General Coordinator of Volunteer Programs

  Morocco

• Other Cities in Morocco: 
Rabat

Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks, 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks and 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 9-12 weeks
Dates: From Sepetember to July

Description: Orientation:

A five day orientation is provided upon arrival in Rabat. Volunteers learn about Morocco's culture as well as other important information regarding travel safety, medical issues, living conditions, and issues specific to their project. Volunteers also get introduced to the customary public bath - the hammam. The preparation of traditional Moroccan dishes and how to bargain like a real Moroccan.

Intensive Language Course:

Through the Center for Cross Cultural Learning, the Thaqafat Association organizes four-week group courses of Modern Standard Arabic (Fus'ha), Moroccan Arabic (Darija), or Berber (Tamazight). Each volunteer chooses one of these to study three hours a day, Monday through Friday. There are only specific times of the year when intensive Arabic classes are offered; they are regularly published on the Thaqafat website. The objective of the 60-hour course is to instill volunteers with fundamental communication skills and enable them to hold basic conversations with their host families, NGO colleagues and staff and the beneficiaries. By promoting these relationships, Thaqafat encourages volunteers to learn about Morocco's rich diversity and, in the process, develop approaches to understanding and appreciating cultural differences. It is also possible to volunteer without taking language classes.

Highlights: Excursions:

During the stay of volunteers, a language teacher will take them on one excursion to a market, a museum or a historical monument of Rabat. The program provides basic class preparation such as discussions prior to this excursion.

Accommodation:

Volunteers can choose to stay in an apartment, hotel room, or with a Moroccan family (homestay). Apartments or hotel rooms are arranged and paid by the volunteer separate from Thaqafat, while the homestay option can be included in the overall charge to Thaqafat. If a volunteer chooses the Homestay option, s/he will share a room with a family member of the same sex; single rooms are not available. (Note: Some Homestays may not provide hot water or showers. Public baths are available and widely used.

Qualifications: As a participant in Thaqafat Association, you become part of a unique partnership with a host project in Morocco. When you join this program, you will discover opportunities to meet and understand new people, and find enriching life and work experiences.

While delving into this new way of life, you will form lasting friendships and gain valuable intercultural knowledge. These communities will deeply appreciate the understanding and the experience you will bring to them.

Anyone 18 and older may apply. Thaqafat Association welcomes everybody who has a teamwork attitude, skilled or unskilled.

The participant must have at least completed high school, and be committed to volunteer work. Participants must also be considerate and respectful of the host country's traditions and customs.

Cost in US$: It depends on the program duration

Experience Required: no

Age Range: 18

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Morocco Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups of Maximum 15 participants

Application Process Involves:

• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Job and Internship Network

Thaqafat Association 's Mission Statement: We are a non-governmental Moroccan organization (NGO) dedicated to fostering cross-cultural respect and appreciation within Morocco as well as internationally. Providing opportunities for people of various backgrounds to exchange their ideas, perspectives, and projects in mutual respect is at the core of Thaqafat's philosophy. The eagerness of Thaqafat members to teach and learn, their motivation to work for a better future for all, and their openness to diversity has gained them the respect of their community and that of partner organizations.

Year Founded: 2002