homestay and no Arabic course | USD 2291 |
| 12 weeks - with no Arabic course and no homestay | USD 1617 |
What's Included?
- Application processing, interview and pre-departure information via emails
- 60 hours of language classes, to include class materials, orientation and extra-curricular and class-related activities (if selected - see program options above)
- Placement and accompanied visit to community service project
- Ongoing support by local volunteer coordinator
- Transportation to and from NGO - on first and last day of project - as well as transportation within the site.
- Homestay (room and half board, breakfast and dinner) (if selected - see program options above)
- Volunteer work (from 1 to 3 months)
- Placements outside of Rabat include homestay accommodations at an additional fee. Contact your sending office for details.
What's not included?
- Medical and accident insurance
- Travel to and from Morocco
- Airport pick up upon arrival and back to airport at departure
- Room and board if homestay option is not selected
- Lunches during project placement
- Personal expenses
What is needed prior to arrival?
- Completed and signed Thaqafat application
- Evidence of medical and accident insurance
- Written commitment guaranteeing completion of the volunteer program
- Signed and faxed documents 4 weeks prior to arrival
- Language placement test or indicated interest for particular language
Payment Schedule
A deposit of 20% of the total program fee is required with your application. It is non-refundable upon notification of acceptance and is applied to the total program fee. The balance of the program fee is required 30 days prior to departure.
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellation after acceptance and prior to placement confirmation - the deposit is forfeited
- Cancellation after confirmation of placement - 50% of the program fee is forfeited
- No Show or Early Departure from Program - 100% of the program fee is forfeited
Other Volunteer Abroad Programs:
**Note: Published prices remain subject to change in case of major currency fluctuations. Contact your sending office.
