The University of Florida and Arabic Language Institute of Fez, Morocco offer a joint, intensive language program held at the institute over the summer. The program itself lasts six weeks, and the six credit hours earned at the institute can be transfered to any U.S. institution. Both University of Florida students and students of other colleges are encouraged to participate.

Why Study In Fez?	Who is Eligible?
About the Program	Housing
Costs	Getting an Application

WHY SUMMER STUDY IN FEZ, MOROCCO?

Fez is located in Morocco, the western of three North African countries known to the Arabs as Jeziret al-Maghreb, or Island of the West". Morocco has an extensive coastline facing both the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, yet it is geographically dominated by the highest and most rugged ranges of the Atlas Mountain system of north-west Africa.

Fez, founded in the 9th century, is a fascinating city where the old and new worlds coexist in perfect harmony. One of the four imperial cities of Morocco, Fez is famous for its Medina, its school-mosque, the Qarawiyyin, and its Arab-Andalusian gardens and architecture. The program is held at the Arabic Language Institute in Fez (ALIF) which was founded in 1983. ALIF is an affiliate of the American Language Center in Fez and has established itself as the pre-eminent institution in the Maghreb for the teaching of Arabic as a foreign language.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE?

Students in good standing must have completed the first semester of their freshman year, have earned a 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale, be at least 18 years of age, and have completed at least one year of college-level Arabic or the equivalent. Again, students from other universities and community colleges are encouraged to apply.

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

The program runs for six weeks, from early to mid-June through July. Students enrolled in the program will study Modern Standard Arabic at one of three levels of proficiency: Intermediate, Advanced, or Upper Advanced, as well as survival Moroccan colloquial. Students will be placed in the appropriate level class following a placement exam administered at the Institute.

In addition to offering classes in MSA in a beautiful setting, the center also has a specialized library focusing on Arab, North African, and Islamic studies as well as an Arabic language video and cassette collection. The institution also offers lectures on Moroccan life and society. Following arrival, students may also participate in walking tours and optional extended field trips (at an additional cost).

HOUSING, FOOD, AND TRANSPORTATION

Two housing options exist for students--Homestays with a Moroccan family, and the ALIF residence located in a villa near the school. During the first week all students reside in the ALIF villa. Housing fees are paid in arrangement with ALIF following arrival. Optional meal plans are available. For transportation, students can make use of the city bus system, which runs from 6:00 am until 9:00 pm daily. Bicycles, trains, and taxis are also common forms of transportation in the city. Air travel is also available to reach cities such as Casablanca, Marrakesh, Tangier, and Agadier. Fez is also within easy reach of the European continent for travel before and after the program.

COSTS

The 1997 program fees were $1567.51 (in-state students) or $1717.51 (out-of-state students) for tuition and related program expenses; estimated costs for the 1998 summer program are not yet available. Housing and transportation fees are not included in the program fee. Housing fees are paid in arrangement with ALIF following arrival. Program fees cover: orientation, 120 hours of instruction (4 hours/day, 5 days/week, for 6 weeks), ALIF library membership, access to listening stations and audio tape collections, and seminars at ALIF.

HOW TO APPLY

To receive an application, contact the:

Office of International Studies and Programs
University of Florida
123 Tigert Hall
Gainesville, FL  32611-3225
PH: (352) 392-5380
FAX: (352) 392-5575
EMAIL: Overseas@nervm.nerdc.ufl.edu

or the program director at:

Dr. Aida Bamia
470 Grinter Hall
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL   32611
TEL: (352) 392-2110
FAX: (352) 392-1443
EMAIL: abamia@aall.ufl.edu

The application deadline for OSS scholarships and for those students applying for financial aid is March 1st; for those students not applying for aid, the application deadline is March 31st. Students may apply after the deadline, although a late fee is assessed.

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