Morocco’s second largest city, Marrakech, is located near the foothills of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains, bordered by desert to the south and the Atlantic Ocean to the west. If you’re coming here to learn Arabic then it’s as well to leave any expectations at home and prepare yourself for an absolute feast for the senses. From the prayer call at dawn to an impromptu mint tea in the souks to the complete chaos of the central square, the Djemaa el-Fna, you never know what you might hear, see or taste. But that’s part of the fun. Let yourself get lost in the labyrinth of alleys, be charmed by a snake charmer and take a few minutes to soak up the peace of one of the city’s many palaces; from the historical old Medina to the modern Gueliz district, you will come across sights and characters like never before.
Cactus offers a choice of group and individual Arabic courses in a school in Marrakech’s Gueliz, or new town. The school is modern and well equipped, also offering language exchange with local Moroccans who study English here. Accommodation can be arranged in a private apartment or, for full immersion in the language and culture, with a local homestay.
