Teaching English in Morocco

Teaching English in Morocco

Located at the juncture of two continents and two cultures, Morocco blends neighboring customs and traditions to create a unique identity all its own.

Thanks primarily to its unique history and location, Morocco is a profoundly multi-lingual nation. Although Arabic is Morocco’s official language, and French the unofficial second language, the importance of English is rapidly growing in business sectors and also in the nation as a whole. In public schools, in fact, English language instruction now begins in fourth grade.

As an EFL teacher in Morocco, you can help school-aged students improve their ability to communicate in English, or teach academic English to young adults studying at universities. There are also teaching opportunities among professionals looking to enhance their career prospects. Moroccan students are arguably some of the best learners—many are willing to make an effort, enjoy participating, and are motivated to succeed. And since many already speak more than one language, learning another is a familiar challenge.


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Morocco Pavilion

Morocco Pavilion



The Morocco Pavilion in Epcot’s World Showcase is one of my personal favorites. It seems to get overlooked by a lot of folks and that’s a shame because it is not only quite beautiful and intricate, it is perhaps the most accurate rendition of the country represented than any other pavilion. Here are a few interesting facts about the pavilion and a bit about Morocco:

It is the only pavilion in the World Showcase actually sponsored by a country.
The King of Morocco sent his Royal Architect to Florida to supervise construction to ensure accuracy.
All of the mosaics found in the pavilion were done by a team of Moroccan Artisans sent over by the King.
The buildings in the Morocco pavilion represent religious structures and therefore are not lit during Illuminations. Take a look it’s the only pavilion not lit.
The prayer tower is a replica of a religious shrine in Marrakesh.
All of the mosaics and arches have a defect in them that was purposely placed there. The reason, only Allah can create perfection and therefore all man made objects must be flawed in some way.
Morocco and the United States have a very long history. Morocco was the first country worldwide to recognize the United States as a sovereign nation.
O.K. that’s enough about history and trivia, let’s talk about the beauty of the pavilion as illustrated in some of my photos:









Unfortunately, I think a majority of visitors give this pavilion (and probably several others) a cursory exploration. If you take the time to explore it more deeply you will not only be rewarded with the beauty shown above but inside these buildings there are wonderful things to experience.



After you have finished your exploring and shopping there are still many surprises left in store for you. Two of the better restaurants in the World Showcase, one table service and one counter service, are in this pavilion. Restaurant Marrakesh, the table service venue, has an outstanding menu with a lot of variety. Don’t worry about the food being too exotic (no – they don’t serve goat’s  eyes or monkey brains) it is delightfully seasoned and delicious. My wife is an extraordinarily picky eater who only likes “regular food” and she has always been delighted with her meal at Restaurant Marrakesh. They also have an authentic Moroccan band and a “G” rated belly dancer for your enjoyment.

The counter service location. the Tangierine Cafe, serves food every bit as good as Marrakesh but with a bit more limited menu. Be aware, the portions are quite large so you may want to consider sharing.

After you have eaten you can get some Baklava for desert at the stand along the promenade in front of the pavilion – YUM!! While you are enjoying your dessert you just might catch a show from Mo’ Rockin, a lively and talented group of musicians who perform several times daily.

Please do yourself a favor and spend some time in this pavilion, you will be rewarded with experiences you won’t soon forget. As always, enjoy your visit to Walt Disney World!!



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Resources - Useful Facts About Morocco

Resources - Useful Facts About Morocco


Passport / Visa Requirements
These Requirements are subject to change. Check with the embassy or consulate in your home country before you depart.
Travelers visiting Morocco need a passport valid for at least three months. Visas are not required of MOST Foreigners. A return or onward travel ticket is required.

Customs
Visitors are allowed to import, duty-free 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, or 250 grams of tobacco and 1 liter of spirits. All currency or traveler's checks must be Declared upon entry. It is illegal to import or export Moroccan currency.
Business Hours
Banks are open 8:30-11:30 AM and 2:30-4:30 PM Monday-Friday, along with a midday break on Friday. Shops are open various hours, DEPENDING on the season, and the personal preferences of the owner. Some close for lunch, drank Many are open later in the evening. Government offices are open 8:30 AM to Generally noon and 2:30-6:30 PM Monday-Friday, along with a midday break on Friday. During Ramadan and in the summer, hours are shorter Generally for banks and government offices.
Climate
Morocco's Mediterranean coast subtropical climate HAS tempered by oceanic influences the coastal cities That give moderate temperatures. Essaouira at temperatures average 16 ° C (61 ° F) in January and 22 ° C (72 ° F) in August. In the interior, winters are colder and summers warmer. The mean temperature in Fez is 10 ° C (50 ° F) in January and 27 ° C (81 ° F) in August. Mountain peaks are covered with snow falling on MOST of the year, and temperatures of less than -18 ° C (less than 0 ° F) are common in the Higher elevations.
Mainly Rain falls in winter and MOST heavily in the northwest. Average annual precipitation is about 96 centimeters (38 inches) in Tangier, 43 centimeters (17 inches) in Casablanca, 28 centimeters (11 inches) in Essaouira, and less than 10 centimeters (4 inches) in the Sahara.

Government & Economy
Morocco is a Muslim kingdom since 1999 Governed by King Mohamed VI, son of the late King Hassan II. The political structure is a social democratic and constitutional monarchy. Agriculture: Exports include fruits (oranges, tomatoes, figs), early vegetables, flowers (roses), preserved food ... Minerals: Three-quarters of the world's stock of phosphates, energy goal HAS to be imported.

Population
The original people of Morocco are the Berbers. The Arab population today is Concentrated in the North and in the cities. The population of Morocco is Estimated at 27 million people.

Language
Moroccan Arabic is the official language of the Kingdom first, although Many people speak dialects of the Berber language, Especially in and south of the High Atlas.

French is the second language, Commonly used on signposts Alongside Arabic, menus and in shops. English, German, Spanish or Italian is Understood Many hotels in gold or Wherever tourists markets are found.

Clothing
Between November and March, medium-weight clothing with a raincoat. Light-weight clothes are needed in summer. In DeLuxe hotels, guests Usually more formal clothes change into for dinner.

Religion
Islam is the state religion. However, the country HAS always beens tolerant Towards the other religions. The Largest Jewish community of the Arab world lives in Morocco.

Money
The Moroccan dirham (DH) is nominally Divided into 100 cents. It may not be imported or Exported. Visitors can import as much foreign currency (in cash or traveler's checks) as They wish. Their goal shoulds keep receipts for exchange foreign currency exchange back to before departure. Visa, American Express and Diner's credit cards are accepted in hotels and shops MOST.

Tipping
Taxi drivers shoulds not be tipped. Generally Restaurant waiters expect a tip, Which varies from 10 percent in more expensive restaurants to cafes in A Few dirham.
Electricity
Current is 220 volts AC, 50 Hz for newer buildings, 110 volts AC, 50 Hz for older ones. European-style two-pin plugs are standard.
Local Time
G.M.T. the whole year.

Electricity
Generally 220 volts supply. European plugs.



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