Q: Where in Tangier is the UNE campus located?
A: Our campus is on the property of the American School of Tangier, a K-12 private school attended by students of all nationalities. It is in a residential neighborhood across from the Spanish Consulate, and there is a gate with security at the entrance to the property. Within a 15-to-20-minute walk are Mediterranean beaches, shops, cafes and restaurants.
Q: What languages are spoken in Morocco?
A: People in Morocco speak French and Arabic. Many also speak Spanish and Some English.
Q: What will the residence hall be like?
A: The on-campus residence offers double rooms with an en-suite bathroom, desks and storage for your clothes.
Q: Do I need to bring linens?
A: Sheets, blankets, pillows and a bath towel will be provided for you. You should bring a beach towel to use at the campus pool or at the beach.
Q: What clothes should I pack?
A: You should bring clothes similar to what you would wear during spring, summer and fall including layers and a rain jacket. Comfortable walking shoes are a must, as everything in Tangier is within walking distance to our campus. Bathing suits are fine on campus or at the beach, but elsewhere you should wear shirts and skirts or pants over bathing suits. Girls should not wear short skirts or shorts, bare midriff shirts, or strappy tank tops or tube tops. Head scarves (hijab) should not be worn by students and are not mandatory for Muslim Moroccan women either. You will see Moroccans, other Americans, Europeans and people of other nationalities dressed similarly to what you see in other cosmopolitan cities.
Q: Are there laundry facilities?
A: Yes, there are free washers and dryers right in the dormitory.
Q: Can I go to church or synagogue?
A: Yes, there are churches and synagogues in Tangier.
Q: What if I need to see a doctor?
A: You will have UNE’s travel insurance to use if you need to see a doctor while abroad in the UNE Morocco program. The staff on campus will advise you of which clinic in Tangier to use, and can also assist you if you need help making a doctor's appointment.
Q: Can I bring prescription medication?
A: You must bring prescriptions in their original containers that show your name. Make sure you see your doctor before going abroad to address any medical concerns. You may be able to bring enough of some prescriptions or contact lenses to last the whole semester. For some medications you will need to see a doctor in Tangier to get refills.
Q: How does banking work?
A: You should use your U.S. bank account and your debit cards or credit cards as you would at home, but let your bank and credit card companies know that you will be abroad. Many places in Morocco accept credit cards and debit cards, and there are many ATMs in order to access cash. The currency in Morocco is the Moroccan dirham (MAD), which is the currency dispensed from the country's ATMs.
Q: What is there to do outside of class?
A: There are beaches, cafes, restaurants and markets to explore. The local culture is vibrant and people are welcoming and friendly. Tangier is a pedestrian-friendly city and everything is within walking distance of our campus. Taxis are also easy to find and inexpensive. You should use the same street smarts as if you were in a major U.S. city, such as not walking around by yourself (especially at night), using only marked taxis, and dressing respectfully. You can also use the pool and basketball courts on campus. You may not have classes on Fridays, so you can take weekend adventures to other Moroccan cities or trips across the Strait of Gibraltar to Spain and other countries in Europe.