Summer UCOR in Morocco & Spain

Course(s):

UCOR 3100 or UCOR 3600

Key Benefits:

When you study at the IES Rabat and Granada Center, you will take English-taught University Core course in a program designed for American students. While study center programs typically provide less exposure to local students and follow a more American-style curriculum than local universities. This program is ideal if you are not fully comfortable with complete immersion, prefer a Summer Quarter option, or prefer more personalized support while abroad. IES supports you with pre-departure advising, visa & immigration advising, family support, onsite orientation, onsite staff support, 24/7 emergency assistance, comprehensive global medical insurance, centrally located housing, cultural and/or co-curricular activities, ENGAGE Program, and excursions.

Level of Immersion
Language(s) of Instruction:
English
Features
Courses with Study Abroad Students
Experiential Immersion
No Language Pre-Requisites
Study Center Program

Housing Abroad

Hotels

Program Dates

July 1-30, 2025

Housing at Seattle University

Moving can be both costly and stressful, but careful planning can help minimize both. Start by creating a housing plan for before and after your study abroad experience to avoid the pressure of continuing to pay for rent at home. Program fees typically cover housing abroad, so if you expect to incur additional domestic rent expenses, be sure to include these in your budget. If possible, consider staying with family or friends temporarily before you depart or when you return to save on costs.

Housing Residence Life

Education Abroad typically recommends considering Seattle University on-campus housing for when students return from their programs, as Housing Residence Life staff are able to support students in securing housing, while adhering to student preferenceas best as they can.

Housing Application

Check the Housing Portal for more specific dates

Winter Quarter Housing applications open in November
Spring Quarter Housing applications open in February
Fall Quarter Housing applications open in May

Disciplines

Courseload

Students who participate in an SU-Sponsored, SU-Exchange, or Non-SU program must be fully enrolled at their host university/program provider. Full-time enrollment on a semester-length program is typically 15 US semester credits (not quarter credits) or 30 ECTS credits.

Note: Not all programs/host universities provide syllabi prior to the start of classes. Some may have samples of past syllabi but cannot guarantee that a specific course will be offered during the students' time abroad.

Credit Range: 6
Credit System: Quarter Credits
Typical Course load: 2
Credit Per Course: 1.5-4.5

Credit Conversion
Transcript Issued By: University of Rochester
Credit Conversion Rate: 1 Quarter Credit = 1 Quarter Credit
Quarter Range: 6

EAO Historic Course Search

Academic Policy

Academic Policy & Minimum Grade Requirement:

Student will receive transfer credit for their study abroad program and academic grades will not be reflected on their Seattle University transcript and will not be reflected in the Seattle University GPA nor honors calculations.
For all undergraduate programs, courses accepted in transfer are graded at least a C- when letter grades are issued and at least a 1.5 on the decimal grading system. Courses graded D+ or lower (1.5) will not be allowed either for transfer credit or to fulfill degree requirements.
Students in the College of Nursing, the College of Science and Engineering, and communication and psychology majors in the College of Arts and Sciences will be required to repeat courses graded lower than C (2.0) if the course is a major requirement or if it is a prerequisite to a major requirement.
Students in the Albers School of Business and Economics must complete required business courses (including mathematics, economics & accounting) with a grade of C (2.0) or better.

Transfer of Credit & Placeholder Course

Transfer Credits

Letter grades received on this program will not transfer to SU nor factor into Seattle University GPA. If students receive the minimum grade required, credits will transfer toward their Seattle University degree as approved through the required pre-departure Course Approval process. Minimum grade details will be specified during Course Approval for each course taken abroad.

Placeholder Course

The Education Abroad Office will enroll students in a 12-credit placeholder course per term that you are abroad so that students maintain full-time student status and are billed properly. This placeholder course will be replaced by the courses taken abroad upon successful completion and receipt of official transcript.

Program Fees

Program fees are subject to change and based on previous year's tuition, if future tuition rates are not available yet. The purpose of the budget worksheets is to provide an estimate of how much studying abroad is going to cost. Actual spending may vary.

Fees not specified

Requesting a Financial Aid Estimate

Student Financial Aid allows students to request a financial aid estimate when planning an education abroad experience. Students can bring the completed worksheet of your preferred program to a meeting with a Student Financial Aid Counselor.

Budget Worksheets

Short

Participation Costs

For SU-Sponsored programs, you will be billed for Seattle University (1) Tuition, (2) Technology Fee, and (3) Program Fee per term abroad. These and estimated additional expenses are outlined in the program's detailed Budget Worksheet. Students are encouraged to complete the Budget Worksheet and discuss applicable financial aid with Student Financial Services.

Payment

For SU-Sponsored programs, pay your Seattle University bill through your MySeattle U Student Account for the term(s) you are abroad. The Program Fee is labeled as Seattle University's quarterly deadlines and you can sign-up for a payment plan as usual.

Seattle University handles payments to University of Minnesota on your behalf for the program cost. Additional expenses not included in Seattle University’s Program Fee, like special course fees, housing upgrades, and optional excursions, may be billed to you directly by University of Minnesota. Consult the Budget Worksheet for a breakdown of estimate additional expenses.

Insurance

Comprehensive global medical insurance is provided by the program provider.

Scholarships

There are many study abroad scholarships for all program types. The application process may be easier than you think, but planning ahead is key. Deadlines are often 6-8 months in advance of departure. Check out the Scholarship section of Seattle University Education Abroad website for more information on scholarships and how to apply.

Scholarship Opportunities Cost Comparison Calculator

Student Journey

Approximate Timeline	Phase	More details
Sept-Jan	Exploration	Students will work with Education Abroad and various supporters (family, academic advisor, etc.) to find a program that best fits student's academic, personal, and professional goals.
Feb 1	Apply	Students will have the opportunity to apply to SU-Sponsored and SU-Exchange programs during next academic year in the Fall around November. The hard deadline is February 1st.
Late Feb/Early Mar	Nominations	Education Abroad Office will nominate selected students for SU-Sponsored and SU-Exchange programs.
Mar-May (Fall) Sept-Dec (Winter) Jan-March (Spring)	Preparation	Students will complete secondary applications for program providers/host university in preparation of going abroad. Additional preparatory steps include pre-departure orientation, courses approvals, Health Check, Visa application, planning housing arrangements (abroad & Seattle), immunizations, etc.

Application Steps

Complete Module I of Global Engagement with Education Abroad Canvas course, including Education Abroad 101 and attending a Planning Meeting with your Education Advisor.
Complete the *Summer* SU-Sponsored Application in Module II of the Canvas course by March 1 for selected program.

If you haven’t joined the Education Abroad Canvas Course yet, Join Now!

Climate

Morocco Summer (June to August): Hot, especially in inland areas like Marrakech, where temperatures can reach 35°C to 45°C (95°F to 113°F). Coastal areas like Casablanca are cooler due to the Atlantic breeze.
Spain
Summer (June to August): Hot and dry, with temperatures from 25°C to 35°C (77°F to 95°F), particularly in inland areas like Madrid and Seville. Coastal areas like Barcelona and Valencia remain cooler, with a Mediterranean breeze.

Travel Resources

Morocco
Air: Major international airports include Mohammed V International Airport (Casablanca), Marrakech Menara Airport, and Rabat-Salé Airport.
Train: The ONCF rail network connects major cities, with the high-speed Al Boraq train running between Tangier, Rabat, and Casablanca.
Public Transport: Taxis, buses, and trams operate in major cities like Casablanca, Rabat, and Marrakech. Trains and intercity buses connect regions.
Spain
Air: Major international airports include Madrid-Barajas Adolfo Suárez Airport, Barcelona-El Prat Airport, and Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport.
Train: Spain’s high-speed rail network, Renfe AVE, connects major cities like Madrid, Barcelona, and Seville, providing fast and efficient travel.
Public Transport: Most cities have well-developed public transportation systems, including metro, buses, and trams. Multi-trip tickets and travel cards are widely available.

Cultural Resources

Morocco
Historical Sites: Popular attractions include the Sahara Desert, Hassan II Mosque (Casablanca), Fes el Bali (Medina of Fes), and the Majorelle Garden (Marrakech).
Language: The official languages are Arabic and Berber. French is widely spoken, especially in business and education. English is increasingly spoken in tourist areas.
Festivals: Key festivals include Mawazine Music Festival, Fes Festival of World Sacred Music, and Ramadan celebrations.
Spain
Historical Sites: Spain is home to iconic sites, including La Sagrada Família in Barcelona, Alhambra in Granada, Park Güell, and the Museo del Prado in Madrid.
Language: The official language is Spanish, but regional languages such as Catalan, Galician, and Basque are also spoken in their respective areas.
Festivals: Popular events include La Tomatina in Buñol, Running of the Bulls in Pamplona, Semana Santa (Holy Week) across various cities, and Fallas de Valencia.

Food & Diet

Morocco
Cuisine: Traditional Moroccan dishes include tagine (stew), couscous, harira (soup), and pastilla (meat pie). Mint tea is a staple drink.
Dietary Needs: Vegetarian options are available, though meat is common in many traditional dishes. Cities have increasing numbers of vegetarian and vegan restaurants.
Spain
Cuisine: Traditional Spanish dishes include paella (rice dish), tapas (small plates), gazpacho (cold tomato soup), tortilla española (Spanish omelette), and churros.
Dietary Needs: Vegetarian and vegan options are available, especially in major cities where international cuisine is also popular. Traditional Spanish cuisine is often meat-based but adaptations are increasingly common.

Embassy/Consulate

U.S. Embassy in Rabat: KM 5.7, Avenue Mohamed VI, Souissi, Rabat 10170 (Phone: +212 0537-637-200)
U.S. Consulate General in Casablanca: 8, Bd Moulay Youssef, Casablanca (Phone: +212 522-64-20-00)
U.S. Embassy in Madrid: Calle de Serrano, 75, 28006 Madrid (Phone: +34 91 587-2200)
U.S. Consulate General in Barcelona: Paseo Reina Elisenda de Montcada, 23, 08034 Barcelona (Phone: +34 93 280 22 27)

Identity-Specific Considerations

Morocco
Accessibility: Accessibility can be limited, particularly in older areas like the Medinas. However, modern buildings and transportation services are increasingly equipped with accessible features.
LGBTQ+: Public attitudes toward LGBTQ+ individuals are conservative, and same-sex relationships are criminalized. LGBTQ+ travelers should exercise discretion.
Religion: Morocco is predominantly Muslim, with Islam deeply influencing daily life and culture, though there are small Jewish and Christian communities as well.
Race & Ethnicity: Morocco's population is ethnically diverse, with Arab and Berber (Amazigh) communities forming the majority, and Sub-Saharan African migrants occasionally facing social and economic challenges.
Gender: Gender roles in Morocco are traditionally defined, but there is increasing advocacy for women's rights and gender equality, particularly in urban areas, despite ongoing challenges like gender-based violence.
Spain
Accessibility: Spain is relatively accessible, particularly in major cities and modern buildings. Public transportation systems, especially in Madrid and Barcelona, are well-equipped for individuals with disabilities.
LGBTQ+: Spain is one of the most LGBTQ+ friendly countries in the world, with legal protections and a vibrant LGBTQ+ community. Major cities have inclusive communities and Pride events.
Religion: Spain is predominantly Roman Catholic, though religious diversity is increasing with growing Muslim, Protestant, Jewish, and secular communities.
Race & Ethnicity: Spain is ethnically diverse, with immigrant populations from Africa, Latin America, and Eastern Europe contributing to its cultural richness, though racial minorities may face occasional discrimination.
Gender: Gender equality is a priority in Spain, with strong legal protections and progressive policies, but challenges like wage gaps and gender-based violence remain areas of focus.

Visa Requirements

What is a Visa?
A visa is a permission granted by a country that allows foreign nationals to enter and reside there temporarily. Applicants typically need to provide documentation such as an acceptance letter from the educational institution, proof of financial means, and health insurance. Student visas come with specific regulations regarding work rights, travel restrictions, and duration of stay, varying by country.

Below is a brief overview of the current visa requirements for your program. Note that countries may amend visa requirements at any time, so it will be important to follow all instructions given by IES.

IES will offer additional information and guidance before departure and on-site; however, the decision to grant admission into the country is not in IES’s nor Seattle University's control. Keep in mind that entry requirements are specific to the length of your stay, citizenship, and the type of activities you will be engaged in. It is your responsibility to determine specific entry requirements and stipulations prior to the start of your program.

Summer UCOR in Morocco & Spain

About this Program

Program Highlights

Level of Immersion

Features

Housing Abroad

Program Dates

Housing at Seattle University

Housing Residence Life

Housing Application

Disciplines

Courseload

Credit Conversion

Academic Policy & Minimum Grade Requirement:

Transfer Credits

Placeholder Course

Program Fees

Requesting a Financial Aid Estimate

Budget Worksheets

Participation Costs

Payment

Insurance

Scholarships

Student Journey

Application Steps

Climate

Travel Resources

Cultural Resources

Food & Diet

Embassy/Consulate

Identity-Specific Considerations

Visa Requirements

What is a Visa?

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