Morocco

Begin international travel to Morocco. This day focuses on arrival, rest, and settling into a new cultural and geographic context.

Set out on a cultural orientation walk through the medina. As students navigate souks, neighborhoods, and gathering spaces, they are introduced to the rhythms of daily life and the role of markets, craftsmanship, and community.

The day concludes with a shared meal in a traditional riad, accompanied by Moroccan music and storytelling.

Explore Marrakech’s historic medina through guided visits to sites such as the Koutoubia Mosque, Bahia Palace, and Ben Youssef Madrasa. Students examine how architecture, religion, and public space shape social roles and urban identity.

Later, engage in dialogue with a women’s rights organization or women-led initiative, examining gender roles, legal reform, and social change. The day may include time at a women-run artisan cooperative, connecting identity, labor, and agency.

Travel through the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, observing shifts in landscape and climate. Stop in Amazigh villages to learn about Indigenous traditions, language, and rural life.

At Aït Ben Haddou, explore the earthen ksar and examine how Amazigh architecture reflects environmental adaptation, community organization, and sustainability. A visit to a women’s weaving cooperative highlights creativity, leadership, and economic empowerment in rural contexts.

Participate in a hands-on natural pigment painting workshop using materials such as indigo, saffron, and henna. Students learn how art functions as storytelling, cultural memory, and intergenerational knowledge.

The day includes visits to nearby kasbahs to compare Amazigh and Arab architectural traditions, followed by a henna workshop led by local women exploring symbolism, celebration, and resilience.

Engage in a guided walk in the High Atlas region, learning about water scarcity, climate change, and traditional land stewardship practices. Along the trail, students are introduced to medicinal plants and sustainable harvesting rooted in local ecological knowledge.

The experience continues with a community-led environmental activity, such as tree planting or terrace restoration.

Visit a women-led argan oil cooperative to explore cooperative business models, ethical production, and global demand for local resources. Through hands-on participation, students examine how economic opportunity, gender equity, and sustainability intersect in rural Morocco.

Take part in a hands-on cooking class led by local women, preparing traditional Amazigh dishes using regional ingredients. Sharing a meal with a host family creates space for meaningful cultural exchange rooted in food and hospitality.

Later, explore the Ourika Valley, examining the relationship between landscape, agriculture, and daily life.

Return to Marrakech for final time in the medina engaging with artisans and selecting handcrafted goods. Students reflect on ethical consumption and craftsmanship before departing for home.