Developing interaction between Moroccans and foreigners

Rabat – In the global world we live in, it has become necessary to speak more than one’s mother tongue and learn more about other cultures through total emersion. Studying abroad is the best way to achieve the objectives listed above.

The Cultural Center for Language and Training (CCLT) in Morocco is a good example. It is an academic and cultural institution where foreigners study Arabic and Moroccans study English. Its main goal is to help both parties foster and master language and its culture with ease and confidence, through joint cultural activities, trips and debates.

The combination of class learning, living with host families and organized academic trips is meticulously planned in order to allow foreign students to clearly understand Morocco’s cultural diversity. With these three important aspects, students are expected to gain an increasing intercultural understanding, from ‘culture shock’ when they first arrive, to acceptance and finally, to appreciation. The pre-departure manual and onsite orientation help pave the way to intercultural transition.

“I have been working in the field of study abroad for more than 17 years. The biggest reward is to see how foreign students come to Morocco with prejudices. Then as they start learning about Morocco, they move from cultural rejection to empathy,” said Mr. Baghdadi, the founder and director of The Cultural Center for Language and Training.

Morocco is an ideal environment for promoting and experiencing intercultural growth because of its political stability, hospitable people, cultural diversity, and religious tolerance. The choice of Rabat was not randomly made; its moderate weather thanks to its geographical situation on the Atlantic Ocean, the homogeneous coexistence of tradition and modernity, and rich academic and cultural life, make it an exemplary city for studying.

Monolingual people are now forced to learn more than their own mother tongue. Moroccans’ awareness about learning English has increased due to its importance in in the global economy. On the other hand, Arabic, which is the official language of more than 20 countries, has attracted the interest of students, researchers, and politicians.

“I like studying English at CCLT because the teachers are friendly and teaching is interactive using new methodologies. I feel I am involved in the interaction through the class session. I chose English because of its importance both in the private and public sector in Morocco,” said Zineb a high school student who is currently enrolled at the center.

Despite the fact that CCLT is not a non-profit organization, it works closely with Moroccan NGOs in Rabat and in other areas of the country. CCLT is committed to donate up to 5% of its net profit to NGOs working in rural areas. The aim of this contribution is to support those NGOs in combating unemployment, women’s illiteracy, and in taking care of children in need of special protection. In the process, Moroccan society will benefit from this humble contribution.

CCLT also provides volunteer opportunities to its enrolled students in one of the existing NGOs in Rabat. It tries to match the students’ previous volunteer experiences or qualifications with the need and wants of the NGOs they are placed with. The students’ total emersion in the local culture of the NGOs would allow them to connect directly with children in especially difficult circumstances, disabled children or illegal immigrants. The students’ volunteer work is highly appreciated by the community, since it intends to alleviate the suffering of the needy.