Al Akhawayn University

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Al Akhawayn University

Al Akhawayn University | Ifrance, Morocco

Located in Ifrane, Morocco, Al Akhawayn University is one of our partner universities which oﬀers a variety of courses and a deep cultural look at Arab culture. With courses ranging from foreign language, engineering, humanities, natural sciences, social sciences, and business, this university is able to ﬁt the academic interests of any exchange student. Mercer students will ﬁnd an active campus life of organizations and opportunities for involvement. The campus is uniquely beautiful with a feel of continuity in architecture and red tile rooftops situated on acres of land just at the edge of Ifrane. A short bus ride into the city, students will ﬁnd more sport activities, dine at diverse restaurants, and visit bazaars. Al Akhawayn University is an exceptional choice for anyone who wishes to learn more about Arab culture and grasp unique study abroad experiences.

Mercer Application Deadlines:

October 1 (Spring)
February 15 (Summer)
March 1 (Fall, Academic Year)

Location: Ifrane, Morocco

Requirements: In order to attend an Exchange Study Abroad Program, students must have a 3.0 or higher GPA. Questions regarding this policy may be directed to Emily Dunn (dunn_ea@mercer.edu).

To apply: Please click on the “Apply Now” button in the overview section and fill out all of the information requested.

AUI ACADEMIC CALENDAR

SEMESTER / PROGRAM DATES
Semester 1 (Fall): Normally 3rd week of August to 3rd week of December
Semester 2 (Spring): Normally 3rd week of January to 3rd week of May

AUI APPLICATION DEADLINES FOR EXCHANGE
Semester 1 (Fall): 01 March (nominations), 15 March (online applications)
Semester 2 (Spring): 01 October (nominations), 15 October (online application)

MERCER APPLICATION DEADLINES FOR EXCHANGE
Semester 1 (Fall): 01 March (online applications)
Semester 2 (Spring): 01 October (online application)

Al Akhawayn University offers a variety of courses. International Students can register in any of the courses offered by the university’s schools; School of Science and Engineering, School of Business Administration, and School of Humanities & Social Sciences. Courses Offred in the university can be found under AUI Catalog 2023-2024.pdf. Please note that not all courses are offered every semester.

The exchange and study abroad programs are normally open to undergraduates interested in courses in these schools with no restrictions other than university pre-requisites as stated in the catalog for each course. Pre-requisites of AUI courses should be respected but there are exceptions, and the academic advisor should be consulted. Graduate level courses may be open with permission from the instructor of the course.

Al Akhawayn University follows a North American Curriculum

Normal Course Load: 15 Credits (5 classes)
1 Course = 3 scholastic credit hours (SCH)
1 SCH = 15 contact hours
Minimum Credits per semester: 12 undergraduate, 9 graduates

LANGUAGE COURSES

Language courses in Arabic, French, Spanish and sometimes Berber are offered each semester. All language classes use the immersion method in which only the target language is used. A placement test during the orientation and registration period is required for any student requesting a language course after the beginning level. If there are less than 5 students, a course cannot be offered but every reasonable attempt will be made to accommodate international students. Very advanced students of French will be placed into classes of Moroccan students polishing their languages skills in French as second language learners which are labeled FRN. French as a foreigner language are labeled FRE. International students/nonnative speakers of Arabic normally only register in Arabic classes labeled ARA. Very advanced learners of Arabic may be placed into classes labeled ARB with Moroccan and other students of native or near native ability. Intensive Arabic courses are only offered in the summer as part of the Arabic and North African Studies summer program.

Living on the campus is one of the most exciting parts of moving to AUI. Being a member within the community provides opportunities for students to attend, participate and organize a wide array of programs and activities. On the campus housing helps you become more involved in the college experience, coherently incorporating classroom work with cocurricular activities that support your ambition and goals. Our student dormitories feature modern amenities and stunning views of the surrounding cedar forest. They also include heating systems, cable television service, wired and wireless internet, kitchens, laundry services, and study lounges.

Housing and Residential Life Office (aui.ma)

ACCOMMODATION ON CAMPUS

All exchange and study abroad students are required to live in university housing on the campus. Normally, housing is based on double occupancy and every effort is made to pair international students with a Moroccan counterpart. Single rooms are not available. Housing for a married couple provided that both are students is possible but available on a case-by-case basis. Students with children cannot be accommodated.

HOUSING FEES OUTSIDE REGULAR SEMESTERS

There is a charge for housing during end of semester breaks. This fee will be based on the daily rate for the room. For example, in 2017 this fee was 100 MAD per night for a double room. Students are not normally asked to remove belongings from the room during the winter break between semesters.

Billable Amounts:

Rates based on 2024-2025 academic year rates for one semester

Tuition (Mercer): $21,006
Study Abroad Fee: $75
Housing: $3,880
- Based on Mercer Hall 4-bedroom rates
Meal Plan: $3,645
- Based on Unlimited meal plan rates
Mercer Technology and Facility Fee: $150

Billable Total: $28,756

Non-Billable Amounts:

Rates based on 2024-2025 academic year rates for one semester

Flight: $1,500
Personal Expenses: $1,000
Books deposit: $20
Housing deposit (refundable): $100
Health Insurance: $55
Residency Document Service: $20
Printing fee: $10
Fez airport or Fez train station pickup: $20

Non-Billable Total: $2,725

Total: $31,481

Scholarship opportunities:

*Please contact Emily Dunn, the Assistant Director of Global Education, before applying to the asterisked scholarship opportunities at dunn_ea@mercer.edu.

Applicable Financial Aid

All Federal and State Loans
All Federal Grants (including Pell)
All Georgia State Scholarships and Grants (Hope, Zell)
All Mercer Scholarships and Grants

Our office highly recommends working with your financial aid officer before attending any study abroad program to understand how much of your current aid package is applicable to your chosen program. You can make an appointment with your officer here: Contact Us – Student Financial Planning (mercer.edu)

ARANAS is an intensive summer program that provides a wide range of opportunities to students from all over the world, at the undergraduate, graduate and post-graduate levels. Over the last 18 years, more than 900 participants from 38 nationalities, most of them affiliated with North American universities, have come to the Middle Atlas Mountains in Ifrane, Morocco, to develop their Arabic language skills, learn about North Africa, and experience various aspects of Moroccan culture through club activities and field trips to such places as the sand dunes of southern Morocco, the historical Medina of Fez, the dazzling city of Marrakesh, and the city of Tangier.

ARANAS Website