Teen Tours in Morocco
RUSTIC PATHWAYS IN MOROCCO
Rustic Pathways has been running programs in Africa since 1996 and now offers a variety of programs across five countries on the continent. The richness and diversity of Africa offers many different opportunities for service and exploration, and we are excited to expand into North Africa with community service and touring programs in Morocco. From doing service in high mountain villages to riding camels in the Sahara Desert and relaxing along the Mediterranean Coast, our programs here offer a great look at this vibrant country.
AIRLINE INFORMATION and PROGRAM CONNECTIVITY
Weekly escorted flights for Rustic Pathways students from New York to Casablanca run throughout the summer. U.S. students meet in New York and travel together with their flight leader to and from Casablanca. Please see rusticpathways.com/flights for details. All of our Morocco programs connect together seamlessly. All departure dates show physical departures from the United States. All Morocco programs begin in country on Wednesdays.
| FACT FILE | |
| Population | 31 million |
| Capital City | Rabat |
| Currency | Dirham – 1 U.S. dollar buys about 8 dirhams (as of September 2010) |
| Language | The official language is Standard Arabic, but most people speak a distinct local dialect called Darija. French and Berber are also spoken. |
| Well-Known Attractions | The Sahara Desert – the largest non-polar desert in the world The Ancient Medina of Fes – the old, medieval quarter of the city The High Atlas Mountains – the largest mountain range in the country Djemma el Fna Square: a 1,000-year-old marketplace in Marrakech |
LOCAL LINGO
| Salam | Hello |
| Shokran | Thanks |
| Ashnu smiytek? | What's your name? |
| Meetsherrfi | Nice to meet you! |
DID YOU KNOW?
The full Arabic name of Morocco is al-Mamlaka al-Mag?ribiyya, or the Western Kingdom. The English name for the country was derived from the name of the ancient capital city of Marrakech. This name comes from combining the Berber words of mur and akush, which literally translate to "land of God."
Morocco has acted as the bridge between Europe and Africa since ancient times. The country was controlled by France and Spain from the early 1900s until its independence in 1956, which brought many years of direct cultural influences. This diversity of cultures is apparent in many levels of Moroccan culture, particularly in the country's exotic cuisine. Morocco also boasts gorgeous Mediterranean beaches, the snow-capped Atlas Mountains, and a large percentage of the world's largest non-polar desert – the mighty Sahara.
