Learn Arabic in Rabat: Location

From its towering city walls to its breath-taking Atlantic coastline, the Moroccan capital of Rabat will enchant and inspire you.

In Rabat, centuries collide.  Its history dates back to pre-Roman times, when the settlement of Chellah was established at the mouth of the Bou Regreg river in the third century BCE. The fortress there and its sister fortress the Kasbah of the Oudayas are fantastic reminders of Rabat’s grand past. Rabat became Morocco’s capital in 1912 and since then it has continued to prosper into the modern, dynamic city it is today. Rabat is a 21st century city, with all the conveniences and entertainment you can expect. And our school is very much an oasis in the city. Our tranquil villa, with its fruit trees and song birds is the ideal environment for our students to relax and learn.  Throughout the city, our students will come across architectural marvels centuries old. They’ll be able to explore marketplaces established in medieval times and visit Museums, Palaces and Mosques. They have a unique opportunity to glimpse the reality and gain insight into one of the most misunderstood cultures in the world.

With its mild climate, friendly populace, and safe streets, Rabat is truly the ideal place for a foreigner to study in Morocco.  There is much to explore within the city.  And also a lot of natural beauty to be found.  Rabat’s central location puts it within easy reach of other fascinating destinations like Casablanca, Meknes, Fes, Tangier, and Marrakech.  Each of these cities is just a short train-ride away from tranquil Rabat.

Most city-dwelling Moroccans are fairly tolerant in their attitudes and do not expect foreigners to adhere to the local dress codes. However, we would advise men not to wear shorts or go bare-chested around the city, and women to dress modestly and avoid tight clothes, low cut tops, shorts or short skirts. In general, midriffs, arms and knees should always be covered.

Please see the additional cultural notes provided by CESA on Morocco and Arab culture.

Rabat is the capital city of Morocco, and is located along the Atlantic Ocean, at the mouth of the rive Bou Regreg.  Famous for: it’s Atlantic coastline; historical monuments; traditional cuisine; the Hassan Tower.

Places of interest: Souk, Oudaya Fortress, Chellah Fortress, Royal Palace, Archaeological Museum, Dinosaur Museum, the Royal Gardens, Hassan Tower

Special events: Rabat plays host to many special events, parades and festivals, one of the most popular being the Rabat International Festival each summer.