From Roman ruins to the sands of the Sahara, we follow the cultural crossroads linking North Africa and Europe. This multi-country program unveils new perspectives on the interconnectedness of our global community and prompts discussions on human rights, colonial legacies, and religious traditions all while building valuable language, leadership, and travel skills.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS & OUTCOMES

• Build your fluency in Moroccan Arabic (Darija) with interactive classes 2-3 times per week.
• Hike through the stunning Atlas Mountains, camping out under the stars while learning the importance of expedition behavior and leave no trace principles.
• Try your hand at rug weaving, shoemaking, and stone or wood carving with local masters at an artisan hub. 
• Explore the breathtaking imperial cities of Fes and Marrakesh, losing yourself in the sights and smells of their meandering markets.
• Discover the presence of Moorish influence in southern Spain through food, music, and art. 
• Participate in a tree reforestation project outside of Granada, Spain.

Traveling along ancient trade routes, we experience a Morocco that few travelers encounter. Our time in remote villages immerses us in Morocco’s famed hospitality; host families welcome us as kin and our sweet mint tea cups are never left empty. Throughout our travels, we engage with locals using our budding Arabic language skills. In the imperial cities of Fes and Marrakesh, the sounds of people bargaining fill our ears as the smells of exotic spices fill your nose.  Whether outside an intricately decorated mosque in Casablanca or walking an unpaved road in a quiet mountain town, we hear the call to prayer, and are reminded of how Morocco’s people, Islamic culture, faith, and devotion continue to bring families and communities together as it has for over 1,300 years.

Moving to Spain via ferry, we bridge our experience across continents. Based in the southern Andalusia region, we’ll gain a profound understanding of the ways locals have absorbed years of historical Arab and Moorish influence, while also forging their own unique European identity. We discover the living cross-cultural ties through the food, music, and art that make Andalusia a famed destination. Going beyond the overly trafficked tourist sites, we spend time in quaint villages in the hills where we participate in a community based reforestation project. Through rugged travel and authentic interactions, we examine the many issues standing at the crossroads of Middle Eastern, African, and European cultures.