SIT Morocco: Human Rights, Social Justice, and Cultural Transformation
- Location: Rabat, Morocco, Morocco
- Minimum GPA: 3.0
- Language of Instruction: English
- Class Eligibility: Juniors
Introduction
Examine challenges shaping Morocco and the Arab world since the 2011 Arab Spring. Learn about movements for human rights and social justice, and the cultural transformations that are emerging from them. The challenges and complexities of human rights, social justice, and cultural transformations in today’s Morocco are an outgrowth of the 2011 Arab Spring that took hold throughout North Africa. These uprisings against oppression and marginalization, and the cultural shifts that followed, have expanded the demands and repertoires of current struggles in Morocco. Modern movements have grown in visibility as the state, Islamists, and activists seek to define human rights and social justice on their own terms. This program explores the present-day characteristics of the struggles for human rights and social justice within regional, national, and international contexts. We examine the resulting cultural transformations through a range of lenses including gender, individual liberties, globalization, and socioeconomic and political changes.
Excursions to the north and south of the country offer a view of the systems of power and privilege that have produced inequality and unjust environmental conditions, as well as the movements and organizations that have emerged in response. We engage with social economies that cross class and gender, including women-owned businesses producing local products and re-connecting their communities to the land and the environment, and local NGOs that are working collectively to create change.
- 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 is no language requirement, however, students with a background in French will find ample opportunity for French language practice while also learning both Moroccan and Modern Standard Arabic.
Academic Credit
Major, minor, and concentration transfer credit will only be granted for courses in which students received a grade of a C or above.
Curriculum
Students on this program are required to take the following courses:
- Human Rights and Social Movements in a Multicultural Context
- Beginning, Intermediate, or Advanced Modern Standard Arabic
- Research Methods and Ethics
- Independent Study Project or Internship
Course Highlights
Arabic, Human Rights, Independent Research, Justice, Multicultural Studies, Peace, Social Movements
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 25-30 students attend this program each semester.
Housing/Meal Plans
Homestay only. Each student 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.
During excursions, accommodations include hostels, guesthouses, 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