Ifrane: The "Switzerland of Morocco"
With a growing population of about 15,000, Ifrane is nestled in the beautiful Middle Atlas mountains – a region that delights residents and visitors all four seasons of the year. With its mountains, parks, cedar and oak forests, waterfalls, and rich wildlife, university students, faculty, staff, and visitors have access to hiking excursions, horseback riding, skiing, fishing, and many other outdoor activities within minutes of the town. In addition to outdoor pursuits, restaurants, cafes, hotels, nightlife, a weekly market, bazaars, hammams, campgrounds, and other diverse amenities make Ifrane a pleasant place to live and study. Ifrane is one hour from the imperial cities of Fez and Meknes, two and a half hours from the Moroccan capital Rabat, and three and a half hours from Casablanca. AUI is a world renowned university that offers English-taught courses in a variety of disciplines. The courses you take will transfer back to Shenandoah.
Mission Statement: Al Akhawayn University in Ifrane is an independent, public, not-for-profit, coeducational, Moroccan university committed to educating future citizen-leaders of Morocco and the world through a globally oriented, English -language, liberal arts curriculum based on the American system. The university enhances Morocco and engages the world through leading-edge educational and research programs, including continuing and executive education, upholds the highest academic and ethical standards, and promotes equity and social responsibility.
Housing and Campus Life: 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. Campus housing helps you become more involved in the college experience, coherently incorporating classroom work with co-curricular activities that support your ambition and goals. Our student dorms feature modern amenities and stunning views of the surrounding cedar forest. They also include heating systems, cable, WiFi, kitchens, laundry services and study lounges.
Tuition: SU tuition model; scholarships and financial aid apply, no extra application fees, credits transfer back to SU.
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.
Course Offerings: The following courses are popular choices for international students. See catalog description of all
courses here
- French as a foreign language
- Economic Development in the Middle East
- Islamic Art and Architecture
- Macroeconomics
- Introduction to the Study Islamic Civilization
- Biology, Chemistry, Physics
- History of the Arab World
- International Marketing and International Finance
- North African Government and Politics
- History of North Africa and Middle East in the 20th Century
- Middle Eastern Politics
- Sex, Gender and Politics
- Media and Society
- Photography and Visual Story
- Intro to film making