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UW study abroad course explores food, equity, and public health in Morocco

Early autumn study abroad information graphic highlights info session on Jan. 20 at 11:00 a.m. and application deadline on Feb. 15
View the UW Study Abroad course page

Public Health Morocco: Food, Equity, and Health – A Moroccan Exploration of the Social Determinants of Health is an early autumn 2026 study abroad program which follows inquiry-based and experiential methods to explore how societal differences—in terms of gender, socioeconomic status, religion, immigrant status, geographic region, urbanicity—affect food access, nutrition, and health in Morocco. 

The course includes visits to Marrakech, Casablanca, Rabat, and Tangier.

Important dates to apply or learn more

  • January 15, 2026 – UW Study Abroad Fair, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. in the HUB North Ballroom
  • January 20, 2026  – Virtual Information Session (click link for access information)
  • February 15, 2026 – Application deadline

About the Program

Food, Equity, and Health: A Moroccan Exploration of the Social Determinants of Health is an early fall program which follows inquiry-based and experiential methods to explore how societal differences — in terms of gender, socioeconomic status, religion, immigrant status, geographic region, urbanicity — affect food access, nutrition, and health in Morocco. 

The program begins in Marrakech, a vibrant cultural center and the leading tourist destination in Morocco. Activities in Marrakech will include an herbalism workshop, a visit to the largest souk (traditional market) in the country, day trips to the agricultural Ourika Valley in the High Atlas Mountains and the city of Essaouira, as well as experiences and workshops exploring the legacy of slavery and Gnaoua culture. 

Next, we will make a stop in Casablanca for a networking experience with Moroccan scholars, focused on the nuanced nature of food access and nutrition in the country’s economic hub. Our next destination will be Rabat, the capital of Morocco, for additional field explorations, visits to souks and ‘Western’ supermarkets, and cultural experiences centered on the social determinants of food access. 

Our last stop will be Tangier, a port city on the Strait of Gibraltar, where Europe and Africa meet. In Tangier, we will visit the American Legation Museum, a cultural center focused on the long-standing relations between the U.S. and Morocco. From Tangier we will also do an excursion to Chefchaouen, the blue city. Throughout the course, we will stay in Riads , traditional Moroccan houses, where we will engage in community, conversation, and learning.

Visit the UW Study Abroad course page.

Details

To Apply

Find complete information and instructions on how to apply on the UW Study Abroad website. Students interested are encouraged to attend the information session or email Pia Chapparro at pchap@uw.edu with questions.

January 15, 2026