Intern Abroad HQ offers flexible and affordable internships in Morocco! Where the African and European continents meet, you’ll find a destination that offers the best of both worlds. International interns experience a vibrant mix of cultural influences while gaining relevant career experience and making an impact.
Internships in Morocco are available within the following fields:
Interns can choose a minimum duration of 4 weeks, up to 24 weeks, with start dates available year-round. Let us take care of connecting you with a network of experienced host organizations within your field, while also arranging your airport pick up, accommodation, meals, and the provision of comprehensive in-country support.
Contents
- What are some highlights of this destination?
- I don’t speak French or Arabic - can I still do an internship?
- What attributes are important for interns in Rabat?
- What might a typical day look like for someone interning in Morocco?
- How can interns spend their weekends and what activities are a “must do”?
- What is the accommodation and food like for interns in Morocco?
- What should I do for transportation in Rabat?
- Can I do an internship during Ramadan?
- What is the best advice for someone considering an internship in Morocco?
What are some highlights of this destination?
Morocco is simply an amazing place to visit! With its strong European influence and history, the country shares Atlantic and Mediterranean coastlines with both Spain and France.
The city of Rabat, where our internships are based, is home to historic sites that include and are inspired by a combination of cultures. During your internship, there are opportunities to take French and/or Arabic language lessons, visit ancient sites, exotic gardens, or travel to enjoy beautiful coastal resorts.
Interns in Rabat can also enjoy shopping districts, cinema and theaters, restaurants and vibrant nightlife.
There is plenty to offer - all interns need is a sense of adventure!
I don’t speak French or Arabic - can I still do an internship?
Of course! Most internship opportunities in Morocco are geared towards English language speakers. The only expectation is that our Microfinance internship requires interns to confidently speak French at an intermediate to advanced level.
It’s natural to expect that a language barrier can still be encountered to a certain extent. This is part of cultural immersion and the learning experience. While not mandatory, we encourage all interns to take advantage of Arabic or French language lessons during the program. These can be taken in conjunction with your chosen internship. They are fun, social, and provide enriching cultural insight.
What attributes are important for interns in Rabat?
We recommend that interns in Rabat are open, curious, adaptable, and ready to expect the unexpected! The culture in Morocco is likely different from what you’re used to. Therefore, we encourage international interns to come prepared to learn and embrace a unique cultural immersion. Try new foods, listen to new music, learn new words, and explore new perspectives.
If you travel with an open mind and willingness to learn new things from others, you will be all set for one of the most incredible adventures. The best way to make an impact is to ask yourself what specific skills and talents you can offer, and apply these here in Morocco!
What might a typical day look like for someone interning in Morocco?
A typical day may start usually around 8:30 am with breakfast. Interns will then head to their host organization from around 9 am - 5 pm on weekdays. They will have leisure time before dinner (which is normally served around 7 pm). During the weekends, interns have free time to relax, engage in tourism activities, and explore other parts of Morocco
How can interns spend their weekends and what activities are a “must do”?
There’s so much to see and do in Morocco, you’ll be spoilt for choice! Participate in a traditional cooking class, trying your hand at Moroccan pottery or taking part in a tour of the Royal Palace, Medina or Hassan Tower.
Popular tourist attractions include the Kasbah of the Udayas, an old Islamic fortress granted World Heritage status in 2012, and the Bou Regreg River. The city’s coastal location also allows people to engage in watersports.
When you’re ready to get out of the city and explore the country’s beauty further afield, you won’t be disappointed by a visit to Casablanca, which sits just over an hour away from Rabat. With one of the world’s largest mosques, cosmopolitan food scene and vibrant markets, Casablanca is the perfect destination for a day trip.
Then of course there’s Marrakesh, famed for its shimmering colors, oriental smells and awesome architecture. Marrakesh is situated about 3 hours from Rabat, so you can easily spend a weekend exploring markets, museums, palaces, gardens, and new cuisine.
What is the accommodation and food like for interns in Morocco?
All interns in Rabat are accommodated together in a traditional Moroccan Riad. In most cases, interns can expect to share a bedroom with up to 4-6 other participants, of the same gender. Private bedrooms are not available so if this is something you need, contact us to review what internship destinations may be better suited.
The internship program also includes two meals per day - daily breakfast and dinner - prepared and served by a cook, at the accommodation. A typical Moroccan breakfast consists of items such as bread, pastries (or a Moroccan pancake topped with honey), egg, spreads, fruit, tea and coffee. For dinner, examples include beef, with in-season vegetables, salads, or legumes, or chicken, with potatoes and olives. Sides may include eggs, breads and couscous. Pork is not consumed and alcohol consumption is forbidden within the internship accommodation.
Can I do an internship during Ramadan?
Yes! The internships in Morocco are available year-round. Tourism and internship activities continue during the Ramadan period, so you can still intern in Rabat during this time.
The timing of Ramadan varies every year, since its dates are determined by the lunar Islamic calendar. During this holy month, there is a focus on prayer, reflection and community, in addition to fasting. Many adult muslims will abstain from eating and drinking, from sunrise to sunset.
These rules do not apply to visitors or non-Muslims and you can eat and drink as normal. Meals are still included within the internship program, as normal. However, you should avoid eating and drinking in public, during the fasting hours. International chain restaurants, hotel restaurants, and other eateries that market to tourists will remain available.
What should I do for transportation in Rabat?
The accommodation is centrally located within Rabat’s Medina, so the majority of interns can expect their placements to be within walking distance - about 10 or 20 minute’s walk. In the event that a commute is necessary (to either the internship placement or to the central office) then the travel time is usually between 15-20 minutes. There are ample public transportation options to utilize, such as buses and taxis.
What is the best advice for someone considering an internship in Morocco?
It can be a pretty big and scary step to travel to a different country. However, if you are ready to embrace a new culture and willing to immerse yourself wholeheartedly, it will be one of the coolest and life-changing opportunities for you. Try not to be afraid to speak in French or Arabic, just give it a whirl, and have confidence in yourself! You will also be surprised to discover that language may not be as big a barrier as you think.
I’m ready! How can I start planning my internship in Morocco?
Found your ideal opportunity yet? Check out our amazing range of internship opportunities offered out of Rabat, Morocco!
Submit your interest via our online application form (for free). We’ll review your application to confirm you’re a good match for your chosen internship program and that there is availability for the dates you’ve requested. We can then accept you into the program.
Once you’re accepted, you can reserve your place by paying a deposit of $499 USD. This confirmation allows us to reserve your desired internship dates while we arrange your placement and customize your internship. Then let the adventure begin!
