Morocco

In Morocco, exoticism is very close. The country is just separated from Europe through the Strait of Gibraltar, but it welcomes visitors with the busy life and historical testimonies of the outlandish world of the orient. 

All volunteering options that we offer at the moment in Morocco will take place at the coastal city of Tangier from where you can even see the mountains of Southern Spain on the other side of the sea. Travel costs from Europe are extremely low as there are several low cost carriers flying to Tangier from many European cities.

Our support and coordination team in Morocco consists of Mrs. Fenna (33 years old) and her mother Fatima who has been the social commissioner of Tangier for over 30 years.

Languages spoken in Morocco are French, Moroccan (a blend of simplified Arabic and French), and Arabic; but in Tangier also Spanish. 

We offer the possibility to take part in language lessons of French, Spanish and classic Arabic, either as the sole reason for your stay in Tangier or in combination with volunteering.

Tangier

Up to 1956, Tangier was an "International City" which didn't belong to any country but was administrated by the French, Spanish, British and Italians. Due to its special legal and fiscal status there have not only been numerous eccentric millionaires from all over the world building their opulent villas on the city's 7 hills which still exist today, but Tangier was also a centre for international espionage - the city has been chosen to be the location for two James Bond films. The international atmosphere attracted also famous international writers which made the city blossom for cultural and arts.   

The English word "Tangerine" by the way is derived from the name of this city.

Even today there are many Europeans living in Tangier, particularly Spaniards and French. The city hosts an interesting blend between traditional orient, for instance when being at the historic old town or related to the everyday life of the conservative Muslim middle class, and the life of the foreigners and Moroccans that have higher education and prosperity, who are following a more Western lifestyle. 

Social problems that volunteers will be faced with are the lack of social support for marginalized groups of society such as the disabled and drug users, the problem of single mothers and their children which are rejected from traditional Muslim society, immigration from sub-Saharan Africa, and an increasing number of street children due to the decline of family structures.

Accommodation in Tangier

In Tangier we could make an attractive deal with the owner of a camp site that also has bungalows. It is located right between the inner city and the beach. You can have a single room in the bungalows which are located within an attractive park. You can even use the camp site's swimming pool. The camp site has a restaurant with reasonable prices, but you can even eat cheaper in the city. 

Alternatively there is a residential home in the city centre which is run by Spanish Franciscan sisters. They are closing the front door at 10 pm, however if you know that you'll be returning later, you can ask for the key in advance.

Leisure activities in Tangier and Morocco

Around Tangier there are several beaches, both on the Atlantic coast and on the Mediterranean coast. You cannot only swim there, but also experience very beautiful sunsets.

On the airy hills around Tangier there are several places that you can visit. Within a day's reach for instance is the picturesque town of Chefchaoen in the Rif mountains.

Several-day excursions include visits to the imperial cities of Fes, Meknes, Rabat and Marrakech which are hotspots of islamic arts and culture. Also trips to the Sahara desert in the South of the country are popular.

Tangier has a vivid nightlife. Around the waterfront and in the inner city there are numerous restaurants and bars with live music and discotheques which are even crowded on weekdays until the break of dawn.

Further, there are many cultural events such as the Tanjazz Festival in June or the Mediterranée Music Festival in July.