SIT Morocco: Migration and Transnational Identity
- Location: Rabat, Morocco, Morocco
- Minimum GPA: 3.0
- Language of Instruction: English
- Class Eligibility: Juniors
Introduction
Using a multidisciplinary approach, enrich your understanding of migration through meetings with migrants, local NGOs, international institutions, and affected communities in Morocco and the Netherlands. Get an introduction to the history of migration in Morocco at the ancient Roman site, Volubilis, and the medieval cities of Fes and Meknès. In Rabat, discuss migration issues with prominent university professors and visit Moroccan and United Nations agencies and NGOs dealing with migration. In the northern cities of Tangier and Tétouan, you’ll visit African NGOs working with migrants and the border with Spain, where sustained undocumented migration takes place. On a seven-day stay in the Netherlands, you’ll discuss transnationalism, identity, and integration with Moroccan migrants, Dutch professors, and NGO workers. You will also spend a day with a Moroccan-Dutch community in Amsterdam. You will have the option of either interning with an organization focused on issues related to migration or carrying out an independent research project.
- Visa:
Not Required for EU or North American citizens. Residency documents completed upon arrival.
Non-US citizens should consult with the Office of International Student Support before applying to the program.
- Fees: Students pay Haverford tuition to Haverford. Haverford is responsible for making tuition payment to SIT. Students are responsible for paying room and board costs directly to SIT.
Academic Overview
Requirements
There are no prerequisites; however, students with a background in French will find ample opportunity for French language practice while also learning Arabic.
Academic Credit
Major, minor, and concentration transfer credit will only be granted for courses in which students receive a grade of a C or above.
Curriculum
Required courses:
- Migration and Transnational Identity
- Beginning, Intermediate, or Advanced Modern Standard Arabic
- Research Methods and Ethics
- Independent Study Project or Internship
Course Highlights
Arabic, Human Rights, Independent Research, Identity, Internship, Justice, Migration, Peace, Resilience
Note: Changes occur frequently. Students are responsible for finding the classes they need and consulting the official site of the institution.
Non-Academic Overview
Orientation
During the first week of the program, the academic director and other staff conduct academic, cross-cultural, health and safety, and site-specific orientations. Through group discussions, readings, and participatory methods, students are introduced to the host country and develop skills for successful cross-cultural communication. Orientation is also a time to review academic requirements, understand program objectives, and develop relationships within the student group.
Number of Students
About 20-25 students attend this program each semester.
Housing/Meal Plans
Homestay only. Each SIT Study Abroad student studying on the Morocco program lives with a carefully selected host family in Rabat for eight weeks. If students pursue an independent project in Rabat, they can extend their stay by four weeks. A homestay may be arranged in other locations during this period, as well. Meals are provided by the host family.
During group excursions, the program will stay in hostels, private homes, or small hotels.
Haverford students may not opt for independent off-campus housing – that is, housing not arranged by the program.
Notes
Additional Resources
- Support for LGTBQIA+ Students
- SIT Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Resources
- Mental Health & Self Care While Abroad
- Diversity Abroad
Options
- Semester
- Fulfills Language Requirement
Dates
- Semester I: Early September to mid-December
- Semester II: Late January to early May
Application Deadlines
- Semester I: March 1
- Semester II: October 15