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Program Overview
Program Overview
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Popular Subject Areas
Arabic Studies, International Relations & Language
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Location
Meknes
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Host University
ISA Meknes Study Center
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Term
Academic Year 1 2025
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Program Dates
Early Sep, 2025 - Mid Apr, 2026
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Program Length
Academic Year
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Application Deadline
Jun 01, 2025
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Forms and Payment Deadline
Jun 15, 2025
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Credit
24 - 36 Credits
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Eligibility
2.50 Minimum GPA*
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Cost
$27,400
- Apply Now
Study Abroad Program Description
Enhance your understanding of our world by selecting from a diverse course list that includes a range of fascinating topics, such as Middle Eastern studies, political science, gender studies, religious studies, and international relations. In addition, you can take Arabic language classes, with levels ranging from beginning through advanced.
A highlight of this program is the ability to enroll in two Arabic courses. If you wish to progress through one full level of language (ie: Beginning Arabic I and II), you may do so and earn up to a years' worth of credit hours. Please note that you cannot progress through two different levels (ie. Beginning Arabic II and Intermediate I). Courses may be instructed by local professors, and classmates will be comprised of other ISA students on your program. With the exception of the language classes, courses will be taught in English.
Enjoy Flexibility with ISA Flex
We’ve partnered with Arizona State University (ASU) to help you overcome common study abroad challenges by adding an ASU Online course to your ISA program. With more than 2,100 courses to choose from, ISA Flex minimizes academic challenges, like major requirements and limited course options, so you can make the most of your experience abroad. Once you’ve applied, access the Flex form in your ISA Student Portal for more information on how to add this to your program and enroll in the course you need.
*Eligibility
MINIMUM GPA
Students must have a minimum grade point average of 2.50.
What's Included
Comprehensive Advising and Support
Comprehensive Advising and Support
A team of helpful ISA staff members is here to support you through the entire study abroad process, from finding the perfect program through re-entry. The Program Advisors will help you choose your program based on your unique objectives. Once you’ve selected your program, you will work with your Program Manager on the application process as well as pre-departure forms and finances. Your Program Manager will also assist with academics, housing, visas, and city-living/cultural guidance.
In addition to individual advising, you will receive virtual resources to help prepare you for your time abroad. This includes the ISA Student Portal, which houses your program application, pre-departure forms/resources, and the online orientation. The online orientation is a pre-cursor to the on-site orientations and offers city-specific resources about living in your host city, communication, packing, diversity abroad, how to be academically successful, and more.
24-Hour Emergency
24-Hour Emergency
The ISA Health, Safety, and Security team facilitates an in-house on-call system with a U.S.-based employee and manager who are on-call and available in case of emergency 24-7. ISA regular office hours are Monday through Thursday, 7:00am - 7:00pm and Friday, 7:00am - 5:00pm Central Time.
If you are a parent or student needing assistance in an emergency situation outside of the regular office hours, please call the ISA office at 512-480-8522 to access the ISA emergency contact information for that particular week. Students who experience an emergency while abroad will also have access to on-site staff 24-hour emergency assistance.
Comprehensive Health, Safety, and Security Support
Comprehensive Health, Safety, and Security Support
Health, Safety, and Security (HSS) for ISA students is jointly managed by our resident staff and HSS team. This team works to monitor risk at program locations, respond to any crises that may arise, and develop policies to further ensure the health, safety, and security of students abroad with ISA.
Airport Reception
Airport Reception
Ground transportation is provided from the airport as long as you arrive during the ISA designated arrival date and time and at the appropriate airport. Upon acceptance into your program, you will receive the “How to Book Your Flight” form which outlines the specific details for airport reception.
Airport reception is not provided for most Intensive Month or J-Term programs.
Visa Support
Visa Support
Your ISA Program Manager will be available to help you with the visa process for your program country, if applicable. They will provide resources, guidance on necessary steps to obtain your visa, and deliver supporting visa application materials to you as needed.
Tuition at the Host University
Tuition at the Host University
Tuition and administrative fees at the host university are included in the program price. Classes are held at the host university and are taught by local and/or visiting faculty. Some classes will have additional fees that are not included in the program price.
Housing
Housing
Housing is guaranteed and included in the price of all ISA programs, with the exception of Pacific programs, in which housing is offered at an additional cost. Accommodation options will vary according to program site and session. For more details about ISA's housing options and applicable security deposits, please refer to the housing tab for your program of interest.
Meals and Laundry Service
Meals and Laundry Service
The possibility for included meals and/or laundry services vary per location and housing option. Meals and laundry services are provided with most homestays to a degree. For more details, please refer to the housing tab for your program of interest.
Bridging Cultures Orientation
Bridging Cultures Orientation
The Bridging Cultures Orientation will be delivered to you in the first few days of your time abroad. It is designed to prepare you for a successful, positive, and rewarding experience that will influence the rest of your life. This is accomplished through introducing you to your host city’s culture and infrastructure as well as through goal setting, intercultural awareness, diversity and professional development activities.
Full-Time Resident Staff
Full-Time Resident Staff
The full-time resident staff is available to assist you with all aspects of your experience abroad. The resident staff provides support during official course registration and arranges the Bridging Cultures Program orientation, excursions, weekly meetings, cultural activities, and much more. Staff members are trained to ensure the well-being of each program participant and are dedicated to facilitating a positive and meaningful study abroad experience.
On-Site ISA Offices
On-Site ISA Offices
Most program locations have an on-site ISA office within the program city. The on-site offices provide you with an additional comfortable space in the city and serve as a common meeting place and resource center.
Internet Access
Internet Access
As an ISA student, you will enjoy free internet access at ISA on-site offices, computer labs at the host university, and/or your ISA housing.
ISA Discovery Model
ISA Discovery Model
ISA programs facilitate learning and development through co-curricular activities. We rely on host universities to provide quality instruction in the classroom, but ISA is the main facilitator of learning outside of the classroom. Efforts to promote student learning are shaped by a teaching and learning framework we call the ISA Discovery Model.
According to this model, student learning and development is organized into five areas of discovery: 1. Intercultural, 2. Historical, 3. Sociopolitical, 4. Professional and 5. Environmental
Throughout the duration of your ISA program, we provide you with the opportunity to pursue these five areas of discovery through the Bridging Cultures Orientation, excursions, cultural activities, and references to non-ISA sponsored events and opportunities.
Excursions
Excursions
Organized excursions are included with each program to complement the academic component of your abroad experience. These complementary experiences are designed to engage student learning outside of the classroom in the five areas of the Discovery Model. Transportation and guided tours are included, as well as hotel accommodations and breakfast during multi-day excursions. Additional optional excursions may be offered during each program that are not included in the program cost.
Excursions are not included for Intensive Month, J-Term, and some summer sessions.
Cultural Activities
Cultural Activities
The ISA program staff develops unique cultural activities custom-designed to invite you to experience the local color of your host city, while learning about the history and culture of your new surroundings. Speaking the native language with locals, tasting the regional cuisine, and partaking in the native traditions are only a few of the ways these cultural activities lead to full appreciation of the program city.
Insurance
Insurance
A Blanket Accident and Sickness Policy is included in the program and covers you during the official on-site period of the program. This is not an optional benefit; every ISA participant will be covered by this policy. A full description of coverage can be found on the ISA website.
We recommend that you maintain comprehensive health insurance while abroad. This is particularly important if you have any pre-existing conditions but is also beneficial if you have an injury or illness while abroad and require further treatment upon your return home. Please be sure to consult with your current insurance provider to confirm coverage policies while traveling abroad.
Official Transcript from the Host University
Official Transcript from the Host University
Upon completion of the ISA program, your host university will issue an official transcript with all coursework taken abroad. ISA's Academic Records Department will process and forward the official transcript to the appropriate office at your home university, and a photocopy will be sent to your permanent home address for your records. ISA will provide a cover letter to accompany the transcript with important academic information, including the host university's grading system and recommended U.S. letter grade equivalencies, translated course titles, and credit conversion recommendations.
Professional Development Toolbox
Professional Development Toolbox
The Professional Development Toolbox, available in the online orientation section of the student portal, will help you identify the skills and key competencies you have developed through your personal, academic, and cultural experiences. This toolbox helps you to articulate the transferable skills developed through study abroad in a way that shows potential employers or post-graduate universities the benefits our you will provide them as a direct result of your experience abroad.
Scholarship Opportunities
Scholarship Opportunities
As an ISA participant, you will have the opportunity to apply for scholarships or grants that can be applied directly to assist with your study abroad program. ISA offers over $1,000,000 in scholarships and grants each year. To see what opportunities are available, please visit the Support & Funding page.
Academics
Credits
Credits
24 - 36
Recommended U.S. Semester Credits
24 - 36
Academic Information
- Course Availability
- Courses and course hours of instruction are subject to change.
- Eligibility for courses may be subject to a placement exam and/or prerequisites.
- Course availability is based on enrollment numbers. You should seek pre-approval for alternate courses in the event that your initial course choices are closed due to low enrollment.
- Course Selection
- Language courses are modular; you have the ability to enroll in two sequential Arabic language courses per semester. If you wish to progress through one full level of language in a semester (ie. Beginning Arabic I and II) you may do so and earn up to a year’s worth of credit hours. Please note that you cannot progress through two different levels (ie. Beginning Arabic II and Intermediate I) during the same semester.
- Alternate Courses
- You are required to select alternate courses in the event of top course choices conflicting on the timetable, course cancellations, or registration issues.
- You should get your alternate courses pre-approved by your academic advisor.
- Language Placement
- Enrollment in Arabic language courses is determined by the results of a language placement exam administered by the ISA Meknes Study Center. Please note that your performance on the placement exam may not reflect the number of semesters of language instruction you’ve already completed at your home university.
- If you are trying to place into any level of language beyond beginning, it is recommended that you prepare for the language placement exam by reviewing previous coursework.
- Arabic Textbooks
- Students taking Arabic language classes are required to purchase their textbooks for Arabic prior to departure. To determine which book you should purchase for your Arabic course, please refer either to the course descriptions below or to your pre-registration form. Textbooks for other courses will be aquired on-site.
- Transcript Information
- Upon completion of the program at the ISA Meknes Study Center, students will receive a transcript from ISA's School of Record, the University of South Florida (USF). The USF transcripts will reflect transfer credit for coursework taken at the ISA Meknes Study Center. The contact hours for language courses will not be reflected on the transcript; however, they are listed below to assist with credit transfer. Please be in touch with your home university regarding credit transfer for this program.
- Course Level Recommendations
- ISA offers course level recommendations for the courses listed below. The courses listed below are identified by prefixes and numbers. The course prefix is a two- or three-letter designator for an academic discipline. The course number is a three-digit designator for the course level. The first digit indicates the year for which the course was designed: 1 indicates first year, 2 indicates second year, 3 indicates third year and 4 indicates fourth year. The last two numbers are used for cataloging. These ISA recommendations are intended to help with the determination of course equivalencies at U.S. home institutions.
Courses
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Support & Funding
ISA is here to support you when it comes to navigating identity questions related to traveling abroad, providing resources and information for your accessibility needs, and identifying funding for your program abroad.
SUPPORT TEAM
Our U.S. staff is available to support you though every stage of your study abroad journey. Please reach out with any questions about ISA programs or life on-site to your country-specific Program Manager.
Our on-site staff are there for you as soon as you arrive in country and will support you throughout your time abroad.
MEKNES TEAM
Abdallah Malki, PhD.
Academic Coordinator, Morocco
Abdallah Malki, PhD.
Academic Coordinator
Abdallah Malki is an experienced educator with a BA in English Language and Literature from the University of Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdallah, a Teaching Diploma from the Higher School for Teacher Training in Rabat, an MA in English Language and Comparative Literatures from the University of Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdallah, and a Ph.D. (Doctorat d’Etat) in Comparative Drama and Applied Semiotics from the Fulbright Joint Supervision scheme between the University of Moulay Ismail in Meknes and Indiana University at Bloomington. Author of numerous publications (articles and books) and presentations, Dr. Malki is a distinguished scholar in the areas of drama, literature, translation, semiotics, and intercultural communication. He has taught at numerous institutions and was appointed by Royal Decree as the Dean of the School of Arts and Humanities, as well as Vice Dean for Scientific Research and Cooperation, at the University of Moulay Ismail. Since 2008, Dr. Malki has served as the Academic Coordinator at the ISA Meknes Study Center, where he oversees course instruction and pedagogy.
Iman Essamati
Resident Director, Morocco
Iman Essamati
Resident Director
Born and raised in Meknes, Iman has a Bachelor's degree in Applied Linguistics and a Master's degree in Communication in Contexts from Mly Ismail University. Iman joined the ISA family in 2008, and working within the field of international education has been a dream come true. She is fluent in classical Arabic, Darija, French and English, and speaks some Italian and German. Iman is a very dedicated and devoted person to her work and enjoy introducing her students to their host culture in Morocco.This remarkable experience with ISA helped her realize how much she likes traveling, which led her to travel extensively to many countries like the USA, Spain, France, Italy, Portugal, Switzerland, the UK, the Czech Republic, Germany and Austria. Iman is a passionate reader and an adventerous soul, and she believes that learning is her life mission.
Identity Resources
Accessibility & Accommodations
With our wide portfolio of program types and locations, we’re confident there is a suitable, accessible program for each student.
Securing accommodations abroad can take time, so we ask that those with requests inform ISA early in the advising process. We recommend reaching out to your Program Manager or our Accessibility Team (accessibilityteam@worldstrides.com) to discuss your accessibility needs or accommodations abroad.
Destination Information
Our diversity pages for each ISA destination include information on Indigenous communities, languages, race and ethnicity, religion, LGBTQIA+, and disability access. We hope it will help when reflecting upon and contextualizing intersectionality in your host community.
Identity Blog
ISA offers students the opportunity to blog about their experiences abroad from their own diverse perspectives. These posts can be found on the ISA Student Blog, and interested students should email diversity@studiesabroad.com for more information.
Funding
All students should have the opportunity to study abroad. To help make this a reality, ISA offers a variety of scholarships to help cover your study abroad costs. To learn more about our scholarship opportunities, check out our scholarships & grants page!
If you receive financial aid from your home university, you can likely use those funds for study abroad, as well. Speak with your home university’s financial aid office to learn about your options. Check out steps for using financial aid.
Questions about scholarships and funding? Email us at higheredfinaid@worldstrides.org
Housing
Living in ISA housing will give you the opportunity to experience aspects of the Moroccan lifestyle that are inaccessible to the average visitor to Meknes. Uncovering the uniqueness of your accommodations and the surrounding areas will help you to feel right at home. With an open and adaptable mind, the experience of living in another culture can be highly rewarding.
We strive to match your housing preferences with our available accommodations, however, housing preference requests cannot be guaranteed.
Homestay
Host families are best if you are seeking full linguistic and cultural immersion during your time abroad. Homestays are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis, and availability is limited. Each host family has been carefully selected by ISA's resident staff in order to best accommodate your needs and to ensure a comfortable living situation. Homestays will provide three meals a day (except on Sundays and ISA excursion days) and laundry service once a week. You will typically share a room with another ISA student of the same gender.
Apartment
Apartments are a great housing option if you are seeking independence during your time abroad. Apartments are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. Rent and utilities are included in the program price, and each apartment is fully furnished. The apartments are located in the center of Ville Nouvelle- the "new city" section of Meknes. Apartments typically house 6-7 ISA students of the same gender, with shared room occupancy. You will be provided with three meals a day (except on Sundays and ISA excursion days) and the services of a housekeeper.
Excursions
THERE’S MORE TO DISCOVER WITH ISA
Casablanca
You will arrive in Morocco via Casablanca, Morocco's largest city and economic hub. Your Bridging Cultures Program starts here, and you will be introduced to the Moroccan culture while also reviewing important health and safety information for your time abroad. Tour the Hassan II Mosque, one of the world's largest mosques and home to the world's tallest minaret (210 meters), and marvel at the city's exquisite masterpieces of Art Deco architecture.
Casablanca
You will arrive in Morocco via Casablanca, Morocco's largest city and economic hub. Your Bridging Cultures Program starts here, and you will be introduced to the Moroccan culture while also reviewing important health and safety information for your time abroad. Tour the Hassan II Mosque, one of the world's largest mosques and home to the world's tallest minaret (210 meters), and marvel at the city's exquisite masterpieces of Art Deco architecture.
Marrakech
Make your way to Marrakech, Morocco's legendary "pink city", during your Bridging Cultures Program. Soak up the sights, sounds and smells of the Jemaa el-Fna plaza, home to storytellers, snake charmers, acrobats, monkey handlers, food stalls and more. Meander off the main square to discover the narrow paths and artisans' shops that make up Morocco's largest traditional market (souk).
Marrakech
Make your way to Marrakech, Morocco's legendary "pink city", during your Bridging Cultures Program. Soak up the sights, sounds and smells of the Jemaa el-Fna plaza, home to storytellers, snake charmers, acrobats, monkey handlers, food stalls and more. Meander off the main square to discover the narrow paths and artisans' shops that make up Morocco's largest traditional market (souk).
Ouzoud Falls
As a part of the Bridging Cultures Program, you will travel through the Atlas Mountains on your way to Meknes and visit the secluded Ouzoud Waterfalls, where you will have the opportunity to relax in the open mountain air and swim at the base of the falls. The beauty of the Atlas region is sure to give you a sense of calm before arriving in Meknes
Ouzoud Falls
As a part of the Bridging Cultures Program, you will travel through the Atlas Mountains on your way to Meknes and visit the secluded Ouzoud Waterfalls, where you will have the opportunity to relax in the open mountain air and swim at the base of the falls. The beauty of the Atlas region is sure to give you a sense of calm before arriving in Meknes
Rabat
Explore the beautiful white and blue buildings of the seaside neighborhood surrounding the city's kasbah (fortress). Climb to the top for refreshing views of the Oued Bou Regreg Estuary and the seemingly endless Atlantic Ocean. Stroll through the plaza of the Mausoleum of Mohammed V and the Hassan Tower, Rabat's famous half-finished landmark.
Rabat
Explore the beautiful white and blue buildings of the seaside neighborhood surrounding the city's kasbah (fortress). Climb to the top for refreshing views of the Oued Bou Regreg Estuary and the seemingly endless Atlantic Ocean. Stroll through the plaza of the Mausoleum of Mohammed V and the Hassan Tower, Rabat's famous half-finished landmark.
Tangier
The port city of Tangier has captured the imagination of travelers, writers and artists for centuries. Located at the strategic Strait of Gibraltar, this international city exhibits cultural influences from both Europe and Africa. From Tangier's shores you can easily view Spain's southern coast, just nine miles to the north across the strait. While in Tangier, you will explore the historic Medina, kasbah, artists' quarter, and the breezy seafront promenade.
Tangier
The port city of Tangier has captured the imagination of travelers, writers and artists for centuries. Located at the strategic Strait of Gibraltar, this international city exhibits cultural influences from both Europe and Africa. From Tangier's shores you can easily view Spain's southern coast, just nine miles to the north across the strait. While in Tangier, you will explore the historic Medina, kasbah, artists' quarter, and the breezy seafront promenade.
Volubilis
Discover Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the largest and best preserved Roman ruins in the world. Explore such features as the Capitoline Temple, Volubilis Basilica, Decumanus Maximus, Arch of Caracalla and Tingis Gate, and marvel at the city's beautiful still-intact mosaics.
Volubilis
Discover Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the largest and best preserved Roman ruins in the world. Explore such features as the Capitoline Temple, Volubilis Basilica, Decumanus Maximus, Arch of Caracalla and Tingis Gate, and marvel at the city's beautiful still-intact mosaics.
Fes
Explore Fes el-Bali, otherwise known as Old Fes, one of the largest and best-preserved medieval cities in the world. Make room for donkeys as you walk among the bustling bazaars and sacred mosques. Drop in on the workshops of a range of local artisans and craftspeople, including herbalists, weavers, potters, and the world-renowned tanners who make the leather goods for which the Medina is most famous.
Fes
Explore Fes el-Bali, otherwise known as Old Fes, one of the largest and best-preserved medieval cities in the world. Make room for donkeys as you walk among the bustling bazaars and sacred mosques. Drop in on the workshops of a range of local artisans and craftspeople, including herbalists, weavers, potters, and the world-renowned tanners who make the leather goods for which the Medina is most famous.
Ifrane
Take a break from city life as you trek through Morocco's forested Atlas Mountains region. Start by sharing a traditional Moroccan breakfast with an Amazigh family in their home, then hike through the lush hillsides and ascend to the top of the mountain. At the summit, your efforts will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the valley and towns below.
Ifrane
Take a break from city life as you trek through Morocco's forested Atlas Mountains region. Start by sharing a traditional Moroccan breakfast with an Amazigh family in their home, then hike through the lush hillsides and ascend to the top of the mountain. At the summit, your efforts will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the valley and towns below.
Merzouga * Optional
Ride camels to your campsite amidst the sweeping desert landscape of the Sahara. Spend a festive evening under the stars dancing to Moroccan music and feasting on a meal of couscous and roasted meats and vegetables. Rise before dawn to witness the most incredible sunrise as the sun transforms the Sahara into a sea of reds and oranges. During the day ride 4x4s through the desert, stopping to dance to Gnawa music, visit a desert-dwelling family, and hike through a fossil bed.
Merzouga
Ride camels to your campsite amidst the sweeping desert landscape of the Sahara. Spend a festive evening under the stars dancing to Moroccan music and feasting on a meal of couscous and roasted meats and vegetables. Rise before dawn to witness the most incredible sunrise as the sun transforms the Sahara into a sea of reds and oranges. During the day ride 4x4s through the desert, stopping to dance to Gnawa music, visit a desert-dwelling family, and hike through a fossil bed.
Cultural Activities in Meknes
The ISA on-site team encourages you to explore the city and culture of Meknes. The team facilitates this by offering a robust calendar of events that showcases what makes Meknes special.
These activities vary each term, and previous offerings have included Moroccan cooking classes, visiting a Hammam for an authentic bathhouse experience, and touring the lively and vibrant old medina portion of the city.
Cultural Activities in Meknes
The ISA on-site team encourages you to explore the city and culture of Meknes. The team facilitates this by offering a robust calendar of events that showcases what makes Meknes special.
These activities vary each term, and previous offerings have included Moroccan cooking classes, visiting a Hammam for an authentic bathhouse experience, and touring the lively and vibrant old medina portion of the city.