About AUI and Ifrane

Geographic Location

AUI is located in Ifrane, in the Middle Atlas Mountains, at an altitude of 1600 m or about 5,000 feet. Ifrane is just 60 km away from Meknes, 80 km from Moulay Idriss Zerhoun and the archeological site of Volubilis, 65 km from Fez, and 200 km from Rabat. Winters in Ifrane can be cold with significant snowfall, and summers are mild and pleasant. Oak and cedar forests, the springs, streams and lakes around Ifrane have made it a very popular resort for all seasons.

Spending Money and Credit Cards
It is recommended that students have a MINIMUM of $500 for incidentals and personal shopping during excursions. MASTERCARD and VISA credit cards are accepted only in large shops, but it is easy to process cash advances from banks and ATMs around the country. Be sure to alert your bank that you are traveling to Morocco so the fraud control unit does not block your card.

Facilities and Activities on campus
Participants will be issued a photo ID and an email account, and have unlimited internet access in rooms and computer labs, access to the library, the Student Health Center, and sports facilities including the swimming pool. Sporting equipment is available in the Student Activities Office and participants can attend student concerts by local popular groups and parties.

Campus Housing
AUI is a fully residential campus in the US style. All student rooms have en-suite bathrooms with showers. Sheets, pillows and blankets are provided but towels are not.

Travel: Arrivals and Departures
Special arrangements will be made for the pick up of the participants from the Fez Airport or the Fez Train Station.

Visas
North Americans and Europeans traveling to Morocco on a valid passport are issued a 90-day visa upon arrival. Other nationalities must check with the Moroccan Embassy or Consulate serving their area as to visa requirements.

Connectivity, Laptops and Electricity

AUI has several computer labs, and rooms in residence halls have internet connections. Participants are encouraged to bring their laptops for viewing the DVDs of the Al-Kitaab fii Ta’allum Al-’arabiyya books. There are wireless access points in some key locations. The electrical current is 220 volts and 50 Hz.