Morocco & Spain: Crossroads of Culture (4-Week Sample Itinerary)
The following is a sample itinerary based on past courses; actual itineraries may vary.
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Week 1
After traversing the Atlantic Ocean, we arrive in Casablanca and then travel by multiple modes of transportation to a small town, tucked away in the Middle Atlas Mountains. Here, at our orientation site, we begin Arabic language study, receive an introduction to Moroccan cultural norms, get to know each-other, and set our intentions for the course. In addition, we begin an exploration of the Islamic traditions of Morocco and explore the rolling hills of the Middle Atlas. -
Week 2
Following our course orientation, we travel by taxi to the quaint Berber (Amazigh) town of Azrou (which translates as “Great Rock”). In Azrou, surrounded by the rare cedar forest which dominate the mountains, we prepare for our semi-urban homestay with language and cultural etiquette lessons. We meet our homestays families and get ready for a multi-day cultural experience in Moroccan homes. In Azrou, we discover urban life and family dynamics. We come together as a group each day to learn Arabic including the alphabet, greetings and introductions, shopping and transportation phrases, as well as useful expressions to begin navigating daily routines independently. We hear from local experts, spend time with local Moroccan youth, hike in the surrounding mountains, and develop a plan for our Independent Study Projects. We wrap-up our time in the Middle Atlas, by travelling to the city of Fez to see the religious sites and massive medina of this world-renowned city. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Fez teems with superlatives. Not only is its medieval medina the largest car-free urban area in the world, but it’s also home to the oldest existing, continually operating educational institution on the planet. We explore the medina (old city), wending our way along the labyrinthine passageways to experience the diversity of the souqs (markets). We visit centuries-old tanneries, walk among crumbling ruins, and practice our bargaining skills. -
Week 3
We make our way to the largest chain of mountains in North Africa as we hike through an area almost untouched by tourists in the heart of the High Atlas Mountains. As we trek we encounter some of the most remote villages in Morocco as well as communities of nomads who tend their flocks in these canyons during the summer. We experience the raw beauty of sandstone plateaus and canyons during our morning hikes and continue to learn more about Morocco and its people during our afternoon lessons. Feeling comfortable and immersed after our travels in Morocco, we ready ourselves for the transition to Spain for our final week. Crossing by land, we’ll enter Ceuta, one of two Spanish enclaves on the continent of Africa. Here, we’ll consider the driving forces behind migration from Subsaharan Africa to Europe and the precarious decisions made in hopes of safer futures and opportunities. From Ceuta, we’ll take the ferry across the Strait of Gibraltar and make our way along Spain’s Southern coastline to explore Andalusia and its unique relationship to Morocco. -
Week 4
From Southern Spain, we’ll make our way up to Granada where we’ll learn from Moroccan-Spanish families about the history of the Moors and about land conservation. We’ll engage with the history of Flamenco and other art forms. As well, we will dive into the Moroccan diaspora in Spain and consider how current politics impact the movement of people across Europe and Africa. We have the opportunity to participate in a community permaculture project based in the picturesque villages outside of Granada. Our final days together are dedicated to reflecting on our journey, celebrating our experiences, and considering the knowledge and perspectives we’ve gained.
