2023 Fordham Preparatory Morocco Cultural Journey

Dear Families, Friends, and Travelers – Welcome to the 2023 Fordham Preparatory Morocco Cultural Journey!  The Pre-Enrollment webpage is meant to share exciting highlights and important info that participants will want to know before signing up. Once enrolled, you'll begin using the Post-Enrollment page which offers a greater level of detail.  Please be sure to review the information thoroughly and get excited for a once in a lifetime experience in Morocco! 
Travel Dates: June 9, 2022 - June 20, 2023
Group Organizer(s):
WTT Contact:
Program Tuition: $3,390 USD
Airfare not included in program tuition
Confirmed Airfare: $1,292

What to Expect

Please read through all of the information below. More details will be added as your departure draws closer.

Itinerary

We do everything possible to run safe, engaging, and immersive programs for our travelers and given the unpredictable nature of international travel we must remain flexible in our planning. Changes to a schedule are uncommon but, we reserve the right to adjust programming in the best interest of the group. 

DAYLOCATIONDESCRIPTIONLODGING
June 9USA - SevillaToday the group will depart the USA and cross the Atlantic Ocean!Airplane
June 10SevillaAfter breakfast, the group will receive an orientation with the group program leaders. In the afternoon, we'll explore the city, including the impressive cathedral where Christopher Columbus is buried. After a lunch of tapas we'll go up to the "Setas de Sevilla" to take in the impressive views. In the evening we'll prepare our own authentic Spanish dinner in a cooking class! TOC Hostel Sevilla
June 11SevillaToday, we spend the morning visiting an olive farm nearby Sevilla, where some of the finest organic olive oil in the world is produced. In the afternoon, we will come back to Sevilla and have a dinner of delicious tapas.TOC Hostel Sevilla
June 12Sevilla - TangierAfter breakfast we catch a ferry to Tangier, Morocco. Upon arrival we'll settle into our riad, a traditional Moroccan guesthouse, and do some exploring in the old quarter of the city.Hotel Etoile Du Nord
June 13TangierToday we'll explore Tangier, one of the most famous cities in all of North Africa which is a hub of culture, language, food and religion. We'll wander the Medina, the historic market and experience the dazzling array of sights, sounds and smells. In the evening, we'll have a truly special traditional meal accompanied by live Gnawa music, which is a surprisingly funky tradition.Hotel Etoile Du Nord
June 14Tangier - ChefchaouenAfter breakfast we'll board a bus for the idyllic mountain town of Chefchaouen. This village is painted almost entirely in blue and, with its centuries-old cobblestone streets, offers one of the most photogenic locations imaginable. We'll spend the day exploring Chefchaouen and marveling at all this tiny hamlet has to offer. Hotel Tarek
June 15ChefchaouenIn the morning we'll embark on a day-hike through the nearby Rif mountains, enjoying a picnic lunch in one of the most beautiful places in all of Morocco. We'll return to town in mid-afternoon to rest before a traditional Moroccan dinner.Hotel Tarek
June 16Chefchaouen - FesAfter breakfast and checkout, the group will travel to Fes. Fes is listed as a World Heritage Site and is believed to be one of the world’s largest urban pedestrian zones (car-free areas). It’s maze-like medina houses the University of Al Quaraouiyine which, founded in 859, is the oldest continuously functioning university in the world. The city is also known as the “Mecca of the West” as well as the “Athens of Africa”. Upon arriving late afternoon, the group will check into their riad. Students will dine in a 250-year old courthouse that has been restored into a cultural zone called Cafe Clock.Riad Salam Fes
June 17FesAfter breakfast at the riad, the group will enjoy a half-day city tour with a local expert. Students explore the medina’s many artisans’ quarters and the famous tanneries. The group will also get to see Fes’s religious and historical heart! The highlight of this day will be the Medersa Bou Inania. It originally functioned as both an educational institute and as a congregational mosque. It was founded in AD 1351-56 by Abu Inan Faris and is widely acknowledged as an excellent example of Marinid architecture. It is known to be the most elaborate and beautiful of all Merenid monuments.Riad Salam Fes
June 18Fes - CasablancaAfter breakfast the group will travel to the western port city of Casablanca! Upon arrival, students will settle in our hotel. In the afternoon, we will have time to explore downtown and see the city's French colonial legacy and Mauresque architecture, a blend of Moorish style and European art deco. Afternoon will consist of free time to explore artisan markets before dinner. Hotel Club Val d'Anfa Casablanca Ocean View
June 19CasablancaAfter breakfast around mid-morning, students will start their Moroccan adventure by visiting the Hassan II Mosque; the largest mosque in Morocco and the 13th largest in the world (its minaret is the world's tallest at 689 ft.). The walls are composed of handcrafted marble and the roof is retractable; it also stands on a promontory looking out to the Atlantic Ocean, allowing worshippers to pray over the sea. Students will take a guided tour inside the mosque and then pair up in groups to photograph and explore it’s stunning exterior architecture. After our final dinner in Morocco, we will head back to the hotel to prepare for our international departure tomorrow. Hotel Club Val d'Anfa Casablanca Ocean View
June 20Casablanca - USAToday we'll depart for the airport to catch our international flight home.Your own bed, eventually!

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Accommodations

In order to provide a safe and memorable experience, we follow strict guidelines when choosing program accommodations. Walking Tree partners with hotels and guest houses which are centrally located, clean and safe.  We vet and inspect the accommodations to ensure they uphold the ethos of our programs, are great values for our travelers and nice places to rest after enriching days of travel.  

Below are the accommodations we anticipate using on your trip, subject to availability. 
TOC Hostel Sevilla

TOC Hostel Seville is situated in an exclusive modern building at the heart of the city and is surrounded by the main places of tourist interest. This is a modern and hi-tech hotel, includes security technology with fingerprint room access control system, 24/7 Reception, , safes for your personal belongings and other features, such as free Wi-Fi, bar & restaurant, kitchen, main living room, and a playroom. Students will be grouped in their rooms according to gender and availability.

Hotel Etoile Du Nord

Etoile du Nord hotel is among the first 3 star hotels in Tangier; established in 1993, it is located in the city center only 1.5 km from Tangier Beach.  This hotel offers air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms, some overlooking the Boulevard de Paris. It also has a meeting room, a small lounge area with a TV. in the Lobby. A Wi-Fi internet connection is available free of charge throughout the hotel.

Hotel Tarek

Hotel Tarek is located a 10-minute walk from the medina in Chefchaouen, and offers a furnished terrace with mountain views. Thi hotel offers the air-conditioned guest rooms that include a private bathroom,  a TV and a telephone. A traditional Moroccan breakfast is served every morning and free Wi-Fi is provided.

Riad Salam Fes
The Riad Salam Fes is located in the medieval city of Fes. The Madrasa Bou Inania and the University of Al-Karaouine are both within easy reach of the hotel. This hotel has spacious rooms with air-conditioning, satellite TV and free Wi-Fi. Each room has a balcony and guests can enjoy the hammam and relaxation common area. The hotel restaurant serves traditional cuisine. Guests can enjoy this and a selection of teas and drinks on the terrace, which offers panoramic views of Fes.
Hôtel Club Val d’Anfa Casablanca Ocean View

Hôtel Club Val d’Anfa Casablanca Ocean view is situated 50 m from the beach in Casablanca. Guest rooms at the Club Val are equipped with a TV, a marble bathroom and have a balcony. They look out over the ocean or the garden. It offers free Wi-Fi and is set in peaceful gardens with a swimming pool and ocean views.

Group Flight

Type Carrier Name Carrier Code Flight Number Departure Airport & City Departure Date and Time  Arrival Airport & City Arrival Date and Time 
Outbound
TAP Air Portugal
TP
202
EWR – Newark International Airport, Newark, United States
June 9, 2023 at 5:40 PM
LIS – Lisbon Airport, Lisbon, Portugal
June 10, 2023 at 5:30 AM
Outbound
TAP Air Portugal
TP
1106
LIS – Lisbon Airport, Lisbon, Portugal
June 10, 2023 at 7:25 AM
SVQ – Seville Airport, Sevilla, Spain
June 10, 2023 at 9:30 AM
Inbound
Lufthansa Airlines
LH
1331
CMN – Mohammed V International Airport, Casablanca, Morocco
June 20, 2023 at 01:15 AM
FRA – Frankfurt Airport, Frankfurt, Germany
June 20, 2023 at 05:40 AM
Inbound
Lufthansa Airlines
LH
400
FRA – Frankfurt Airport, Frankfurt, Germany
June 20, 2023 at 11:00 AM
JFK – John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York, United States
June 20, 2023 at 01:45 PM

Once your flight has been confirmed, the itinerary will appear here.

Walking Tree will secure a seat on the group flight for each participant unless otherwise instructed.

Travelers are responsible for checked baggage fees. Please visit the airline’s baggage webpage to learn if you should expect to pay anything.

We will provide a group manifest – complete with reservation codes and ticket numbers – to the Group Organizer/s before departure, and travelers will need to check in at the airport in order to receive their boarding pass and have documents verified. We recommend arriving no later than three hours prior to the scheduled departure, but contact your Group Organizer for specific details on exactly where and when to meet on the day of departure.

FLIGHT INTERRUPTION, DELAY OR CANCELLATION 
Air travel can be unpredictable.  Regardless of proper planning, there may still be instances when a flight is delayed or cancelled due to staffing shortages, weather, mechanical problems, etc.  Please note that in such an event, Walking Tree Travel (WTT) is not financially responsible for unanticipated costs incurred by travelers en route.  Our programs officially begin and end in the destination country, and because our staff doesn’t fly with the group, Group Organizers (the traveling faculty member/s) become the front-line advocate for the group in the event of a delay. In most cases of cancellations or delays, the airline will be the one who re-books travel or possibly arranges a hotel and food the night.  Our primary role will be to  keep families updated and provide support to the Group Organizer to reach a  quick and effective resolution.

Host Community and Project Details

Packing List

What follows is a sample packing list, which will be updated for each program. We recommend you bring a larger piece of luggage like a roller, duffel bag, or backpack, as well as a smaller backpack that you can bring on hikes, weekend excursions and shorter activities.

“Less is more” is a packing tip we encourage for all our travelers. The below list should cover everything you would need, but we frequently hear that travelers feel “overpacked” if they follow all of our suggestions. Know yourself and what you are comfortable traveling with. We suggest bringing only as much as you would be able to carry on your own.

What to wear in Morocco?

The answer to this varies widely. You are not required to dress in one way or another. People that live in Morocco dress in a wide variety of ways and do not expect visitors to dress as they do. With that being said, it is always a good idea to dress more modestly than you may at home.

For female students and parents: The most common question we get “is there a dress code for women in Morocco?”. How to dress in Morocco as a woman is a question that plagues a lot of female visitors. You do not need to dress the same as local women. Morocco has no laws on dress codes regarding what women must wear. Morocco is an Islamic country, so it is more on the conservative side and it’s better to dress a bit more modestly than you usually do. In large cities like Casablanca, local women dress in a wide variety of styles. You’ll see short shorts and tank tops; you’ll also see full body veils. In more rural communities, like Chefchaouen, it is highly advisable to cover up more. Wear longer shorts or pants and skip the tank tops (or at least drape a large scarf over your chest and shoulders when you are in smaller communities). There is a strong likelihood that you will attract unwanted attention the more exposed you are.

CLOTHES:
  • 6-8 pairs of underwear
  • 6-8 pairs of socks (preferably breathable and/or lightweight)
  • 4-6 T-shirts
  • 2 long sleeve shirts (preferably lightweight)
  • 1 light sweater or sweatshirt (for evenings in Tangier and Chefchaouen)
  • 1 light rain jacket/wind breaker (for Chefchaouen)
  • 2-4 pairs of travel/athletic shorts/pants that are breathable and light
  • 2-3 pairs of comfortable/hiking/everyday pants
  • 1 pair of jeans
  • 1 dressy/casual outfit to be worn to more formal dinners
  • 1 bathing suit (When we are going to and from the beach everyone will want to wear their normal clothes, not cover-ups.)
  • 1 pair of durable tennis shoes
  • 1 pair of sandals
  • 1 hat
  • 1 lightweight backpack or pouch
  • We advise girls to bring a scarf to cover their hair for when we visit the Hassan II mosque. It is not mandatory, but respectful.

TOILETRIES:

Please bring all your basic toiletries that you would normally travel with. In case you need a guideline, below are things not to forget:

  • Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, mouthwash
  • Hair brush and/or comb (+ hair ties, barrettes + bobby pins)
  • Deodorant
  • Shampoo and conditioner
  • Sunscreen (50+ SPF).
  • Mosquito repellant
  • Face wash
  • A light moisturizer/lotion
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Band Aids and Neosporin
  • Prescription medication in properly marked original container(s)

MISCELLANEOUS:

  • Passport (Group Supervisor should keep these in a bag at all times besides the airport)
  • Sunglasses
  • Journal and pen
  • Book (optional)
  • Camera (digital/disposable/waterproof)
  • European power adapter
  • Debit card or US Dollars (for desired souvenirs, extra items etc.)
  • Durable and lightweight water bottle
  • 1 quick-dry towel
  • Deck of cards or other portable games

Support Team

At a minimum, one experienced Program Leader will travel on every trip. In addition to this full time leadership presence, Walking Tree has additional support staff in all destinations and 24/7 support from our headquarters in Denver, Colorado. Below you’ll find a list of the team members involved in the planning, organizing, and leadership of your program.

Luke Mueller
Luke Mueller
Co-Founder of Walking Tree Travel and Business Lead - Denver, CO


Emory University – B.A. Sociology and minor in Latin American History

During college, Luke spent a semester living and traveling in rural Mexico. His experience sparked a fascination with Latin America and a commitment to community service that continues to this day. Upon graduating from college, he joined WorldTeach and lived with a local family in a small village in Costa Rica while teaching elementary English. After this experience, he moved to San José, the capital and largest city of Costa Rica, and wrote for The Tico Times newspaper. Luke has since traveled to over 60 countries on five different continents.  Now settled in Denver with his family, he continues to crave massive helpings of rice and beans.

Juan Pablo “JP” Rabanales
Juan Pablo “JP” Rabanales
Global Country Operations Manager


Earlham College – B.A. International Studies, Minor in Economics

Born and raised with a big family in Guatemala, JP spent seven years living and studying in the US where he was exposed to highly diverse communities. JP worked as a Wilderness Leader guiding expeditions in the Southwest of the US. After spending two years in New Mexico studying the International Baccalaureate, he moved to Indiana where he spent the next four years at Earlham College. His passion for international affairs brought him to spend a semester in China, and several other Southeast Asian countries. During his time abroad, he spent his summers traveling and backpacking through 15+ different countries, and participating in several service projects. Today JP is based in Costa Rica where he works full time with the Walking Tree team.  Juan Pablo also enjoys hosting friends and travelers coming to visit. He’s always down for an exciting road-trip around the country, or even better, around Latin America. He is a long time art and design enthusiast, and a photography aficionado.

Hillary Mora
Hillary Mora
Spain Country Director


Hillary was born in Sarapiqui, a small but pretty town on the Caribbean slope in Costa Rica, one of the most biologically intense places in the country.  She grew up climbing trees, going hiking around rivers, swinging on vines and everything you can imagine in the forest. She is truly a nature lover.  When she finished high school, she thought she wanted to study business administration, but eventually figured out that was not her passion. She began studying English and started working on the airport which opened her eyes to the world of tourism. She soon found out that nature and education are her passions. She began working in Tirimbina Biological Reserve, where she fell in love with the forest once again.  Hillary is  focusing her career on environmental education, where she coordinates a project called the Leaf Cutter Project which helps students get in contact with and learn about conservation, interpretation and everything about nature. She has traveled to Europe, Belize, and Panama. Hillary loves traveling and learning about other cultures, but what she loves the most is helping others.
Said Ait Said
Said Ait Said
Morocco Country Director & Program Leader


ISTA NTIC Syba Ofppt, Marrakech

Said is from a Berber village in the High Atlas Mountains, but was raised in Marrakech, Morocco. In 2013 he started managing touristic accommodations and excursions for travelers in Morocco. He currently lives in Marrakech with his wife and two children. They are a combination of Berber, Moroccan and American; speaking English, French, Arabic and Tamazighit. They enjoy traveling and embracing their multi-cultural lifestyle!

Stafford Jackson
Stafford Jackson
Morocco Country Director


University of Arizona

Stafford was raised in Shreveport, Louisiana and then graduated High School in Dallas, Texas. After attending the University of Arizona, she set off traveling with her sister through Southeast Asia, Europe and Northern Africa in 2013. After traveling through Morocco, she fell in love with it and decided to make it her home a year later. She has been living in Marrakech since 2014 with her husband and their two children. When she is not coordinating student travel excursions to Morocco for Walking Tree Travel, she is the English Foreign Language Coordinator for a private school in Marrakech. She enjoys cooking, baking, photography and taking family vacations!

Group Roster

Below is a list of the travelers enrolled on the program.

  • 1 Aiden Rosario
  • 2 Alexander Jensen
  • 3 Brandon Schnetzer
  • 4 Cameron Harris
  • 5 Carter Remhild
  • 6 Carter Schlumberger
  • 7 Christian Stiker
  • 8 Gaspare LoDuca
  • 9 Graydon Crabtree
  • 10 Hunter Denfeld
  • 11 Jack Silkowski
  • 12 Jake O'Keeffe
  • 13 Jayden Carvajal
  • 14 Jennifer Muller
  • 15 Kailer Sato
  • 16 Luke Curtis
  • 17 Martin Robertson
  • 18 Matthew Castaneda
  • 19 Matthew Cipriani
  • 20 Milo Priddle
  • 21 Moussa Ahmed Reynoso
  • 22 Nico Conte
  • 23 Omar Ward
  • 24 Ryan Nocerino
  • 25 Steven Pettus
  • 26 Thomas Gallagher
  • 27 Thomas Healy
  • 28 Toban Doody
28 Travelers

Blog and Communication

During travel we will work hard to keep families updated as frequently as possible with blogs and photos, giving you peace of mind that your traveler is safe and thriving on their program.  Students regularly contribute to these posts, giving parents a great way to vicariously track the progress of the trip. You will receive an email notification when the first blog is posted, after which we recommend you check in regularly via the black “Program Blog” button at the top of this page.

Beyond this proactive approach to communication during the trip, most destinations are wired enough to allow participants semi-regular access to WiFi so you can also expect to communicate with your traveler directly. Ask your Walking Tree representative about the degree of connectivity on your program.

 

GLC Curriculum

Walking Tree has developed a curriculum of activities meant to help travelers get the most out of their trip before departure, during travel and after they return home. These simple and engaging activities are meant to spark discussion, frame experiences, and prepare participants to travel ethically and effectively both on this trip and on future adventures.

For more information about student learning objectives and the format of the curriculum, click on the ‘learn more’ button below.

Learn More About the GLC

To view and complete the Pre-Program Activities, visit our online portal at the button below.

Pre-Program Activity Portal

Standards of Behavior

In order to run a safe and successful program, it is important that we create an environment of trust, security and respect. All individuals participating in our programs are required to take responsibility for their actions and adhere to a high standard of behavioral conduct.

ABSOLUTE DISMISSAL

  1.  Possessing, consuming or distributing alcohol or illegal drugs.
  2. Associating with participants while they are in possession of, or are consuming, or distributing alcohol or illegal drugs.
  3. Behaving in a way that consistently damages the group dynamic or jeopardizes personal or group safety.
  4. This includes consistently displaying a negative attitude, intimidating or excluding other participants, sneaking out, disobeying group leaders, and any other behavior that is not conducive to an atmosphere of trust and mutual respect.

GROUNDS FOR DISMISSAL OR IN-COUNTRY CONSEQUENCE

  1. Getting a piercing or tattoo.
  2. Stealing, or deliberately damaging or defacing any personal property, buildings or materials.
  3. Threatening physical or emotional harm, or brandishing a weapon.
  4. Possessing, consuming, or distributing tobacco or nicotine, including vape pens.
  5. Riding mopeds, motorcycles, or any other type of unauthorized vehicle.
  6. Being out of designated area or accommodations after curfew.
  7. Breaking group rules.

These standards of behavior are essential for the successful completion of your program. Please take the time to review these as a family and make sure everyone understands and agrees to them.

Health and Safety

We strongly recommend visiting the CDC Morocco website to get the most updated information on health and vaccination considerations in your destination country. In addition, we encourage you to consult with your personal family physician so you can be as informed as possible when making important decisions about vaccinations and other necessary health-related preparations before travel.

Our in-country staff prepare meticulously for all programs. Walking Tree will register our programs and travelers with the U.S. Department of State Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) in case of emergency. In country staff also verify the safety records of our partner organizations, vendors, and transportation providers, thoroughly vet homestay families via in depth interviews and home visits, and keep up on important current events in the region.

Program Leaders are seasoned travelers who are CPR and First Aid certified, undergo thorough training in crisis management, and participate in a multi-day leadership training retreat. We do our best to prepare for any eventuality and have detailed emergency protocols for our leaders, in-country staff and U.S.-based staff.

We receive medical disclosures from all participants to ensure we are able to meet every students’ needs during the program. Please inform us immediately of any additional health issues that you did not list during your initial registration process. Program Leaders will also hold an online information session before your departure, as well as an arrival orientation in-country, in order to give participants important instructions on food safety, hygiene and preventing injury and illness. Leaders and in-country staff always respond immediately to any mental, physical or emotional health issues and follow comprehensive emergency protocols.

Insurance

While we work hard to ensure the safest experience possible for our travelers on program, experience teaches that travel is never without risk. For this reason, we recommend that all travelers consider a travel insurance policy with  two additional provisions: Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) and Bed Rest. Detailed explanations of both provisions can be found on the link below.

To provide families with a quality option, Walking Tree has partnered with Travel Insured International, one of the most respected providers in the industry.  Begin by getting a quote here.

IMPORTANT NOTE: in order to secure coverage with CFAR included, you must purchase the plan within 21 days of your deposit/first payment. You must also insure 100% of your trip cost, so program tuition + flight.

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