Myriad Moroccans, when they learn that you’re from the U.S., will likely respond enthusiastically with “did you know that Morocco was the first country to officially recognize the United States?!” It’s true: the sultan recognized the U.S. flag on December 20, 1777. The relationship between the two countries has remained strong and stable since then.

Among the practical reasons to study in Morocco are its:

Political Stability: Morocco is known across the Middle East and North Africa as politically and economically stable. In 2011, when the Arab world experienced what became known as the Arab or Jasmine Spring, Morocco sustained its internal stability. It has maintained an excellent diplomatic relationship with the U.S. and has successfully circumvented the waves of political unrest that has recently swept many Arab and Muslim countries. Finally, it has never been one of the countries subject to travel and other restrictions imposed by the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) or other U.S. authorities.

Cultural and religious diversity: Morocco prides itself as being a destination to millions of tourists every year. Interacting with guar (foreigners) and Merikaniyyin (Americans) has become deeply-entrenched in Moroccan culture. Until the middle of the 20th century, it was home of the second largest Jewish Diaspora outside of Israel; Jews and Christians practice their faith freely and enjoy the reciprocal tolerance and respect with their fellow Muslim Moroccans. Finally, indigenous traditions significantly inform Morocco’s religious and cultural landscape.

Public Health: Save the current COVID-19-related measures, Morocco has never been listed as a country for which the Centers for Disease Control has issued a travel warning or for which a public health emergency notice has been issued.