What is unique about URSA?
Embedded Files
In 2025, video producer, Molly Williams and her production team traveled with the URSA team to Morocco and captured some of their experiences in a documentary film. Watching this film will give you a taste of what life is like for URSAns in Morocco
URSA is a research abroad program. You will not be sitting in classes in Morocco. You will be out meeting people, collecting data, enjoying Morocco. Rabat is home base, but students go where their research takes them. Below are some of the cities that students have visited for their research. Students travel Morocco sometimes with their URSA peers, host families, and Moroccan friends made along the way.
URSA is culturally immersive. Your research project will require you to connect with Moroccans because they are the gate keepers for the information you need. You will quickly learn that in Morocco relationships are central. You will find Moroccans warm, kind, generous and interested in you and your research.
URSA gives you independence and support. Even though you are working independently, we have set up several supports for you. You will have a UMD faculty to support you as well as your URSA leader. In country, you will have a Moroccan faculty advisor whose job it is to make sure you understand the cultural nuances of your research and to connect you to the people you need to do your research. URSA students also stay with Moroccan host families in Rabat. URSA is structured to ensure you immerse deeply in the culture.
Moroccan Faculty Mentors
Moroccan Faculty Mentors
Your faculty mentor is someone who can get you access to the right people or organizations, so you can do your research. They can also provide insight into culturally sensitive issues in your project.
Moroccan Connections
Moroccan Connections
We will provide you opportunity to meet several Moroccan students at the International University of Rabat (UIR) and other institutions. They speak English and can show you Morocco as they experience it.
Moroccan Homestays
Moroccan Homestays
URSA students are paired up with another URSA student for their homestay experience. You'll have a bed and get two meals a day. Families tend to speak less English, but it's manageable and a good chance to practice your French or Darija.
Page updated
Report abuse