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Volunteering in Morocco: Arrival Procedure in Rabat
Most volunteers fly into either Casablanca or Rabat. To fly to Casablanca is generally cheaper but it is one hour taxi ride from Rabat. No matter which city you fly to you will be met at the airport by Saad Rbiai, our Morocco Director and Desk Officer. He will be waiting for you in the arrivals lounge with an A4-sized laminated ‘Projects Abroad’ sign and a big grin! He will then take you by taxi to your host family in the Medina district - the area within the walled part of the city - where you will be introduced and will spend some time settling in.
Volunteering in Morocco: Orientation and Induction
Your induction will depend on what time your fight arrives. If you arrive in the morning, Saad will give you your induction that afternoon; if you arrive in the late afternoon or evening you will receive your induction the following morning. You’ll be shown - among other important sites and landmarks - internet cafés, the post office, where to change your money, and how to get to each place from your host family. You will also be introduced to the other volunteers in Morocco who will themselves be very excited and eager to meet the latest new volunteer. You will then be taken to our office in the Agdal District of Rabat and Saad will go through the Morocco Handbook with you and all necessary safety and security measures.
Depending on the time and your programme, you may be introduced to your placement during that afternoon. If not, Saad will pick you up and take you the next day. Whenever it happens, you’ll be taken from your host family on public transport to give you a chance to test out the route and see the landmarks.
All volunteers stay with host families. All our host families are based in the Medina district, within the huge peach walls of the old city. Most families live in the traditional riads, with inner courtyards and a maze of staircases leading you up to good-sized cool rooms. There is usually beautiful tiling in the public areas and cushions, which circle around the walls of the entire room. Volunteers will truly get an authentic Moroccan living experience.
Host families can speak Arabic and French. There is usually one member of the family who can speak English and this is likely to be one of the children. Vegetarians can be easily catered for.
Our Projects Abroad office in based in the Agdal District. Agdal is a very safe area and lies just north of the centre of town. It is very accessible, being on regular bus routes, and is easy to find as it is just two streets away from a large mosque called Mosque Badr - a perfect landmark. The office has a bathroom, kitchen, hall and two rooms - one for Saad and another for the volunteers. The volunteer room has tables and chairs and a library of over 150 teaching-aid books that can be used by our teaching and care volunteers.
Morocco has the four usual seasons. Between November and March, volunteers should bring a jumper and jacket with them as it can get chilly, especially in the evenings. There is more chance of rain during the winter months. By height of the summer - July-August - temperatures can reach over 30 degrees Celsius.