Morocco
Qualified candidates will have one or more of the following criteria:
• Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science degree in any field
OR
• 5 years' professional work experience
Competitive candidates will have one or more of the following criteria:
• Formal or informal classroom teaching experience, particularly English teaching.
• Experience working with youth ages 12-29 in after-school activities or other areas of non-formal education. Highly competitive applicants will have experience with youth in summer camps, clubs, sports, music, art, theater, volunteerism, and service-learning.
• Experience using appropriate technology to accomplish work virtually, including technology to support remote learning and youth programming.
• Demonstrated success working in unstructured or informal assignments; experience applying organizational skills in a community.
Morocco, a country known for its rich history, unique traditions, and wonderful cuisine, offers diverse living conditions for Peace Corps Volunteers. Depending on the region and climate, Volunteers may live in desert areas, mountainous regions, or rural villages. Accommodations vary from apartments to houses, similar to those of local families. As members of their communities, Volunteers will experience the same utility availability as their neighbors, including electricity, hot water, and internet, but should not expect consistent connectivity.
During the 9.5-week Pre-Service Training (PST), Volunteers will stay with a host family to foster community integration and language acquisition. This homestay experience continues for at least one month after arriving at their permanent communities. Living with host families offers invaluable insights into local culture, traditions, and customs, and helps Volunteers build strong connections within their communities.
Morocco is a traditional, family-centered society with hierarchical and patriarchal leanings. Volunteers must possess mature interpersonal skills, the willingness to suspend judgment around traditional societal roles of men and women and religious norms and be willing to adapt to local social customs. It is essential to navigate these cultural dynamics with sensitivity and respect.
As foreigners, Volunteers may attract significant attention in their communities. Same-sex relationships are illegal, and discussions about sexual orientation are considered taboo. Volunteers must be discreet about their personal identities within their host communities. All Peace Corps Morocco Volunteers receive training on measures to mitigate and respond to harassment.
Volunteers of Color, particularly Black and Asian-American Volunteers, often experience high levels of unwanted attention, harassment, and discrimination. Black Volunteers report significant harassment due to prevailing attitudes toward West African immigrants. Asian-American Volunteers face additional challenges of unwanted attention and harassment because of their appearance, including discrimination linked to the pandemic. Volunteers who do not fit the stereotypical image of an American (white skin, blond hair, blue eyes) may be asked probing questions around their family history and “origin.” Conversely, Volunteers of Color that may be “Moroccan passing” such as some Arab and Latino PCVs, note that they do not experience similar levels of attention.
Despite these challenges, Peace Corps is committed to creating a supportive environment for all Volunteers. Peace Corps Morocco has a variety of support structures, including a Volunteer Support Network, ensuring that Volunteers can confidentially discuss their concerns with peers and staff. Volunteers of diverse backgrounds have successfully served in Morocco, contributing to the richness of the Peace Corps community.
Living conditions in Morocco require flexibility, creativity, and a proactive approach to identifying and addressing community needs. Volunteers must be prepared for physical and social demands, including transportation limitations and the need to adapt to local modes of travel, which may include walking long distances, using pick-up trucks, vans, or collective taxis. Personal appearance is important, and Volunteers are expected to dress to local standards, typically involving clean, modest clothing appropriate for their roles.
Peace Corps Morocco continues to evolve its activities and seeks Volunteers who are eager to embrace these challenges. For additional information, please visit the [Peace Corps Morocco website](https://www.peacecorps.gov/morocco/).
None
Youth in Development
Yes
Morocco
24
Yes
PCV
No
As the preeminent international service organization of the United States, the Peace Corps sends Americans with a passion for service abroad to work with communities and create lasting change. Volunteers develop sustainable solutions to address challenges in Education, Health, Economic Development, Agriculture, Environment and Youth Development. Through their Peace Corps experiences, Volunteers gain a unique cultural understanding and a lifelong commitment to service that positions them to succeed in today's global economy. Since President John F. Kennedy established the Peace Corps in 1961, more than 240,000 Americans of all ages have served in 142 countries worldwide.
