Arabic Language School in Fez, Morocco

SACAL - Subul Assalam Center for the Arabic Language:
SACAL - Subul Assalam Center for the Arabic Language located in Fez, Morocco was set up to offer Arabic courses, cultural courses and Islamic studies primarily to non Arabic speaking people from all over the world. Through its academic and cultural activities, Subul Assalam’s unique programme strives to provide a good understanding of Islam and Moroccan culture.

Modern Standard Arabic language Studies; Colloquial Moroccan Arabic language Studies; Islamic Studies.

I am very satisfied with the level I achieved over the three months. Particularly my level in grammar. [The Al-Murshid series was] very beneficial for me and helped me to organize the rules with new vocabulary at the same time… one of your biggest strengths is the way you truly care about each student and the way you are available to approach without me feeling intimidated so that I could tell you my feelings throughout. Especially for me this was important because sometimes I am shy about this sort of thing… I am very satisfied with the whole experience and will miss it a lot.

Colleen, student, George Washington University, DC-USA

There are three housing options available for students

Homestay:
A homestay with a Moroccan family is a unique experience that provides students with a deep insight into Moroccan culture. Students have private rooms, and all meals are provided by the family. We do our best to find families that meet our students’ preferences. Please be aware that it may not be possible to find a family that corresponds exactly to one's housing choices.

All homestays have a three-day trial period. Students wishing to seek other housing options should contact the SACAL administration during this period, as homestay fees cannot be refunded after this time.

Hotels:
The Centre is happy to help students find a hotel that matches their budget and tastes. It is advisable to reserve hotel accommodations well in advance, especially during the summer months.

Apartments:
SACAL maintains a list of apartments in Fez. Those wishing to live in apartments may request this list upon arrival. Students should plan to spend their first week in Fez in a homestay or hotel, as finding a suitable apartment may take several days.

Apartments in Fez are usually only available on a per-month basis; for this reason, SACAL recommends this housing option only for students who plan to stay in Fez for at least six weeks. Please note that apartments in Fez are usually unfurnished. Those apartments that are furnished are correspondingly more expensive.

Fez is a city layered with history and culture, a world of its own where reality mingles inextricably with legend. In this, the most beautiful of Morocco’s cities, the medieval walls reveal its everlasting traditions. In the centuries since its founding, Moulay Idris’s supplication has become manifest in myriad ways. This is apparent when reflecting on one of the most magnificent pages of Moroccan history: the founding of the Qarawiyine mosque and university. Greatly renowned for its embrace of worship and the quest for knowledge, the Qarawiyine made Fez the cradle of Islamic cultural traditions in Morocco.

One of the world’s oldest inhabited medieval cities, the Fez medina was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1981. Donkeys continue to be the primary mode of transportation in its narrow streets. Today, Fez remains the most secretive and mystical of Morocco’s imperial cities, with its winding alleys, its splendid and unique architecture, and its venerable mederssas and congregational mosques, from which the enchanting and timeless call to prayer can be heard five times a day.