Volunteer in Morocco
Morocco is an ethnically diverse country with a rich cultural heritage drawing from a history of global influences. The land and the culture have been shaped by the interaction of the Berbers, the original inhabitants, and peoples of Arab, sub-Saharan, Jewish and Andalusian origins. Arabic is the country's official language and Berber is widely spoken. French is taught in primary schools and, like English, is spoken throughout the country.
Morocco is a country of contrasts, which include debilitating urban and rural poverty coexisting with modern urban centers. Morocco's urban and rural areas contrast dramatically in access to adequate water, sanitation, housing, education, economic growth opportunities, and social services. VIP offers opportunities to work in the areas of social welfare, environmental protection, economic development, and in education.
Volunteer Abroad Program Overview — Morocco
Orientation - Language - Homestay - Start - Fees -
Orientation
A one-week orientation will be provided upon arrival in Rabat. You will learn about the country, its culture, its multilingualism, and also about travel safety, medical issues, and how to prepare for living and volunteering in Morocco.
Intensive Language Course
Through the Center for Cross Cultural Learning, The Thaqafat Association organizes courses in Modern Standard Arabic (Fus'ha), Moroccan Arabic (Darija), and Berber (Tamazight). The objective of the 60-hour course is to help you acquire basic communication skills and provide you with opportunities to learn from the rich cultural diversity of Morocco and to develop approaches to understanding and appreciating cultural differences.
Excursions
Once a week during the four-week stay in Rabat, an experienced language teacher will take you to visit markets, museums and historical monuments of the city and its surroundings. The program offers extensive class preparation before these excursions.
Other Activities
The curriculum also offers various lectures on Moroccan life and culture, as well as special activities such as writing on the wooden board, an overview of Moroccan ceremonies, the experience of the Hammam, and cooking sessions.
Homestay
You will be living with a Moroccan family during the orientation and language course in Rabat. (Note: Homestay available only in Rabat. Other cities may provide homestay at a higher cost.) Then, you will move to the host project. The accommodations will be either in a homestay family or arranged by the association, depending on the site.
(Note: Some of the homestays may not provide hot water or showers. Public baths are available and widely used by Moroccans in both cities and villages. Toilets may be either Western style or Turkish. Private rooms not guaranteed)
Volunteer Service
After the orientation and language course, you will join the host project to begin the volunteer service. Current host projects vary from education to health care to culture and crafts. They may include:
- Developing cultural tourism by organising seminars and lectures, in order to teach NGO's the importance of culture as a learning process and as a bridge to build better understanding between people
- 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 shelters for women victims of violence, and withassociations for single mothers, orphans, or street children
- Helping craftsmen and women in villages develop their artistry in weaving or pottery
- Helping develop kindergartens and nursery schools in rural and urban areas
NOTE: Minimum age for participants in the VIP program in Morocco is 21.
Arrival Dates 2009
- January 11
- March 1
- May 31
- Fall dates to be announced
Program Fees 2009*
| Length of Program | Cost |
|---|---|
| 8 weeks | USD 2385 |
| 12 weeks | USD 2666 |
What's Included?
- Application processing, interview and pre-departure information
- 60 hours of language classes, to include class materials, orientation and extra-curricular and class-related activities
- Visit to community service projects
- Placement in community service project
- Ongoing support by local volunteer coordinator
- Transportation to and from NGO - on first and last day of project - and from airport and back for arrival and departure only, as well as transportation within the site.
- A letter of support to the local authorities for re-entry visa after completion of three months in the country
- Homestay (half board, breakfast and dinner)
- Volunteer work (from 8 to 20 weeks)
What's not included?
- Medical and accident insurance
- Travel to and from Morocco
- Airport pick up upon arrival and back to airport at departure
- Lunches during project placement
- Personal expenses
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
*Note: The published prices remain subject to change in case of major currency fluctuations. Contact your sending office.
