Do I need a visa to enter Morocco?

People of most nationalities are able to enter Morocco on a 90-day tourist visa which is stamped into the passport at the Point of Entry. Verify online or with the Moroccan embassy in your country whether you need to apply for a visa prior to your arrival. If you plan to stay in Morocco longer than 90 days, options exist for you to renew your tourist visa or to apply for a different visa type.

How do I get to Fes?

Several low-cost airlines have regular flights directly to Fes from Europe, especially Ryanair and Air Arabia. Royal Air Maroc also flies to Fes from Casablanca. The main airport in Morocco is Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport (CMN), but international flights also arrive in Marrakech, Rabat, and Tangier. Fes is connected to all of these major cities by train and private car. Passengers arriving in Casablanca can board the train at the airport station and connect all the way to Fes. The train schedule can be found at www.oncf.ma (in French only). Tickets can be bought at the train station and no advance reservation is necessary. If you would like help arranging private transportation to Fes from anywhere in the country, please email us at hello@crossroadsculturalexchange.com.

What are my housing options?

We are available to help you with various types of housing in Fes. Options include hotels, apartments (furnished or unfurnished), and homestays. We highly recommend a homestay, since it is the best way to fully immerse yourself in the culture and have great opportunities for listening and speaking.

Which Modern Standard Arabic (Fossha) books do you use?

Al-Kitaab (parts 1-3) by Kristen Brustad et al. (Georgetown University) is the basis for our Fossha studies.

What method do you use for teaching Moroccan Arabic?

We have developed our own material for teaching Moroccan Arabic, using dialogues and stories from everyday life. This enables you to start practicing and engaging in Moroccan life from the very beginning of your studies. The lessons serve as a basis to learn vocabulary, expressions, and grammar. You will also be provided with audio files to help you listen and familiarize yourself with the sounds, and electronic and printed flashcards to help you memorize vocabulary.

Our emphasis is on communication, which means that the goal is for you to speak and understand Moroccans early in your language studies. However, we also think it is beneficial to be able to read and write using the Arabic alphabet.

Is internet available at your center?

At our center in Fes, students can freely use our WiFi. Enjoy a cup of coffee or tea as you wait between classes, work on homework, or relax.

What is a typical schedule?

We offer classes Monday through Friday in 90-minute sessions; two-morning sessions and three-afternoon sessions. Classes in the evenings or on Saturdays can be arranged on demand. Class sessions of one hour may also be arranged by request.

What are the enrollment procedures?

Enrollments are accepted on an ongoing basis and should be made at least two weeks before you wish to start courses. If you want to enroll in a class, please contact us by e-mail or phone.

When do I pay for my classes?

Prior to starting courses, first time students will be charged a 300 DH enrollment fee plus course fees. Courses are typically charged in advance, one to two months at a time depending on the frequency of classes.

How should payment be made?

• For students studying in Morocco, payment in Moroccan Dirhams can be made in cash and electronic transfer.

• For students studying outside of Morocco, various forms of electronic payment are available.

• Unfortunately, we cannot accept foreign cheques, credit or debit cards at this time.

• Please note that course fees are non-refundable.

What if I have to cancel my classes?

At the beginning of each course, it is the responsibility of the students to communicate the dates that they will not be available, and the schedule will be prepared accordingly. If a student misses a session without a previous arrangement with us, then that session will be charged to the student. However, if the student advises more than 72-hours in advance of a schedule change, then that session will not be charged and the session will be rescheduled.