Al Akhawayn University, Morocco
The University
Al Akhawayn University in Ifrane was established in 1995, and is located 60 kilometers from the historical cities of Fez and Meknes. Situated on a very attractive campus, AUI is by design and mission an international university, and between 15-20% of its student and faculty population is international. Washington College and Al Akhawayn have a Full Exchange Agreement with each other. Offering programs in Business Administration, Humanities and Social Science, and Science and Engineering, all of which are taught in English, this small University (approximately 1,100 students) offers something for everyone. AUI emphasizes extensive faculty-student interaction, small classes, the active involvement of students in formal research activities, careful academic advising, personal counseling, organized student activities, and a full array of student support-services.
Ifrane is a small town, a bit larger than Chestertown, full of personality and picturesque beauty. Shops, hotels, restaurants, springs and waterfalls line the town and offer a full variety of things to do. Locals are always interested in chatting with the students, especially international ones, in English, French, Spanish, or their local Moroccan dialect of the Arabic language. English is spoken on campus, but to travel around Morocco, a basic knowledge of French would be very helpful.
Open to the country and the world, AUI (Al Akhawayn University) mission is to become a cradle of knowledge, a place for training, for personal growth and intellectual gratification, where their prospective alumni learn for themselves how to find the key to success in life. One area of exploration at AUI is the Hillary Rodham Clinton Women Empowerment Center which is a center of research aimed at giving the Moroccan woman, especially those from the Ifrane region, the right tools and means to become a socially and economically productive member of society.
Academic Program
The three main faculties of study at AUI offer a wide range of class selection:
- School of Business Administration School of Humanities and Social Sciences
- Human Resources Development, International Studies, Social Sciences, Communications, Arab Studies
- School of Science and Engineering
- General, Computer Science, Software Engineering, Computer Networks
Al Akhawayn is particularly strong in computer science for those students wishing to further their studies in that faculty.
Course Load and Grading System
Grading at AUI is similar to the American School system based on a scale of 4.0. The average class load is 5 classes (12-17 credit hours) per semester. There is also a drop/add period at the beginning of each semester when students are able to switch their classes, should they so desire. The relationship between professors and students is more formal at Al Akhawayn than it is at Washington College.
Requirements
Students should meet the following requirements:
- Strong academic record Evidence of good character, maturity, and motivation
- Ability and willingness to adapt to a foreign environment
Housing and Board
Al Akhawayn University is a Full Exchange program with Washington College, meaning that all fees are paid to Washington College. Exchange students will be housed in single or double occupancy rooms and will receive 7000 Dhs in spending money for meals in the University's restaurant, which is located in an open, pleasant facility. Rooms are furnished with a wardrobe, desk, chair, twin size bed, mattress pad, sheets, pillow, blanket, and an ensuite bathroom equipped with a shower. Visitation rights in Morocco are strict and no visitation of the opposite sex is allowed at anytime in the residences. No guests or family members are allowed to stay on campus, but instead, must stay in town.
Student Life
Student life at AUI includes the programs and events that complement learning and provide diverse opportunities for students to grow academically, professionally, and personally. The Office of Student Activities caters to over 40 student-run clubs, varying in entertainment, cultural and recreational activities. There are also nine official athletic teams that represent the University outside and on-campus.
Health Insurance
All students at AUI will be covered by their Health Insurance policy in agreement with the Vidal Assurances Company in Rabat. This plan provides reimbursement up to 100% for surgical and hospitalization emergencies as well as up to 80% of medical, pharmaceutical and hospitalization expenses.