Dress Code

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothes and good walking shoes are fine. As in many Muslim countries, long trousers are encouraged over shorts, and sleeves over sleeveless shirts. Low-cut tops or bare midriffs can be seen as disrespectful. Bring a raincoat - just in case.

Are women required to wear special clothing?
No. Both women and men should dress respectfully (see above.) Head scarves and full-length dresses are not required for women in Morocco as they sometimes are in other Muslim countries.

 

Customs

Are there special customs I should be aware of?
- During the month of Ramadan, Muslims don't eat or drink during daylight hours. Visitors to Muslim countries should be mindful of this.

- In two-thirds of the world's countries, people don't eat with their left hands from communal dishes. Morocco is one of those countries.

What about tipping waiters, guides and taxi drivers?
A gesture is always appreciated, and how it is done is as important as how much. Good service can be rewarded with a few extra Dirhams and a "shoukran - thank you."

 

Prices

How much do Academia Arabesca programmes cost?

Our three-year membership fee in the Non-profit Association "Friends of Academia Arabesca" is 200 Swedish Crowns (SEK) per person, and 100 SEK for additional members of the same family. Paying this fee yearly entitles you to be a voting member of the Association.

Suggested donations for our rooms begin at 150 SEK per person. How much is that? Check the Universal Currency Converter. Programme costs depend heavily on number of participants and type of activities. Contact us for an estimate.

What are typical prices in Marrakech?
A bowl of hearty harira soup and bread might cost three Dirhams, while a full supper in an inexpensive restaurant will cost about 30 Dirhams. Local upscale restaurants begin around 200 Dirhams. The souks (markets) are full of just about anything you need at greatly varied prices. You can buy a pair of handmade shoes for 50 Dirhams or a kilo of pancakes for three Dirhams. A bus ride into the countryside costs five Dirhams, while a taxi across town is about twelve.

How much is that? See the Universal Currency Converter.

 

House Rules

Respect:
Visitors must be respectful of local people and their customs: Sunbathing is only permissible out of sight of neighbours. We do not serve alcohol with meals. Those who chose to drink alcohol in our facilities may not do so in the courtyard where we often receive local guests. Illicit drug use or alcohol abuse is grounds for expulsion from Academia Arabesca.

 

About Us

Who runs Academia Arabesca?
The Academia Arabesca Foundation is managed by a three-member Executive Board (see the staff page.) The president of the Board and the Director of the Arabesca Institute is Gita Sellman, who is also the founder. Gita is assisted by the Institute's staff.

The Foundation is supported by two non-profit associations, the international "Friends of Academia Arabesca," and the Moroccan "Amis d'Academia Arabesca."

Do you have any political or religious affiliation?
None whatsoever. Academia Arabesca is entirely cultural, with no relationship to any political or religious entity.

Where does Academia Arabesca get it's money from?
Academia Arabesca is entirely non-profit, and has no commercial activity - we're not a guest house or a tour organiser! Those who are interested in using our facilities or participating in our programs become members. Membership fees and donations for our facilities cover our basic operating costs.

 

Etc.

Who is Academia Arabesca for?

Anyone who is interested in a deeper understanding of Moroccan culture is welcome. Our guests should be curious, adventurous, and willing to engage with Moroccan culture. Our members should feel that respecting local customs and traditions is important.

Our guests have included families and individual members interested in discovering Morocco together during a few days' holiday, as well as artists, photographers, and writers who have come for extended stays. School and university groups have come for specially tailored programmes.

What's the weather like?
You can expect consistent sunshine year-round, with occasional rainy days during winter and spring. Winter nights can be chilly, and the summer months can be very hot. Our rooms are not heated, but we do have regular hot water for faucets and showers.

What about money?
The Moroccan unit of currency is the Dirham, which is divided into 100 centimes. It is a non-convertible currency, which means you cannot legally get Dirhams outside Morocco. See live exchange rates at the Universal Currency Converter.

Any vaccinations required?
As of December 2004, Only cholera vaccine was required of those coming from affected areas. For details, see The Moroccan Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation.

Do I need a visa for Morocco?
Many countries' citizens are allowed to enter Morocco for three months without a visa. The complete list of countries which require visas can be had from The Moroccan Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation.

Is it safe in Morocco?
As with any travel, you should use good judgement. You wouldn't flash money around or leave a bag unattended in Stockholm or Toronto, nor would you walk in a busy market with an open purse or backpack.