The Kingdom of Morocco is the most north-western country on the continent of Africa. Its west coast lies on the Atlantic Ocean, extending up past the Strait of Gibralter and into the Mediterranean Sea. Algeria lies to the east and Mauritania to the south. It is an Arab country whose culture has been greatly influenced by French colonization as well as its Berber poplulation, which is in the majority. Morocco has maintained a strong sense of exoticism while at the same time built a strong infrastructure, at least in the major cities.
A.S.M is located in the coastal city of Temara, next to the capital city of Rabat. Rabat is on the Atlantic Coast. It is a beautiful and secure environment that allows easy access to other points of interest, such as Marrakech, Fes, Tangiers, Essouira, Agadir, the Atlas Mountains, Ifrane, or the Sahara Desert (for a more extensive excursion). As part of our program, we will introduce you to various points of interest in and around Rabat, such as the old Medina, the Oudaya Chellah and other historical monuments…..
Morocco : officially Kingdom of Morocco, kingdom (1954 est. pop. 29,161,000), 171,834 sq mi (445,050 sq km), NW Africa, bordered by the Mediterranean Sea (N), the Atlantic Ocean (W), Mauritania (which lies beyond the disputed territory of Western Sahara, S), and Algeria (E). Principal cities include Rabat (the capital), Casablanca, Marrakech, and Fes. The Atlas Mts., rising to 13,671 ft (4,167 m) in Jebel Toubkal in the southwest, dominate most of the country. In the south lie the sandy wastes of the Sahara desert, but in the north is a fertile coastal plain, home of most of the population. Agriculture and mining are economic mainstays. Morocco is a leading producer and exporter of phosphates; other important minerals include iron ore, copper, lead, zinc, cobalt, manganese, and coal. Food processing and the manufacture of leather goods and textiles are also important. Half the labor force is employed in agriculture, growing cereals, citrus fruits, and vegetables. Tourism and fishing also contribute to the economy. Most Moroccans are of mixed Arab-Berber descent and are Muslim; Islam is the state religion. There are small Christian and Jewish minorities. Arabic is the official language; Berber dialects, French (a main language of commerce), and Spanish are also spoken. Morocco is in Northern Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, between Algeria and Western Sahara. Morocco is very close to Europe. Barely 14 kilometres separate it from Spain across the Straits of Gibraltar. You can therefore get to Morocco by every possible means imaginable.
Spoken languages in Morrocco are Arabic (official), Berber dialects, French often the language of business and government.
City info
MARRAKESH : Southern capital, with a big tourist potential.
OUARZAZATE : A beautiful southern city, with a local charm famous for its amazing countryside
FEZ : Spiritual and cultural capital, the oldest imperial city.
AGADIR : Famous and renowned spa resort.
RABAT : Capital of the Kingdom of Morocco. One of the imperial cities.
CASABLANCA : Big trade and industry centre, economic capital (where the biggest companies have their head office).
MEKNES : Imperial city, with an attractive countryside.
TANGIER : The most cosmopolitan city of the Kingdom favorite city for tourist.
Prayer times are As - Sobh 05H10 Ad - Dohr 12H43 Al - Asr 16H05 Al - Maghrib 18H44 Al - Ichaa 19H58
Festivals in Morocco
Almond tree blossom - Tafraout - February
Rose Feast - El Kelaâ M'Gouna - May
Wax Candle Feast - Salé - May
Honey Feast - Immouzzer - May
Desert Symphony Feast - Ouarzazate - June
Guinean Singers and Dancers - Essaouira - June
Cherry Feast - Séfrou - June
Popular Arts Festival - Marrakech - June
Camel Feast - Guelmim - July
Asilah Cultural Festival - Asilah - August
Engagement Feast - Imilchil - September
Horse Festival - Tissa (Fès) - September
Date Feast - Erfoud - October
Sacred Music Festival - Fès - June
Agadir Festival - December
Moussem of Moulay Abdellah - El Jadida - August
Moussem of Moulay Idriss Zerhoun (near the city of Meknès) - August
Money you can only obtain Dirhams in Morocco. Do not change money in the streets, it is illegal.
1 US Dollar = 11.200 Dirham (DH) average
1 English Pound 16.000 Dirham (DH) average
Telephone codes in Morocco
Country code : 212
Rabat area code : 37
Casablanca area code : 22
Surface : 650 000 km2
Main cities : Agadir (58 ), Casablanca (22), Fes(55), Marrakech(44), Oujda (56), Rabat(37), Tanger(39), Safi(44).
Population : 27 624 000
Temara: is a lovely oceanside town that offers beautiful coastal views and an active nightlife. The choice of restaurants in Temara is diverse, ranging from traditional Moroccan to European, American or Middle Eastern.
Morocco has one of the most interesting, delicious and diverse cuisines in the world. It is a mix of Berber, Spanish, Corsican, Portuguese, Moorish, Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and African. The most popular dishes are couscous served with lamb or chicken and vegetables; or the famous Moroccan tagines, rich, hearty stews served with bread and eaten by hand. Sweetened tea with mint follows most meals.
Visas:Visitors to Morocco from the United States or Great Britain do not need a Visa to enter. You may remain here for three months as a tourist, and can typically have your stay extended at the local police station.
Courses:
As studying both Modern Standard Arabic and Moroccan Colloquial Arabic readily compliment each other, we have timetabled our courses to make this practical.
Courses are structured to run for either two week or four weeks, depending on the student’s preference.
