The land of mystery and contrasts

The crossroad of continents

Bounded in the north by the Mediterranean Sea and in the west by the Atlantic Ocean, Morocco bursts with vibrant colours of natural beauty. The interactions of the Imazighen (the indigenous Berbers), Arabs, and people of sub-Saharan, Jewish, and Andalusian origins have shaped Morocco’s unique land and culture.

The languages of these peoples have contributed to the unique richness of Moroccan culture. Arabic is the country’s official language. However, Berber language (Tamazight) is widely spoken, while French is taught in primary schools and spoken throughout urban parts of the country. English is becoming an attractive language to learn nowadays in order to communicate with tourists from the English-speaking world. Despite coming a long way since independence, Morocco is still a North African country and still struggles to provide its people with necessary services: The illiteracy rate is over 40% and unemployment stagnates at 12%. Moreover, rural and urban Morocco differ immensely in terms of living standards.

Thaqafat Association cooperates with a number of NGOs, mainly in Rabat and Salé that offer volunteer projects in the fields of women’s rights, education, and health care. Thaqafat maintains strong relationships with these NGOs so we can match volunteers’ interests and needs with those of a specific NGO project.

Benefits of Volunteering

• Learn or develop new skills and interests
• Make an impact on a community
• Develop sense of perseverance, determination, and motivation
• Substantial experience can boost career options
• Meet diverse groups of people and develop intercultural sensitivity
For more information about what volunteering can do for you, please visit the World Volunteer Web.

Do I Qualify?

Anyone 18 and older may apply. The volunteer 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. As a full member of Volunteers for an International Partnership, Thaqafat Association welcomes everybody who has a teamwork attitude, regardless of skills.

Our Services

Volunteers can choose either a long-term program (2-3 months) or a short-term program (2 weeks-1 month).

Orientation

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 participate in sessions about cultural customs such as the hammam (the traditional public bath), traditional Moroccan cooking, and how to bargain like a real Moroccan.

Intensive Language Course

Volunteers can study Modern Standard Arabic (Fus’ha), Moroccan Arabic (Darija), or Berber (Tamazight) through our partner the Center for Cross Cultural Learning (CCCL). The objective of the language courses is to instil 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.

Please check the CCCL website for the schedule: www.cccl.ma

Accommodation

Thaqafat can arrange for a homestay with a Moroccan family and the homestay fee can be included in the overall fees to Thaqafat. If volunteers choose to stay in an apartment or hotel room, this is arranged and paid for by the volunteer separately from 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. Some Homestays may not provide hot water or showers. Public baths are available and widely used by Moroccans in both cities and villages. Toilets may be either Western-style or Turkish style.

Thaqafat highly encourages volunteers to stay with a Moroccan family in order to enhance their communication skills, participate in cross-cultural exchange, and experience Moroccan culture through meals, parties, and special events.

Dates, Fees, and Policies

Please contact us for further information about the starting dates and fees of our VIP short and long term programs at thaqafat@mtds.com

What is included in the fees?

• Pre-departure information via e-mails.

• Language classes, including class materials, orientation, and extra-curricular activities. (For two months)

• Placement and accompanied visit to community service project site.

• Ongoing support by local volunteer coordinator.

• Transportation to and from NGO – on first and last day of project – as well as within the site.

• Homestay (room and half board: breakfast and dinner only if the Homestay option is chosen).

• Volunteer work (from two weeks to three months)

What is not included?

• Medical and accident insurance and expenses.

• Travel to and from Morocco.

• Airport transportation upon arrival and departure.

• Personal expenses.

• Lunches throughout the program

Requirements from Volunteers

• Completed and signed Thaqafat Application.

• Evidence of medical and accident insurance.

• Written commitment guaranteeing completion of the volunteer program.

• Signed and faxed documents 4 weeks prior to arrival.

• If interested in a language course, confirmation of interest by sending an email to the Language Coordinator at the CCCL.

Note: Please do not purchase your tickets before receiving a written acceptance confirmation from Thaqafat. Volunteers will only be admitted if all of the above is completed and sent prior to arrival.

Payment Schedule

A deposit of 20% of the total program fee is required with the application. It is non-refundable upon notification of acceptance and is applied to the total program fee. The balance of the program fee is required 30 days prior to departure. Thaqafat Association retains the right to refuse receiving a volunteer if fees are not received on time. If a volunteer is not accepted, their deposit fee is reimbursed.

Cancellation Policy

• Cancellation after acceptance and prior to placement confirmation- the deposit is forfeited

• Cancellation after confirmation of placement- 50% of program fee is forfeited

• No show or early departure from program- 100% of the program fee is forfeited

Note: The published prices remain subject to change in case of major currency fluctuations. Contact your sending office.

We thank you in advance for respecting the deadlines as we hope to provide the best possible experience for you in Morocco.