Office of International Programs
Morocco: Al Akhawayn University
The Rollins Approved Program at Al Akhawayn University offers students the opportunity to directly enroll in courses at a liberal arts, English-speaking institution in Ifrane, Morocco. Students will get to know Moroccan and other international students while exploring the diverse cultures and beautiful landscapes and cities of Morocco.
Experience Morocco
To learn more about Morocco, students study and live with local Moroccan students!
Did YOU Know?....
Rollins semester tuition and most scholarships transfer to a semester abroad. Talk to us!
Overview
Students on this program will be fully integrated into life at Al Akhawayn University (AUI), taking classes and living with local and other international students. AUI is located in Ifrane, a small city in the Atlas Mountains known for its natural beauty and outdoor activities, including skiing! All courses at AUI, except for language courses, are taught in English. Students have access to courses in a wide range of fields, such as International Business, Communications, Middle Eastern and North African Studies, History, International Relations, Arabic and French.
* If you plan to participate in two approved semester programs abroad, you can apply your full Rollins financial aid package to both programs as long as one of them is an exchange program. This qualifies as an exchange program so will allow you to carry your full aid package on this program and any other approved semester program of your choosing – whether that program is an exchange or not.
- Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors
- Good record with the Office of Community Standards and good academic and College standing
- Professional application: materials are submitted on-time, are edited before submission, and are thorough and thoughtful.
- Minimum 2.75 GPA
- This program has a required advising session (30 minutes) as part of the application process. Please visit our home page to schedule an advising appointment.
Incoming Exchange Students
The coordinator for incoming exchange students is Jenifer Ruby, Director of International Student & Scholar Services. For information about application and advising for incoming exchange students, please visit the website for International Student & Scholar Services. You may also contact Ms. Ruby at jruby@rollins.edu for more details.
Fall 2022
- Aug 30 - Sept 1: Arrival
- Sept 2-7: Orientation
- Sept 8: First Day of Classes
- Dec 14: Last Day of Classes
- Dec 16-23: Exam Period
- December 23: Program Ends
Spring 2023
- Jan 12-13: Arrival
- Jan 14–18: New Student Orientation
- Jan 19: First Day of Classes
- Mar 6–10: Spring Break
- May 8: Last Day of Classes
- May 10-17: Exam Period
Orientation & Flight
The orientation at AUI includes academic advising, an introduction and tour of the campus, an introduction to Moroccan culture, social events, an organized shopping trip, an introduction to student services on-campus, and athletic and campus organization fairs.
Students are responsible for booking their own flights and for making arrangements for travel to the university once they arrive in Morocco. Students can arrange for pick-up at the Fez airport or train station for a small fee.
Visa
US citizens do not need to pre-apply for a visa to Morocco. Students will register for residency once on-site during their on-site orientation. For general information about the visa process and visas for non-U.S. citizens, see our Passports and Visas Page.
Campus and Courses
Al Akhawayn University is a small, public Moroccan university dedicated to educating future leaders of Morocco and the world through a liberal arts-style approach. The university offers classes in English that are globally oriented and dedicated to the knowledge and growth of the students. Courses are taught by AUI faculty and the learning environment is similar to Rollins. Students can select from a variety of courses and are strongly encouraged to take a class in French or Arabic while at AUI. Some classes incorporate field trips such as Dr. Zvan-Elliot's North African Politics and Government class. Check out the Al Akhawayn's course catalog for a list of possible classes.
Transfer of Credit
Students will take 4-5 courses and most courses are worth 3 credits so students typically earn 12-15 credits on this program. Courses on this program appear on the Rollins transcript as transfer credit; the grades are displayed and are factored into the Rollins GPA. It can take up to three months for grades to be processed and appear on the Rollins transcript. For information on approving courses for major/minor and General Education/rFLA requirements, and other academic policies, please visit our Academic Information page.
Housing
All students are housed in single or double rooms in the residence halls on campus at AUI. Bathrooms are en-suite. Residence halls are gender segregated and students may not access residences of the opposite gender. However, there are shared common areas and many spaces across campus where students can gather and socialize.
Meals
Students have a full meal plan and access to three different on-campus restaurants that are open seven days a week: a Moroccan and International cuisine restaurant, a grill, and a pizzeria/Italian restaurant. There is also a café with pastries and sandwiches and the grill is open for late night food until 11:00pm. The campus store is also available with a small selection of groceries and office supplies.
The campus environment at Al Akhawayn is very welcoming and students will find it easy to meet local and other international students. Students have the opportunity to participate in over 40 student organizations or join one of the intramural sports teams. Regular movie screenings take place on campus every week as well as other campus parties and an end-of-semester talent show. Holidays allow time to travel and experience the culture in Morocco. Ifrane is located in a mountain region known for its ski resorts and outdoor recreation and students often enjoy hiking and skiing in the area right around campus. One organized three-day weekend in-country excursion is included during the program.
Ifrane is connected to the nearby and historic cities of Fez and Meknes via bus and both cities have larger bus and train stations. Travel around around Morocco is easy and inexpensive. Past students have been able to spend holidays with Moroccan friends at their homes and travel around Morocco with other international students, visiting places like the vibrant city of Marrakesh, the laidback beach town, Essaouria, and the famed blue city of Chefchaouen.
Things to Consider
Same-sex relationships are criminalized in Morocco. LGBTQIA+ students should carefully and thoroughly check the US Department of State LGBTI Travelers page and ILGA Sexual Orientation Laws in the World for more information as well as the IP Your Identity Abroad page.
Students with mobility disabilities may find accessibility and accommodations different from the United States. Check the US Department of State Travelers with Disabilities and specific to the country, Mobility International USA, and the IP Your Identity Abroad page for resources.
Program Fee
Most Rollins financial aid and scholarships will apply to the semester abroad.
- Tuition: $29,150
- Housing: $4,925
- All meals/food: $3,170
Also Includes
Orientation, campus/program activities, printing fees, program administration, and emergency insurance.
Estimated Additional Costs
- Transportation: Round-trip airfare from FL $1,500
- Refundable Housing Deposit: $200 (returned to student after the program ends)
- Books, course materials, supplies: $300
- Personal expenses: $735
- Federal student loan fees if applicable: $40
- Professional licensure, certification or credentials costs: $0
Need-Based Scholarships
Scholarships based on financial need are available to off-set costs associated with international airfare and other costs associated with study abroad. Students can apply for scholarships through the Rollins program application.
Living Abroad
Having a credit card while abroad is very helpful. Morocco has a low cost of living compared to the United States.