Nº 03 Housing & life in Rabat
Where you live, how you live it
Students may reserve their accommodation with Qalam wa Lawh. Three options, all close to the center in Agdal, a lively urban neighborhood a few minutes from shops, restaurants and public transport.
01 Student residence
A short walk from class
1,450 MAD a weekDouble room ($153 · 139€). Single room 1,900 MAD ($200 · 181€).
Located in Agdal within walking distance of the school, shops, restaurants, gyms and transportation. Rooms are self-catered and offered in single, double and triple occupancy, with a furnished student kitchen and lounge.
- 24/7 security
- 24/7 access
- Cleaning twice a week
- WiFi internet
- Breakfast 5 days a week
- Bed sheets and covers provided
- Laundry service available
02 Host families
Arabic at the dinner table
1,550 MAD a week$164 · 148€. Single room, breakfast and dinner, 7 days a week.
Staying with a Moroccan family is a wonderful way to use new Arabic skills in an authentic setting. Qalam works with a network of more than 150 experienced, welcoming host families across Rabat, all vetted before they take part.
- Your own room, with a door that locks
- Breakfast and dinner every day
- Usually 5 to 10 minutes from the center, by bus, taxi or tram
- Most families have WiFi, though it is not guaranteed; 4G is easy to get for your devices
You will be expected to spend some time with the family, so this option may not suit students who prefer a great deal of privacy or autonomy.
03 Studio apartments
For long stays and couples
2,550 MAD a week$269 · 243€. Maximum 2 persons (+1 child).
More privacy and autonomy, in self-catered studios in downtown Agdal, within walking distance of shops, restaurants, gyms and transportation.
- Private entrance
- Private dining and living area
- Air conditioning and heating
- Cleaning once a week
- WiFi internet
- Breakfast Monday to Friday
- Bed sheets provided
- Laundry at Qalam Center
- 24/7 access
Studios have limited availability: book in advance.
04 Practical notes
Before you pack
- Check in on the Sunday before your course starts, and check out on the Saturday after it ends.
- Residences provide most essentials, including bed linen and pillows. Towels and toilet paper are not provided, but are easy to buy in supermarkets.
- Host families provide toilet paper but not necessarily towels. A small gift for your family is a good idea.
- There is no gym at the residence, but there are many within walking distance. Ask the staff on arrival.
- Depending on your country, you may need a student visa. Citizens of the European Union and North America do not need one for stays of less than 3 months. Check with your local Moroccan consulate or embassy.
05 Life in Rabat
The week beyond the classroom
Rabat is Morocco's capital and a seaside city, with a temperate climate that keeps activities going all year. The Atlantic coast is fifteen minutes from the center by taxi.
The center
Four floors of classrooms, a library, conference rooms, and the Qalam Café and Restaurant with its terrace. Moroccan breads at breakfast, a traditional dish of the day at lunch, and tea, coffee, pastries and fresh juices all day.
The cafeteria is vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free friendly. Note any dietary needs or allergies on your registration form.
The Arabic Language Café
Every Thursday from 16:30 to 18:00, except on holidays. A reception over Moroccan tea and snacks, then a structured group discussion in Arabic. Free and open to all Arabic students and members of the local community aged 16 and over.
Existing members reserve a seat by writing to language-cafe@qalamcenter.com at least 24 hours ahead.
Two excursions a week, in Arabic
Every course includes two weekly visits to Rabat's historic and cultural sites, led by Arabic teachers with handouts of vocabulary and notes on each place.
- 01Chellah
- 02Kasbah of the Oudayas
- 03Hassan Tower
- 04Rabat's souks, in the medina
- 05Museum of Modern Art
- 06National Archaeological Museum
- 07Dar Al Hadith Al Hassania
- 08The National Library
- 09Oulja pottery, in Salé
- 10The beach
Weekends across Morocco
All-inclusive trips leave every weekend of the year, with a minimum of 8 students.
- The Atlas, Errachidia, Erfoud and the Sahara3 days, 2 nights, a two-hour camel trek to a Berber campsite1600 dh
- Chefchaouen and Tangier2 days, 1 night1200 dh
- Casablanca and Marrakech2 days, 1 night1200 dh
- Fes, Meknes and Volubilis2 days, 1 night1200 dh
Prices include transportation, hotels and some meals. Trips booked but not attended are refunded at 50%.
Clubs
Arts, Cooking, Media and Volunteering clubs give students a way to share their talents and meet the Arabic-speaking community through projects. The Cooking Club also runs a weekly Moroccan cooking workshop, taught in Arabic.
Volunteering
Since 2007, Qalam students have volunteered with NGOs in and around Rabat, through school projects included in the syllabus or individual placements arranged with a dedicated community coordinator.
Reserve your room with your course
Tell the team your dates and the type of accommodation you prefer. They will confirm availability with your registration.