Summer Study-Travel Program in Morocco for Teachers 2010

UCLA African Studies Center is now accepting applications for the 2010 Fulbright-Hays Group Projects Abroad (GPA) in Morocco. This project, specifically designed for teachers, will provide a unique Arabic language and cultural immersion experience for a better understanding of Morocco's place in Africa, North Africa, and the wider world.

Project participants will receive intensive Arabic language instruction with seminars on Moroccan culture and society supplemented by site visits and daily interaction with the local population to create a multidimensional, dynamic learning environment.  The project will be based in the iconic Moroccan city of Fes, with organized excursions to Agadir, Marrakesh, Meknes, and other places that illustrate the multicultural diversity of Morocco.  Project has three phases and applicants must be willing and able to FULLY participate in all phases.

Phase 1: Pre-departure Preparation and Orientation
A pre-departure orientation conducted in spring 2010 at UCLA to prepare participants for the proposed field study tour of Morocco, including discussion and refinement of participants’ research strategy and curriculum development project plans.  The exact date for the orientation has not been set as yet.

Phase 2: Curriculum Development Project in Morocco
A five-week comprehensive program of study, travel, research, acquisition of resource materials and curriculum writing in Morocco from approximately June 26^th to July 30^th 2010.   Program will be based in Fes with scheduled excursions to Marrakesh, Casablanca, Agadir and Meknes among other villages and towns.

Phase 3: Follow-up Activities and Dissemination
A series of follow-up workshops at UCLA in fall and winter quarters (October – March 2011) to refine and complete curriculum modules.  Dates for the workshops have not been set as yet.

ELIGIBILITY

Participation in the UCLA’s 2010 Fulbright-Hays GPA program, Multicultural Morocco: Lessons from Africa, is subject to eligibility criteria established for all federally subsidized programs.  Applicants must be United States citizens or permanent residents of the United States. (See Federal Register/ Vol. 74, No. 167 / Monday, August 31, 2009/Notices)

Eligible applicants are as follows:

1. K-12 educators (teachers, library/media specialists, curriculum coordinators, etc.);
2. Faculty members who teach modern foreign languages or area studies at the post-secondary level;
3. Experienced administrators responsible for planning, conducting or supervising programs in modern foreign languages or area studies at the elementary, secondary or post-secondary level.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Applicants will be selected based on the following criteria:

• Strength of application;
• Demonstrated potential for curricular innovation;
• Quality of written proposal for a curriculum development project in Morocco;
• Willingness to become a resource person in the local schools and communities, and to participate in local, statewide and national workshops and professional meetings;
• Support from school system/institution;
• Commitment to participate in the dissemination of the teaching units developed;
• Proven characteristics of adaptability, sensitivity, perseverance, and open-mindedness needed to live and study successfully in Morocco.

APPLICATION DEADLINE HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO FEBRUARY 15, 2010

Published: Monday, October 26, 2009