ALC Fes & ALIF: American Language Center & Arabic Language Institute in Fez 5.59

American Language Center in Fez

The ALC Fez, established in the early 1960s, is the leading language learning center in this ancient city. In addition to providing high quality English language instruction, ALC Fez is known for sponsoring regular exchanges, and educational and cultural events in conjunction with ALIF, the Arabic Language Institute in Fez. Our center features a cafe, English language bookstore, library, computer lab, student study center/Riad in the medina, and a garden for reflection and socializing. Visit the ALC Fez blog to find out what's happening: www.alcfezbook.com

Arabic Language Institute in Fez

The Arabic Language Institute in Fez (ALIF) offers three and six-week courses in all levels of Modern Standard Arabic and Colloquial Moroccan Arabic throughout the year.

ALIF has an excellent reputation as one of the preeminent institutions in the Maghreb for teaching Arabic as a foreign language. Housed in a large, shady villa, ALIF provides an ideal setting for studying in Morocco's "intellectual capital", and for exploring the historic medina of Fez, one of the world's few remaining medieval cities.

ALIF's teachers are highly qualified native speakers with years of experience instructing both independent students and study abroad groups from major universities. Former students include translators, Fulbright, FLAS, NSEP, and SSRC grantees, company representatives, and college and graduate students from major universities in the US and Europe.

ALIF resources include an extensive library collection focusing on Arabic linguistics, the Maghreb, Islamic Art and Architecture, and Islam. In addition to language courses, ALIF offers cultural tours, lectures, and classes on Maghrebi literature, media and Islam. Private courses in any number of subject areas can be arranged. The modest ALIF tuition, low cost of living in Morocco, and widely available discount air fares, render ALIF a cost-effective alternative for the study of Arabic abroad or domestically.

For more information, please visit the ALIF website: www.alif-fes.com

The American Cultural Association

The ACA is the not-for-profit, bi-national parent organization of the American Language Centers and ALIF in Morocco, which teach English as a foreign language and Arabic.

With 12 ALCs around the country, the ACA can boast a work force of more than 300 teachers and approximately 200 administrative support and staff members made up of many nationalities and people of of all ages.

The American Language Centers are the first choice for English language learners in Morocco. Our student body represents every facet of Moroccan culture in both age and background and also includes people of other nationalities who may live and work in Morocco. The reason for this diversity is that the ALCs attract the best in teachers and students alike by offering truly unique experiences to both.

History of the American Cultural Association

In the 1950’s the ALCs were founded by the United States embassy with the purpose of teaching English as a foreign language. By the 1970’s, independent non-governmental management was needed and the ACA was created. The purpose of the ACA and its ALCs is to promote good relations and understanding between the peoples of the US and Morocco through the exchange of languages and ideas. The Association is involved in various activities including English and Arabic language instruction, teacher training, and a variety of cultural and community service activities at our various centers.

From the 1950’s to present, the ALCs in Morocco have multiplied from just one center and bookstore in Rabat to now 11 centers located around the country in Agadir, Casablanca, Fes, Kenitra, Marrakesh, Meknes, Mohamedia, Oujda, Tangier, and Tetouan. In addition, in 1983 the Arabic Language Institute in Fez was created at the ALC Fes. ALIF teaches both Colloquial Moroccan Arabic as well as Modern Standard Arabic to visiting students from around the world.

The website for the ACA is www.aca.org.ma