Arabic Language & Culture Courses with MCAS in Morocco

The bewildering, breathe-taking moments that has happened on the Sam Houston State University 2017 Summer Semester II Study Abroad Group was undeniably phenomenal. Upon arrival we were immediately welcomed with love and care by Jihane and Ali. Whilst attending this memorable experience at the Moroccan Center for Arabic Studies Program, I personally got the chance to understand the Arabic language in a more intense setting. I am a student at SHSU on my third year Majoring in Criminal Justice and minoring in Middle Eastern Studies (Arabic) and I would completely and utterly recommend this Program to anyone from all levels of Arabic. Whether extremely advanced, intermediate, beginner, or 0% knowledge of the Arabic language completely starting from scratch, studying Arabic with this program is a choice one must make in order to drastically excel one's comprehension and understanding of Arabic. Ali and his staff are unconditionally committed to teaching Arabic as a foreign language as well as providing a truly unprecedented Moroccan cultural experience with a completely and utterly affordable price. Our groups flight ended up being 3 days later and Ali extended his hand for hospitality and let us stay in the Riad for the 3 days informing us that is was on him (free). This stands as proof that Ali and his staff are not all about the money. I cannot put into words how spectacular, respectable, competent, and prestigious the Study Abroad Program Ali is running and I hope to have future commendations with this Program as we already have me and another student coming back next year for sure. Most people think that if you haven't studied the basics for Arabic, you shouldn't come here first; however, this is wrong because having Siba as our teacher, within 2-3 days we could fluently get around and understand and ask for directions from the natives. If you are looking for procurable future endeavors, I would highly recommend attending this wonderful experience I would have rated it 15/10 if the website would have let me.

I registered along with four of my classmates for a six week program in Rabat and the experience has been absolutely fantastic. Six months prior my university lacked a study abroad program for Arabic Language and I set out to try to find an Independent study program. I happened to stumble across Morocco and MCAS as a viable option and began talking to Ali to set up classes for our group. Several months later and Ali had set up an incredIbly hospitable and cost-effective program. Morocco is an awe-inspiringly beautiful nation with a little bit for everyone. From the the mountains of Chefchoune to the soft deserts of the Sahara in Merzouga, there's always something new and amazing to see. Our classes were led by Siba, an excellent teacher who's patience and dedication to ensuring everyone grasped each topic were integral to learning a difficult language for English speakers. Ive definitely expanded my understanding of Arabic and gained an appreciation for both language and culture here.

A group of friends and I from Sam Houston State University had the opportunity to study abroad in Rabat, Morocco in the Summer of 2017. We came in order to complete our Arabic courses, and I must say we all left more than satisfied with ourselves. I definitely saw a difference in how I spoke, read, and wrote from when I was studying the language back in America. The staff from MCAS was extremely helpful, not only in the classroom, but in general. They were definitely an incredible support system. Being able to come to a different country and experiencing the culture, language, and people was unforgettable. Getting the opportunity to travel to different cities in Morocco and seeing how each one of them is unique in their own way was one of the best experiences. Morocco is definitely a beautiful country that has something to offer to everyone who comes to visit. This summer was definitely one to remember. I may have left the country, but I take with me the memories, friendships, and knowledge. That is something that can never be forgotten. I definitely look forward to next visit in the near future.

My collegues and I studied abroad for the summer of 2017 in Rabat. We are students from Sam Houston State University in Texas. This trip was an incredible eye opener. The experience and memories we created here were indescribable. From the moment we arrived until our last day in Morocco, we were very welcome and constantly guided by Ali and Jihane. Our six week course with Abdusalam (Siba) was very successful. I can honestly say that I am very proud of myself with how much I accomplished and learned throughout the course. Siba is an amazing teacher. He is very kind and patient, whenever we needed help with anything regarding the arabic language he more than gladly helped us out. I am very satisfied with this program. It exceeded all of my expectations. Also traveling in Morocco is just beautiful. We took various trips around the Country and every city was more beautiful than the last. The view and feeling of being here was surreal. I would definitely recommend this program to anybody and everybody. Getting to experience the culture how we did was so amazing and interesting. I would definitely want to revisit Morocco & be part of this program again.

I studied Arabic with MCAS in May 2017 and stayed in the riad for 12 days. This was my first time in Morocco and the first time to study Arabic in an Arab country. My experiences exceeded my expectations. From the moment we arrived, late at night by car in Rabat, Ali and Jihane were there to guide us, introduce us to all Morocco has to offer and made us feel like we were coming home. The central area in the riad with that big table in the middle gives the feeling of a living room. I very much enjoyed eating those wonderful meals that Fatima prepared and our discussions on politics and life in general.

After the first weekend of exploring Rabat and Casablanca (with thanks to Ali and Jihane again for giving us insider's tips), we started a five-day language course with Abdusalam. We had four hours of classes from Monday to Friday. Both the delivery and the content of the course was of an exceptionally high standard, with a broad array of topics covered and a teacher who really took into consideration our specific needs and requests. Abdusalam focused on practicing those skills which you can use in daily life, and significantly expanded our vocabulary and our conversation skills. My speaking skills have improved and I feel more confident to strike up a conversation in Arabic. By the end of the week, I was able to have a small conversation with the people in the street and even discussed politics in Arabic when visiting Fez.

Abdusalam is a patient teacher, who teaches in an interactive manner. I greatly appreciated his efforts and the tailor-made approach by MCAS to ensure the course of that week met our specific requirements.

I would highly recommend MCAS to anyone interested in learning Arabic, whether simply to hone their conversational skills or start at beginners level. Rabat is the perfect setting to apply the knowledge you have learned to practice. The people are kind and enjoy speaking Arabic with you. Even when you are struggling to find the words, just the fact that you are trying to speak their language will put a smile on their faces.

Where do I even start? This was my first time away by myself and it was amazing! I was nervous at first but off the bat Ali (the program director) and Jihane (the project coordinator) make you feel so welcomed and are so understanding and open.
I took Arabic courses and the best part was the flexibility and the fact that I could actually apply what I was learning everyday by simply talking to people. Which is much different than learning in a classroom at a Univeristy. Also jihane was a great resource and would help me with my pronounciations whenever I needed. Either Ali or Jihane were ALWAYS available and will literally help with anythingggggg. My instructor was very friendly and we built a very good rapport. MCAS is a great very affordable org and if I had the chance to take more courses I would. Taking a language course in a country where the language is actually spoken was the most valuable part of this experience and I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to LEARN Arabic.

Ali and Jihane were so so so wonderful and were always there when I needed them! The food was delicious and there was always so much laughter! The location of the housing is central and easy to get to! I took private Arabic lessons for 3 hours each day with my teacher, Siba and time just flew by! He was so kind and funny! I made so many great connections all around Rabat especially at the nonprofit I volunteered at (VFA/IMSLI)! I want to come back as soon as possible! I couldn't recommend this program more, seriously!

If you are considering participating in an Arabic program, then look no further. MCAS is a professional, flexible and efficient center. The staff demonstrate an in depth knowledge of culture and language and deliver classes in an interactive and engaging manner.

Personally I found that my teacher, Abdulsalem, identified a program that suited my abilities and was very patient. I am grateful for his assistance. Likewise, the MCAS Manager Ali provided a hassle free experience leading up to and during my time at MCAS. I have thoroughly enjoyed my experience at MCAS and my Arabic has improved greatly.

Further, MCAS is located a short distance from a number of cultural and historical sights in Morocco's capital, Rabat. The staff at MCAS are more than happy to provide advice and assistance in relation to these amazing sights.

Overall, MCAS is a great language school. I would highly recommend this to anyone considering learning / developing Arabic.