A gap year in Morocco

Gap years in Morocco

With a Mediterranean climate, African cuisine, and Arabian-style costume, Morocco is an eclectic jumble of cultures. Enjoy the breathtaking Moorish architecture in Fez and Marrakesh, the souks with their carnival vibe, and some of the most delicious food on the planet. Tourism is the country’s third main source of income, and holiday-makers have been bussing around the Pink City since the 1960s. But that’s not for you. Avoid the coach trips, and venture into the real Morocco on your Gap Year.

Gap Year Opportunities

The numerous Moroccan Gap Year opportunities mainly centre on the seasonal tourist trade, so it’s a good idea to combine your Moroccan trip with an adventure in Africa or Europe (cross by ferry).

Sports enthusiasts can share their skills by taking part in one of several training camps held during the summer – teach tennis, golf, circus, or water sports. Some qualification is required for these positions. But there are plenty of holiday work options. Kids’ activity club leaders need energetic volunteers to deliver a varied programme of activity during the summer holidays. There are often calls for receptionists and holiday reps, all of which are seasonal.

About Morocco

Separated from the Sahara Desert by the Atlas Mountains, Morocco is blessed with a richly fertile interior and a thriving agricultural trade – it’s said to be the world’s biggest producer of cannabis. Despite this, economically the country lags behind Egypt and Algeria, with 19% of the population living in poverty.

Since Arabic invasion in the seventh century, Morocco’s first language has been classical Arabic – closely followed by French, which is the main language for business and commerce. English is spoken in the tourist areas, but it’s a good idea to perk up your French skills before arrival.

The country is Islamic and as such, women should take care to dress appropriately. Moroccan women are rarely seen in social venues, although you’ll find them meandering in the souks preparing for an evening meal.

Bar culture is predominantly male, but don’t worry – that doesn’t stop visiting women from joining in. You’ll find traditional, modern, English and Irish style pubs everywhere. When eating out, you’ll probably be offered the house tagine – a stew made with lamb or vegetables, spices, citrus and herbs, and served in the conical ceramic dish it’s been baked in. Lavish salads and minty couscous are common side dishes, and the traditional way to eat is by scooping up balls of couscous and stew with one hand.

Getting Around

You’ll find taxi is the most convenient way to get around in most parts of Morocco, as long as you’ve haggled with the driver to settle on a fair price! Drivers will usually be happy to agree a day fare to take you wherever you wish to go, and they will wait for you while you wander into a souk or trek up mountainous terrain. It’s cheap too. Travel between cities is easily arranged using CTM, the country’s reliable national bus service. Car hire is, like elsewhere in Africa, expensive and dangerous.

Fez, Casablanca and Marrakesh

The rose-tinted Moorish glamour of Marrakesh makes it the country’s favourite tourist spot – not that it’s lost any of its ancient charm. In fact the only sign of the busy tourist trade is the coaches of pale-skinned Westerners wielding cameras. Once you’re in Marrakesh it’s clear that nothing changes – exotic gardens (one’s owned by Yves Saint Laurent), crumbling palaces, and the maze-like souk exude an age-old Moroccan charm. When you’ve finished watching the snake-charmers in the city’s central square, look for the café with rooftop seating and watch as night brings out the hot food vendors.

If Marrakesh is the tourist city then Fez is the natives’ city. Bustling with a historical blend of souks, traditional music, and religious relics, this former capital exists to be lived in. Built in the first century AD and home to communities of Muslims, Christians and Jews, Fez has a very cosmopolitan history. The city also has the rare honour of being an official UNESCO World Heritage Site: its old-fashioned way of life, ancient architecture, and car-free Medina reflect this. In stark contrast, Casablanca is Morocco’s industrial hub, perched on the Atlantic coast and witnessing much of the country’s trade. Mingling with the businesslike skyscrapers are some incredible mosques and French-designed New Town.