| Program Terms: |
Academic Year, Fall, Spring, Summer |
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| Homepage: | Click to visit | |
| Restrictions: | BW applicants only |
| Dates / Deadlines: |
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| Term | Year | App Deadline | Decision Date | Start Date | End Date |
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| Spring | 2019 | 11/01/2018 ** | Rolling Admission | TBA | TBA |
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** Indicates rolling admission application process. Applicants will be immediately notified of acceptance into this program and be able to complete post-decision materials prior to the term's application deadline. |
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| Fact Sheet: |
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| Language of Instruction: | Arabic, English, French | Minimum GPA: | 2.70 |
| Housing Options: | On Campus |
| Program Description: |
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History and Description
Inaugurated in 1995 by the late King Hassan II of Morocco and the late King Fahd of Saudi Arabia, Al Akhawayn University redefines the classic American liberal arts educational experience on an architecturally stunning modern campus amidst the glory of Morocco's Middle Atlas Mountains. Besides its excellent academic core, Al Akhawayn provides a comfortable, safe, and exciting residential life including hundreds of student-run activities for all of its students (96% live on-campus).
International Student Handbook
Ifrane
Located in northern Morocco in the Middle Atlas Mountains, the city of Ifrane is an oasis of green. Unlike some of the dustier and busy cities of Morocco, Ifrane is known for its many lakes, fountains and greenery. It was founded by the French in the 1930s and it soon became a well-known retreat. With its wide avenues for driving, European-style villas, and natural green spaces, you might feel like you’ve stepped into a resort in Switzerland. During the winter months, Ifrane becomes a destination for skiers, and in the summer, these same hills become a hot spot for hiking, walking, mountaineering and rock climbing.
About The Program
Orientation and Airport Pick-Up
Before your departure from the US, you must notify the International Office at Al-Akhawayn of your flight details to arrange transportation from the airport to the university. Also, when it is time for you to return home, you follow the same process. AUI will share more details regarding this in your acceptance packet.
There will be a 3 day orientation for international students conducted by the International Office Director. If you are accepted to the program, you will receive the orientation dates in your acceptance packet. If you have any problems relating to culture, the university, etc., please visit or call the International Office at Al Akhawayn. For more information about Al-Akhawayn regarding academics and culture, please review The International Student Handbook: http://aui.ma/images/international-student-hand-book-new.pdf
Housing
All international students live on-campus with a Moroccan roommate, unless you specifically ask for a single room. In each room there are 2 beds, desks, dressers, and closets (one for each student). Internet access (wired connections) is also provided, but only a few buildings currently have wireless connections. Study abroad and Transient students are issued a mattress pad and a set of sheets, a pillow and blanket (ask housing if you need more blankets). The en-suite bathroom is equipped with a shower. If you are experiencing any difficulties with your housing, you must go to your RA (one per building) and then to your Hall Director. Unless it is a very serious problem, all housing issues will be handled by the RA.
Note: halls close during the longer official university breaks and vacation periods. Many students choose to travel during this time. The cost of travel and alternative housing during the break between semesters are not factored into the estimated additional cost
Food & Laundry
AUI offers a meal plan similar to that of BW in that it is a declining balance system. In other words, you are given a specific amount of money to spend over the course of the term in the cafeteria, café, bookstore, and the on-campus grocery store. As for laundry, there are two facilities on-campus. You will need to buy tokens to give to the workers in the laundromats who then wash your clothes for you.
Transportation
Public transportation in Ifrane is not readily available. But, you can easily walk to town to shop, etc. within 15 minutes. Also, if you are in a hurry, taxis are available.
Money Matters
Although the amount of spending money needed does vary from person to person, it is recommended that you have about $1000 for expenses like travelling, eating off-campus, toiletries, and buying souvenirs. Remember that if you have to ship any of your souvenirs home, it will be very expensive. For example, many students buy rugs as souvenirs, but as they do not fit into suitcases, they must be shipped home. If you think that you may want to buy a rug as well, make sure to check how much it will cost to send it home beforehand.
Students will receive a $400 check to help cover miscellaneous expenses that need to be paid upon arrival to AUI.
Banking & Cell Phones
It is recommended that students keep their American bank accounts and simply use the ATM's instead of opening a local bank account. It is imperative, however, to inform your bank of your upcoming time abroad and to learn more about your bank’s policy for making withdrawals in order to best avoid any banking problems. Usually, you should expect a fee for withdrawals (usually about $3 or $4). More information regarding banking will be discussed during the BW Pre-Departure Orientation Session.
As for cell phones, it is recommended that you do purchase one in country. Past students have said that having a cell phone was beneficial (making plans with friends, travelling around country, etc). Once you have bought the cell phone (about $30) you will need to purchase phone cards in order to make calls locally or internationally.
Academics
Registration for classes is done on site when you arrive in Morocco. The academic system at AUI is very similar to that of BW. You are eligible to take classes in many different disciplines as all of the classes are taught in English. Lecture and discussion occur simultaneously in the classroom as well. In terms of assessment, it can vary from class to class. For example, in an Arabic language class, you may have continuous tests, homework, and presentations whereas in a history class you may only have two essay tests and two short presentations. Although there are computer labs on campus, it is recommended that you bring your own laptop, because the computers in the computer lab have French keyboards and the computer lab itself holds inconsistent hours.
Health
All BW students are required to have international health insurance. Students will be automatically enrolled in this insurance. More information regarding insurance coverage will be provided once you begin an online application or contact Explorations for more details.
AUI has a Health Center on-campus so you can receive attention immediately.
Eligibility
