Moving to Casablanca

Hello,

I was wondering if anyone could help me? I'm moving to Casablanca next year with my Moroccan husband and 3year old son, Very much looking forward to the move. I married my husband here in the states 13 years ago, Are we considered married in Morocco? Is it as easy as just getting married when I get there? Does anyone know where I can take Arabic classes in Casa? Any advice anyone has on their own experience moving to Morocco, Would help me a great deal. Like I said I'm looking forward to this move,But its a big move. I have been to Morocco many times but only 2-3 months at a time. Any thing anyone could tell me would be great! I will also need to register my son for pre-k for Sept-07 , I know about the American school, is that my only choice (for english).

Hi,

I dunno much abt the marriage law. But abut ur son school u can try the Georges Washington school in casa many of my relatives go there and its really a good school. plus many expatriates in morocco recommend it. here is there website: www.gwa.ac.ma/

For arabic classes u can learn arabic for free online:
www.polyglot-learn-language.com

I know the american university in morocco offers extensive english summer program but it is located in ifrane and not in casa.

I am moroccan just moved to middle east, jsut feel free to ask however i can help u.

Good luck

amallyta,

Thank you! Thank you!
I just looked at the web site for the school, that is just what
I think were looking for.

zaydosmom,

Hi Zaydosmom,

It all depends on what kind of marriage you had in the States. The only marriage recognized in Morocco (when one of the spouses is Moroccan) is the one the Muslim one, performed by the "adouls". These are some kind of religious figures who specialize in marriage and some other activities. Maybe you can get married at the Moroccan consulate in the US. Often consulates have adouls for marrying Moroccans abroad. Another alternative is simply to get married in the Muslim fashion in Morocco.

Also, the American Language Center in Casablanca has been around for several decades now so I am sure the people there can give you plenty of information that is relevant to you as an American.

Best of luck.

I too would very much like to hear from anyone thinking of moving to Morocco from Europe (in particular from the U.K)

I am a British/Swiss national with a Moroccan boyfriend, currently living and working in London, and we are hoping to move to Casablanca in the next two years or so. I would love to hear about your experiences, share ideas and perhaps ask questions about your transition to Morocco.

I look forward to hearing from you guys soon.

Many thanks,

Ursula
urshill @ yahoo.com

In response to the woman asking about marriage: you will have to go through another marriage process in Morocco for your marriage to be legally recognized in Morocco. The legal part hinges on things like insurance coverage, inheritance, property rights, etc. but can even determine whether you and your husband can share a Moroccan hotel room. So it's really important to get it straight.
The paperwork is supposedly getting easier for this, but it can take couple of months. Details as to what you need should be available through your consulate.

You should also realize that George Washington Academy is run by a well-financed Protestant Christian missionary group. I'm not saying this is good or bad, or that it affects their academic standing, only that you should be aware of it and should realize that according to Moroccan law on the books, it is still illegal to proselytize in this country. By far, the best anglophone school in Casa remains the American School.

I'm sure that you can find someplace in Casa to do Moroccan Arabic. The Instititut Francais used to offer courses. If you're really serious about making progress, you could arrange to study at ALIF in Fes and do intensive courses.

Best of Luck