Morocco Visit Adds New Dimension to St. John's Paris Semester This Fall

Students can experience life and learning in France and North Africa this fall through a pilot program that adds several days in historic Morocco to the popular Discover France semester at St. John’s University’s Paris location.

Based at St. John’s residential academic center in Paris, Discover France — part of the University’s wide-ranging Global Studies offerings — immerses students in the city’s history and culture. They earn up to 15 credits while studying French art, architecture, language and politics. Students also engage in service activities and visit other urban and rural sites.

Adding Morocco to the itinerary exposes students to an ancient culture with enduring ties to France, said Tina Chen, Ph.D., Associate Director of the Paris location and a Professor there. “They are linked by history, culture and language,” said Dr. Chen. Today, she observed, Muslims from North Africa are a growing minority in and around many French cities.

Although the program is always in demand, Morocco has boosted interest, said Matthew Pucciarelli, Associate Vice President of Global Studies. “Students already are asking about it,” he said. “So now is the time to apply for this fall.” Students at other colleges and universities also may apply.

The increased popularity, he said, was expected. “It’s two continents at no extra expense,” he said. “What’s also attractive is that we manage the entire trip.” Students arrive in Paris on August 23, and classes begin four days later. They spend several days in Morocco during the autumn break in mid-October. The semester ends on December 15.

The program’s new dimension is even more appealing, said Farida Khatchadourian, Assistant Director at the Paris location. “It’s a chance to see France from another perspective,” she explained. “Students will gain a better understanding of the country’s colonial history in North Africa. They’ll also become more aware of the context for the issues facing ethnic minorities here.”

Visiting Morocco will be educational and fun, Khatchadourian added. “We wanted to cap off the semester with an especially exciting trip,” she said. “Yes, it enhances the academic value of the semester. But students also will enjoy experiencing Moroccan art, handcrafts, religion and cuisine.”

To apply or learn more about this fall’s semester in Paris, visit our Office of Global Studies online. Or contact us: (718) 990-6105 (Queens campus); (718) 390-4035 (Staten Island campus). E-mail [email protected].