Morocco: Mountain Architecture & Culture

Country: Morocco

Language: English & Arabic

Level(s): Undergraduate

Subjects: Architecture

Prerequisites: 2.5 GPA

Courses: Arch 400 or Arch 525

(3 credits total)

Cost: $3,800 (excludes airfare)

Financial Aid can be used towards this program (see more below)

Official Project Website: www.igherm.wordpress.com

Dates: First Session: May 11 – June 1, 2009

Second Session: June 1 - June 23, 2009

Application Deadline: Rolling admissions until January 30, 2009. Get your applications in ASAP, as space is limited in this year's program.

Tentative Timeline

February, 2009: Applicant interviews; notification of acceptance
March 3rd, 2009: Non-refundable $200 program deposit and signed student form due (turn in to the Office of International Programs)
Mid March, 2009: First group meeting (OIP conference room)
TBA: Second group meeting
TBA: Third group meeting
May 12, 14, 15: Pre-departure classes (9am-noon; Room TBA)

Important Application Materials
To participate in this program you must download, complete and submit the following forms:

Study Abroad Application (MS Word, 52 KB)
Study Abroad Participation Agreement (MS Word, 56.5 KB)
Health History (MS Word, 58 KB)
Student Identity Card (PDF, 311 KB)

You must also submit:

1 passport-sized photo (e-mailing a digital photo is fine; write name on back if turning in actual photo)
Copy of university ID (One Card for MSU students)
Copy of passport (photo page)
Copy of airline ticket showing dates of departure and return

Academic Program

Morocco's native mountain cultures are unique in their architecture, history, landscape, and way of life. Students will have the opportunity to work on the Igherm Restoration and Library Project in the remote and geographically stunning region of Zawiya Ahansal. Working side by side with locals on the restoration of a 300-year old structure, intimate documentation of the people and culture, and experiencing a subsistence way of life are only a few of the unmatched experiences of this study abroad - a true resume building experience.

Tentative Itinerary (subject to change)

Day 1

Depart for Marrakech, Morocco

Day 2

Arrive in Marrakech

Day 3

Tour Marrakech's architectural landmarks and medieval marketplace

Day 4

Travel to Zawiya Ahansal

Day 5 - Day 9

Work with locals on restoration, documenting project and culture

Day 10 - 11

Tour of surrounding villages, trekking and camping

Day 12 - 13

Free Days

Day 14 - 19

Work with locals on restoration, documenting project and culture

Day 20

Free Day

Day 21

Depart Zawiya Ahansal for Marrakech, Farewell Dinner

Day 22

Depart Marrakech or travel on your own

Financial Aid
The full cost, including airfare, may be used in calculating financial aid. Students considering financial aid should contact the Financial Aid Office immediately. You can download and print the Summer Programs Financial Aid Information Sheet (14KB) in Acrobat (PDF) format. Visit the MSU Financial Aid Office website at: www.montana.edu/wwwfa

Application
Applications for this program are available in the Office of International Programs at 400 Culbertson Hall. You may also download and print the Application for Summer Programs (11 KB) in PDF format.

Packing Recommendations

Advice about what to pack for your time abroad.

Additional Information
For additional information about this program, contact: