Volunteering in Morocco: Arrival Procedure in Rabat

A member of Projects Abroad staff meets volunteers at Casablanca or Rabat airports. Rabat airport is a short taxi ride away from the city center, whereas Casablanca is at least a one hour taxi ride from Rabat. The staff member will be waiting for you in the arrivals area holding an A4-sized laminated 'Projects Abroad' sign. You will then travel by taxi to your host family in the Medina district - the area within the walled part of the city - where you will be introduced and will spend some time settling in.

Volunteering in Morocco: Orientation and Induction

Your induction will depend on what time your fight arrives. If you arrive in the morning, a member of staff will usually give you your induction that afternoon; if you arrive in the late afternoon or evening you will receive your induction the following morning. You'll be shown - among other important sites and landmarks - internet cafés, the post office, where to change your money, and how to get to each place from your host family. You will also be introduced to the other volunteers in Morocco who will be very excited and eager to meet the newest volunteer. You will then be taken to our office in the Agdal District of Rabat and a member of staff will go through the Morocco Handbook with you and all necessary safety and security measures.

Depending on the time and your program, you may be introduced to your placement during that afternoon. If not, we will pick you up and take you the next day. Whenever it happens, you'll be taken from your host family on public transportation to give you a chance to test out the route and see the landmarks. You will need to cover the cost of your journey to and from work. Most volunteers travel to work by shared taxi or local bus, which costs on average less than 75 cents per journey.

All volunteers stay with host families. All our host families are based in the Medina district, within the huge peach walls of the old city. Most families live in the traditional riads, with inner courtyards and a maze of staircases leading you up to big, cool rooms. There is usually beautiful tiling in the public areas and cushions, which circle around the walls of the entire room. Volunteers will get an authentic Moroccan homestay experience.

Host families can speak Arabic and French. There is usually one member of the family who can speak English and this is likely to be one of the children. Vegetarians can be easily catered for.

Our Projects Abroad office in based in the Agdal District. Agdal is a very safe area and lies just north of the center of town. It is very accessible, being on regular bus routes and is easy to find as it is just two streets away from a large mosque called Mosque Badr - a perfect landmark. The office has a bathroom, kitchen, hall and two rooms – including one for the volunteers. The volunteer room has tables and chairs and a library of over 150 teaching-aid books that can be used by our teaching and care volunteers.

Morocco has the four usual seasons. Between November and March, volunteers should bring a sweater and jacket with them as it can get chilly, especially in the evenings. There is more chance of rain during the winter months. By height of the summer - July-August - temperatures can reach over 90 degrees Farenheit.

At the end of your placement we will arrange your journey back to Rabat or Casablanca airports by taxi.morocco culture,moroccan food,morocco food,moroccan cuisine,morocco beaches,moroccan meal,beaches in morocco,moroccan culture,hercules cave,hercules cave morocco