Arabic Language & Culture Courses with MCAS in Morocco

This is a trip that I will remember for the rest of my life. I learned so much about myself, Morocco and its culture, and my own country and its place in different world affairs. So many different activities were packed into 10 days. From camel riding in the desert, to helping at rural medical clinics, to exploring some of the beautiful cities in Morocco, it was all so incredible. Ali and MCAS as a whole were so accommodating and helpful. I would recommend this trip to anyone and everyone thinking about traveling to Morocco! I already can't wait to go back next year!

My review will be a little different as I did not follow a whole program but just one introductionary lesson in Arabic. With a group of 16 law students we visited Morocco and firtst of all Rabat. The language course was a great start of our trip. We received a very warm welcome and had a wonderful break on the rooftop, overseeing Rabat while having tea. MCAS gave us just the right information, language wise but also cultural, food and safety-wise, to have the best stay.
We did one course in MSA and one course in Darija. It was a little bit long so we stopped before we had done everything but it was more than enough to get an idea of arabic and most were able to say a few things. Our, very calm, teacher has taught us quite a lot within such a short period of time.

I would recommend MCAS to everyone!

I had been wanting to study Arabic for a number of years but could never find the right institute, neither in the UK nor abroad that would provide the flexibility to accommodate my timescales around my work commitments. Luckily recently a google search brought up MCAS which seemed flexible so I sent off an email enquiry. I received a speedy and very helpful response from the programme director Ali Bensebaa, with clear pricing and flexibility to accommodate my timescales so I decided to sign up for one-to-one lessons. Despite having a positive feeling, I wasn't sure what to expect as I was a complete beginner, had no idea where to start and in my mind I always feared one-to-one lessons would be boring. But when I arrived at MCAS I was pleasantly surprised by the nature and teaching style of teacher Abdsalam (aka Siba). Abdsalam is an extremely calm, competent and very humble teacher, with an excellent sense of humour and brilliant teaching style and structure that could take you from a complete beginner to advanced levels with a step-by-step approach. By the end of the first day, I was over the nerves of trying to learn Arabic in a one-to-one setting and infact I became very keen and enthusiastic - all thanks to the teacher! I enjoyed the lessons and learning so much that I have now been twice in two months for week longs lessons. Abdsalam is a fabulous teacher who can keep you interested and motivated in the lessons with his fantastic teaching style, sense of humour and encouragement. If I could take 6 months off work I would spend that time with MCAS and I am sure with the help and support MCAS provide I could become a fluent Arabic speaker in that time if not sooner! Overall fabulous experience with MCAS, with excellent teaching, friendly atmosphere, help and support always on hand even when it comes to accommodation, phone top-ups, best places to eat, sightseeing etc. Well done & Thank you MCAS! :O)

Along with my two housemates and Jihane we went to explore Meknes. We had a great time visiting the local town of Ifrane. A friend of a friend drove us around and we made it back to Mekness to meet up with Jihane. The food we ate with Jihane's family was incredible. They were wonderful hosts and gave us all a good impression of the Moroccan people. My two housemates and I enjoyed exploring Meknes with Jihane who knew all there was to know.

I have been studying the Arabic language (MSA) for 5 years now, but until when I attended the classes of MCAS with Abdelsalem I did know that I can use it for serious conversations. Through his patience and his methodology to force me out of comfort zone and try and express complexed concepts, we managed to talk about politics and religion, education and movies. Apart from the language improvement I have been really lucky to meet him and Ali, because their company and support is really precious... I am back in September ... and Rabat is a great place to spend time

Even though at first I was a little bit scared, I was alone in a new country with a totally different culture and lifestyle, without knowing any darija word, it turned out to be one of the best experience ever. Ali, the director, is punctual and professional and Jihane, my teacher, she was not just a teacher, but a dear friend as well. Both of them always available for any kind of problem, they made me feel at home! I would like to come back as soon as I can ;)

Ali, Abdsalem, and Jihane are extremely professional, helpful, and friendly. They made arranging and carrying out my program of study extremely easy. When I had to make last minute changes, they were beyond accomodating.

When I arrived Ali was super considerate of my travel schedule and gave me a few hours to relax before giving me a survival orientation of my neighborhood and the school. Over the next few days, he showed me lots of great local eats and places of interest throughout Rabat and Morocco in general. I felt more like a personal guest than a student/visitor/tourist. Their hospitality and generosity make them stand out in my mind when I compare MCAS to other programs I've attended.

I strongly recommend MCAS to anyone wanting to study Arabic; I hope to return soon myself!

I spent two weeks in Morocco on an AB Trip that was organized through MCAS. It was a great experience and I learned so much about Moroccan culture, language, ethnic and societal issues. I loved talking to Moroccan women, Sub-Saharan refugees and many others about the issues that face Morocco today. I have a much deeper understanding of the country and its culture. I can really only recommend the trip and visit to anyone.