Language Intensive Program in Meknes, Morocco

Visit the Bou Inania Madrasa, one of the finest monuments of the Marinid era. This architectural gem showcases exquisite Islamic design, with intricately carved columns, ornate doors, and detailed inscriptions that reflect the artistry and devotion of its creators.

Visit the final resting place of the sultan who made Meknès his 17th-century capital. Enter through a series of peaceful courtyards designed to evoke reflection and humility, offering a glimpse into the grandeur and grace of Morocco’s royal past.

Fes is Morocco’s spiritual heart and its oldest imperial city. Within the walls of its medina lies the world’s largest intact medieval city, where winding alleys echo with the sounds and scents of daily life. Explore the car-free Medina of Fes, where donkeys still carry goods through narrow passageways and hidden squares reveal fountains, food stalls, and artisan workshops. Visit the Bou Inania Madrasa, built by Sultan Abou Inan in the 14th century, a masterpiece of Marinid architecture that once served as both school and mosque. End your visit browsing the vibrant souks filled with traditional crafts and gifts.

Take a walking tour of Meknès’ Medina, home to the 12th-century Grand Mosque. Enter through Bab el-Mansour, the most magnificent of Morocco’s imperial gates, and step into Place el-Hedim, a lively square built by Sultan Moulay Ismail to showcase the gate’s grandeur and welcome visitors to the heart of the city.

Cook Moroccan-style and learn to prepare authentic local dishes before enjoying your creations. Moroccan cuisine reflects centuries of cultural exchange, blending Mediterranean, Arabic, Andalusian, and Berber traditions into one flavorful experience.

Founded in the 3rd century BC as the capital of the Roman province of Mauretania, Volubilis sits in a fertile valley and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the Roman ruins, where temples, arches, and mosaics reveal the grandeur of this ancient city, including the Forum and the House of Venus.

Rabat, Morocco’s capital, takes its name from the Berber word for “fortified place.” Overlooking the Atlantic at the mouth of the Bou Regreg River, the city blends European charm with traditional Moroccan order. Founded in 1146 by Almohad ruler Abd al-Mu'min, Rabat was once a base for campaigns into Spain.

Escape the heat in the tranquil Andalusian Gardens, built during the French protectorate on the grounds of an old palace. Wander shaded paths surrounded by citrus trees and fountains, then explore the palace museum showcasing jewelry, ceramics, clothing, and traditional musical instruments.

Visit Le Tour Hassan, the grand minaret of the unfinished Hassan Mosque, begun in 1195 by Almohad ruler Yacoub el Mansour. Though construction stopped at 145 feet after his death, the tower remains a symbol of Rabat. Across from it stands the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, one of Morocco’s most revered sites.

Marrakech is a vibrant city of striking contrasts, where the winding alleys of the old walled medina meet the broad boulevards of the French quarter. Explore lively souks and the carnival-like Djemaa el Fna, with the Atlas Mountains rising in the distance. Visit the towering Koutoubia Mosque Minaret, the tranquil Menara Gardens, the ornate Saadian Tombs, and the enchanting Majorelle Garden—a masterpiece created by French painter Jacques Majorelle over forty years.

This evening, students make their final entries in their Reflection Journals, sharing key observations and perspectives gained throughout their travel experience and considering how these insights will remain relevant as they return home.