Rabat Language Program
This amazing project was created with the goal of helping to improve the language skills of children, teens and adults who come from very modest backgrounds. These students cannot afford to attend private language centres and the presence of volunteers gives them a chance to gain the vital skills necessary for a prosperous life. Classes in Morocco often have a diverse range of ages and abilities present which can make teaching a little more challenging. However, with a little creativity and flexibility on behalf of the volunteers, and assistance from the local teachers this can be easily overcome. Initially volunteers can work alongside a local teacher and as they settle in they will be given the freedom to create and carry out their own lessons. A volunteer’s willingness to share and ability to be proactive in their role will make them a valuable addition to any classroom.
Goals of this Project:
- Provide language classes.
- Improve the future prospects of some of Morocco’s most impoverished children, teens and adults, and help them to break the poverty cycle
- Expose non-English speakers to native speakers in order to improve pronunciation and conversational skills
- Enable inter-cultural exchange which benefits both residents and international volunteers alike.
How You Can Help
Volunteers play an integral role in achieving the goals of this project. Language skills are essential for students to get ahead, and in a country that has few language teachers, international volunteers are greatly needed to supply this tuition. Volunteers will learn a great deal from the experience, work with amazing students and learn about Morocco’ people and culture. Volunteering on this project will allow participants to gain a deep understanding of Morocco’s educational system and society in general. Teaching is an extremely rewarding experience, however teaching disadvantaged students and helping them to gain the skills to break the poverty cycle will be one of the most worthwhile experiences of a volunteers life.
Volunteers on this project provide a valid and effective means of language tuition. They will contribute in a number of ways and can expect to undertake the following tasks:
- Teach English to students of varying ages
- Assist with designing lesson plans
- Devise fun games and activities in the language to help students develop their skills
Requirements
Love Volunteers welcomes all those 18 years and over who wish to help create a brighter future for students through the power of education. This project best suits those with experience and/or qualifications in the field of education, though volunteers who simply wish to explore an interest in this field are also welcomed as there are many ways you can assist in the classroom. Whist not mandatory, completing a TEFL course prior to joining this project would prove to be highly beneficial. Ideally, volunteers on this project will have at least a basic knowledge of the local language in order to communicate effectively with staff and students, though this is not a pre-requisite. Importantly, all applicants must first and foremost have a genuine willingness to help, show drive and initiative, and bring a positive 'can-do' attitude. If this sounds like you, we want you on the team!
Additionally, volunteers applying to join this program will be required to supply to following documentation:
- Emergency contact
- Police check
Project Location
Rabat is a modern city with wide boulevards, gardens and light, white buildings, for the most part a far cry from the hectic warrens of the other Imperial cities of Marrakech and Fez, but no less steeped in history with its origins going back to the 7th century. The King of Morocco lives here in his palace amid trees and flowers..Ohh! Being an administrative capital, the city is somewhat conservative and serious, but there is some local color to be found in the old part of the city, the Medina, and the Kasbah, where there is a more relaxed atmosphere. Recreational opportunities abound too and a few lovely beaches at hand.
With the city center of Rabat being very compact, all the points of interest are in walking distance. Local Bus services can be very useful and they are marked very clearly. Petit and Grands taxis can be found at the airport, the train station and at Boulevard Hassan.
Rabat Ville’s main train station is right in the middle of the Ville Nouvelle, just a few minutes’ walk to most of the hotels, so it is best to arrive in Rabat by train. There is even a bureau de change and a car rental office on the station platform. The main bus terminal is situated in Place Zerktouni - three kilometers west of the center by the road intersection for Casablanca and Beni Mellal Grand taxis from Casablanca and Fez will drop you off at the main bus station. Rabat’s airport is seven kilometers km north of Rabat and although grand taxis are the only public transport operating from here, it isn’t difficult to catch one. Rabat is a seriously cool place to volunteer!
Start Dates & Duration
This project is available year-round and programs start every FRIDAY. Volunteers can choose to participate for periods ranging from 1 week to 12 weeks. Longer stays can be arranged directly with the local team, but will be subject to availability and individual visa conditions.
Spaces on this project are limited and therefore subject to availability. Early booking is recommended.
For current available start dates please check the calendar on the right.
Arrival & Orientation
Upon arrival into Rabat-Sale airport volunteers will be collected by a representative of the local project team and transported to their host family. Volunteers will attend a full orientation session where a representative from the local team will fill you in on local and regional customs, traveling, rules and recommendations, and of course, what to expect from your volunteering experience in Morocco. This is a great opportunity to get to know your hosts, meet your fellow volunteers, and ask any last questions you may have.
- Program Arrival Day: FRIDAY
- Program Departure Day: FRIDAY
- Arrival/Departure Airport: Rabat-Sale International Airport, Sale, Morocco (CODE: RBA)
While it is best to fly directly into Rabat, many volunteers choose to arrive at Mohamed V Airport in Casablanca. An airport pickup is not included from this location, but a train runs directly from the airport every half hour and takes 1h 50 minutes to Rabat Ville Train Station, our local team will collect you from here. Train tickets from Casablanca to Rabat cost about US$10.
Accommodation & Meals
Volunteers joining our team in Morocco are accommodated with one of our carefully selected local host families - which are perfectly located in safe and convenient suburbs close to their project locations.
There are hot showers available, and western style toilets. Linen is provided, but volunteers are asked to bring their own towels. Laundry is done for you by the host family.
Internet is available; however, volunteers can also purchase a local SIM card and purchase a data plan in order to have internet access when they are outside the home.
Volunteers are provided 2-3 meals per day with your host family.
Volunteers can either walk to their placement each day or take public transport such as shared taxis or tramways. The cost of public transport ranges between US$1 to US$2 per day.
Staying with a local Moroccan family is a great way to be truly immersed in the local culture. All families have been fully vetted by our local team and have plenty of experience in hosting international volunteers. The families are experienced in hosting international volunteers and will take very good care of you.
Fees
That’s just USD 43 per day* for:
*In addition to the program fees listed above a Registration Fee is payable to secure your place. The registration fee is USD 299 for those volunteering with Love Volunteers for the first time or USD 149 for any subsequent volunteer placements. The registration fee includes: lifetime LV Alumni Membership, fundraising support & advice, dedicated pre-departure support, certificate of completion (on request), and exclusive access to the LV Trip Planner.
Some things are not included in the program fees listed above, such as flights, visas, vaccinations, travel insurance, additional foods and snacks, spending money, local transport, in-country trips and excursions, return airport transfer (unless mentioned above).
Please note that prices are subject to change without notice. Please ensure you have read the Love Volunteers Terms and Conditions & Refund Policy.