GUIDE FOR LIBERIAN STUDENTS MOVING TO MOROCCO
Morocco, as a North African country, shares a continental identity with Liberia but has a vastly different cultural, linguistic and social environment. While Morocco offers a rich academic and cultural experience, Liberian students will face challenges ranging from language barriers and religious differences to climate adjustment.
I. General Challenges for Liberian Students in Morocco
1. Cultural – Moroccan society is structured around strong family ties and social hierarchies. Gender roles are more traditional, with expectations differing significantly for men and women.
2. Social – Moroccans can be reserved in initial interactions and building friendships takes time. Café culture is a major part of social life, with men predominantly occupying these spaces. Public spaces are heavily male dominated.
3. Language – The primary languages spoken are Arabic (Darija) and French. English is not widely spoken, making daily communication challenging for those who do not speak French or Arabic. Berber languages are spoken in certain regions, adding another layer of linguistic complexity.
4. Religion – Morocco is a predominantly Muslim country, with strict adherence to Islamic customs. During Ramadan, eating, drinking, or smoking in public during fasting hours is not allowed. The visibility of Christianity and other religions is minimal, with few public places of worship.
5. Climate – Morocco has a diverse climate: extremely hot summers in the south, cold winters in the north and mild coastal weather. Unlike Liberia, Morocco has four distinct seasons: spring, summer, autumn and winter.
Spring (March-May): Mild and pleasant temperatures, ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Summer (June-September): Hot and dry, especially in the interior, with temperatures potentially exceeding 40°C (104°F). Desert-like summers can be overwhelming.
Autumn (October-November): Similar to spring, with warm, pleasant temperatures.
Winter (December-February): Mild and wet along the coast, with cooler temperatures and potential for snow in the Atlas Mountains. Temperatures dropping as low as 10°C.
II. RESIDENCY PERMIT (CARTE DE SÉJOUR) PROCESSING: STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE
Who Needs a Residency Permit?
All foreign students planning to stay in Morocco for more than 90 days must obtain a carte de séjour (residency permit).
Step 1 : Gather Required Documents
- Passport (copy of ID page and entry stamp).
- Student Visa (some nationalities receive a visa on arrival, but residency is still required).
- Enrollment Certificate (Attestation de Scolarité) from your university.
- Proof of Accommodation (rental contract or letter from university housing).
- Bank Statement showing sufficient funds transfers (some cities require a minimum balance).
- Health Insurance (mandatory in some cities).
- Stamped Application Form (available at the local police station).
- Passport-Sized Photos (typically 4-6 copies) or proof of scholarship or other regular fund.
- Visit the Immigration Office at the police headquarters in your city.
- Submit documents and pay applicable fees.
- You will receive a temporary receipt (récépissé) while waiting for your card.
Step 3: Follow-Up and Collection
- Processing can take 2 to 6 months.
- You must return to the police station to check on your application status
- Once approved, collect your Carte de Séjour and keep it with you at all times.
Note : Challenges with Residency Permit
- Delays: Some students wait over six months for approval due to validity of the documents provided.
III. TRAVEL AND MONEY TRANSACTIONS IN MOROCCO
- Traveling within Morocco – If you are using your Liberian Passport Only : Travel is possible, but you must carry your passport at all times. Expect increased police checks. Train and bus companies WILL refuse service if your visa is expired.
If You Have Residency Permit (Carte de Séjour): Travel is easier, with fewer ID checks. Hotels are more willing to accept you as a guest.
- Receiving Money from Liberia- Western Union & MoneyGram are available in all major cities.
Bank Transfers: Moroccan banks often reject international transfers to non-residents. With a Carte de Séjour, you can open a local bank account and receive money smoothly.
IV. CITY-SPECIFIC CHALLENGES
Casablanca
Social: Fast-paced city with less community warmth.
Language: French dominates, and Arabic (Darija) is widely spoken.
Religion: Strict Islamic practices with religious tolerance
Climate: Hot summers, mild winters.
Marrakech
Cultural: A major tourist hub with a blend of Moroccan and Western influences.
Social: Expensive lifestyle, with a distinct segregation between locals and foreigners.
Language: Arabic (Darija) and French, with little English spoken.
Religion: Strict Islamic practices with religious tolerance
Climate: Extremely hot summers, cold winters.
Rabat
Cultural: Political and diplomatic hub, with European influences.
Social: More academic and structured, less nightlife.
Language: Arabic and French dominate; English is more common here.
Religion: Strict Islamic practices with religious tolerance
Climate: Coastal weather with mild winters.
Fès
Cultural: Traditional and deeply religious.
Social: Conservative, with gender segregation.
Language: Arabic is dominant, and Berber is spoken.
Religion: Strict Islamic practices with religious tolerance.
Climate: Hot summers, freezing winters.
Tangier
Cultural: Strong Spanish and European influence.
Social: Open and international but expensive.
Language: Spanish, Arabic (Darija), and some English.
Religion: Strict Islamic practices with religious tolerance
Climate: Mild and coastal.
Agadir
Cultural: More relaxed and Westernized.
Social: More accepting of foreigners.
Language: French and Arabic (Darija), with some English.
Religion: Strict Islamic practices with religious tolerance.
Climate: Warm year-round.
Liberian students in Morocco must prepare for cultural, social, and racial challenges. Navigating bureaucracy, language barriers and discrimination will require resilience. However, Morocco also offers an enriching educational experience. Understanding these realities beforehand will make the transition smoother.
STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS & NETWORKING GROUPS
1. Confédération des Élèves, Étudiants et Stagiaires Africains Étrangers au Maroc (CESAM)
The Confederation of African Foreign Students and Interns in Morocco (CESAM) stands out as a leading apolitical organization dedicated to African youth residing in Morocco. Created on February 7, 1981 in Rabat, this nonprofit association governed by Moroccan common law embodies the motto “Unity–Solidarity–Fraternity.” With headquarters located at the International University Residence (CUI) in Rabat, CESAM has, over the years, become an essential pillar of the international student community in Morocco.
2. Religious & Cultural Support
Liberian Christian Fellowship Morocco – Provides emotional and spiritual support for Liberian students. Contact: Found in Casablanca, Rabat and Marrakech.
African Muslim Student Associations – Helps integrate Black Muslim students into Moroccan religious communities.
III. Emergency Contacts & How to Report on safety issues
Moroccan Police Hotline: 19 (General Emergencies)
Immigration Police (Préfecture de Police): Contact varies by city
African Student Representatives: Available at Moroccan universities.