THE PEACE CORPS WELCOMES YOU TO 

MOROCCO

A PEACE CORPS PUBLICATION FOR NEW VOLUNTEERS

January 2015 
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MAP OF MOROCCO
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

A WELCOME LETTER...............................................................................................................................5

CORE EXPECTATIONS FOR PEACE CORPS VOLUNTEERS..............................................................6

PEACE CORPS/MOROCCO HISTORY AND PROGRAMS ....................................................................7

History of the Peace Corps in Morocco....................................................................................................7

History and Future of Peace Corps Programming in Morocco ................................................................7

COUNTRY OVERVIEW: MOROCCO AT A GLANCE ...........................................................................8

History ......................................................................................................................................................8

Government ..............................................................................................................................................8

Economy...................................................................................................................................................9

People and Culture....................................................................................................................................9

Environment .............................................................................................................................................9

RESOURCES FOR FURTHER INFORMATION.....................................................................................11

General Information About Morocco .....................................................................................................11

Connect With Returned Volunteers and Other Invitees.........................................................................11

Online Articles/Current News Sites About Morocco .............................................................................12

International Development Sites About Morocco ..................................................................................12

Recommended Books.............................................................................................................................13

Books About Morocco .......................................................................................................................13

Books About the History of the Peace Corps.....................................................................................13

Books on the Volunteer Experience...................................................................................................13

LIVING CONDITIONS AND VOLUNTEER LIFESTYLE.....................................................................15

Communications.....................................................................................................................................15

Mail ....................................................................................................................................................15

Telephone...........................................................................................................................................15

Housing and Site Location .....................................................................................................................15

Living Allowance and Money Management ..........................................................................................16

Food and Diet .........................................................................................................................................16

Transportation.........................................................................................................................................17

Geography and Climate..........................................................................................................................17

Social Activities......................................................................................................................................17

Professionalism, Dress, and Behavior ....................................................................................................17

Personal Safety .......................................................................................................................................18

Rewards and Frustrations .......................................................................................................................18

PEACE CORPS TRAINING......................................................................................................................20

Overview of Pre-Service Training..........................................................................................................20
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Technical Training..................................................................................................................................21

Language Training..................................................................................................................................21

Cross-Cultural Training..........................................................................................................................21

Health Training.......................................................................................................................................22

Safety Training .......................................................................................................................................22

YOUR HEALTH CARE IN MOROCCO ..................................................................................................22

Health Issues in Morocco .......................................................................................................................23

Helping You Stay Healthy......................................................................................................................23

Maintaining Your Health........................................................................................................................23

Women’s Health Information.................................................................................................................24

Your Peace Corps Medical Kit...............................................................................................................25

Before You Leave: A Medical Checklist................................................................................................25

SAFETY AND SECURITY IN DEPTH ....................................................................................................27

Factors that Contribute to Volunteer Risk..............................................................................................27

Staying Safe: Don’t Be a Target for Crime ............................................................................................29

Support from Staff..................................................................................................................................29

Office of Victim Advocacy ....................................................................................................................30

Crime Data for Morocco.........................................................................................................................30

Volunteer Safety Support in Morocco....................................................................................................30

DIVERSITY AND CROSS-CULTURAL ISSUES ...................................................................................32

Diversity and Inclusion at Your Site ......................................................................................................32

Cross-Cultural Considerations................................................................................................................33

What Might a Volunteer Face?...............................................................................................................33

Possible Gender Role Issues ..............................................................................................................33

Possible Issues for Volunteers of Color.............................................................................................34

Possible Issues for Gay, Lesbian, or Bisexual Volunteers.................................................................36

Possible Issues for Volunteers With Disabilities ...............................................................................37

Possible Issues for Volunteer Couples...............................................................................................37

Possible Religious Issues for Volunteers...........................................................................................38

Possible Issues for 50+ Volunteers ....................................................................................................38

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS.....................................................................................................40

WELCOME LETTERS FROM VOLUNTEERS.......................................................................................42

PACKING LIST .........................................................................................................................................43

PRE-DEPARTURE CHECKLIST .............................................................................................................46

CONTACTING PEACE CORPS HEADQUARTERS ..............................................................................48
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A WELCOME LETTER 

A’salaam alaikum, 

The staff and current Volunteers in Morocco warmly welcome you and look forward to your arrival in 

this country in these challenging and changing times. Morocco is a beautiful country with wonderfully 

hospitable people. If you choose to be a Peace Corps Volunteer here, you will find a unique opportunity 

to serve others, form close friendships with Moroccan colleagues and families, and work in a country that 

needs your skills and where your commitment will be tested on a daily basis.

We hope this welcome book, with input from both Volunteers and staff, will be a resource that helps 

answer some of your initial questions and concerns about Morocco itself, the Peace Corps program here, 

and what you can do to prepare for service. It is by no means comprehensive, but we trust it will offer you 

some useful information ahead of your arrival. We recommend you share this book with your family and 

friends as well, to help answer some of their questions.

Your two-year commitment to Peace Corps service should not be made casually. It is a commitment you 

will make repeatedly and in many different ways throughout your service. You will be challenged in 

every way imaginable and your patience likely will be tested to the limits both during training and 

throughout your service. 

However, having a positive attitude, enthusiasm, patience, and a commitment to serve, learn, grow and 

become part of another community will serve you well. The staff is ready to support you; however you 

are the primary architect of what your success as a Peace Corps Volunteer will be. We are pleased that 

you are choosing this opportunity to serve the people of Morocco with your skills, and to participate in an 

experience that will change how you view the world and yourself.

We look forward to meeting you soon!

Ellen M. Paquette

Country Director, Morocco
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CORE EXPECTATIONS FOR PEACE CORPS VOLUNTEERS

In working toward fulfilling the Peace Corps mission of promoting world peace and friendship, as a 

trainee and Volunteer, you are expected to do the following:

1. Prepare your personal and professional life to make a commitment to serve abroad for a full term 

of 27 months

2. Commit to improving the quality of life of the people with whom you live and work and, in doing 

so, share your skills, adapt them, and learn new skills as needed

3. Serve where the Peace Corps asks you to go, under conditions of hardship if necessary, and with 

the flexibility needed for effective service

4. Recognize that your successful and sustainable development work is based on the local trust and 

confidence you build by living in, and respectfully integrating yourself into, your host community 

and culture

5. Recognize that you are responsible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for your personal conduct and 

professional performance

6. Engage with host country partners in a spirit of cooperation, mutual learning, and respect

7. Work within the rules and regulations of the Peace Corps and the local and national laws of the 

country where you serve

8. Exercise judgment and personal responsibility to protect your health, safety, and well-being and 

that of others

9. Recognize that you will be perceived in your host country and community as a representative of 

the people, cultures, values, and traditions of the United States of America

10. Represent responsively the people, cultures, values, and traditions of your host country and 

community to people in the United States both during and following your service
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PEACE CORPS/MOROCCO HISTORY AND PROGRAMS

History of the Peace Corps in Morocco 

Morocco was among the first countries to invite the Peace Corps to assist in its development process. A 

group of 53 surveyors, English teachers, and irrigation supervisors arrived in Morocco in 1963 at the 

invitation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Since then, more than 4,300 Volunteers have served in the Kingdom of Morocco in areas such as lab 

technology, urban development, home economics, commercial development, education of the blind and 

deaf, rural water supply, vocational education, maternal child health, natural resources management, 

youth development, marine and inland fisheries, small business development, sports, beekeeping, 

architecture, and English language training.

History and Future of Peace Corps Programming in Morocco

Peace Corps/Morocco has worked in a number of different program areas in Morocco since 1963. Most 

recently, in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Peace Corps/Morocco has focused its 

work primarily in the area of youth development. The Ministry of Youth and Sports’ vision for youth 

development includes developing leadership, life skills, employability, healthy lifestyles, and community 

service. Volunteers will have opportunities to participate in spring and summer camps as well. 

In 1995, Education Volunteers began teaching English in community youth centers (Dar Chebab), 

enabling youth to practice the English they learned in school. While content-based English teaching is 

still widely used, the program today focuses on youth leadership, strengthening youth networks, building 

capacity of professionals who work with youth, and promotion of girls’ education. Volunteers work with 

local professionals and youth to promote volunteerism and youth leadership through activities such as 

sports, study of world geography, libraries, exercise classes, environmental projects, project management 

training, thematic English teaching, and self-esteem activities for girls.

Peace Corps/Morocco will continue to work with Moroccan government partners to address the expressed 

needs of the Moroccan people. The program will increase its efforts to integrate gender activities and 

continue to improve the effectiveness of pre-service training through closer integration of programming 

and training.
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COUNTRY OVERVIEW: MOROCCO AT A GLANCE

History

Berbers were the original inhabitants of Morocco, followed by the Carthaginians and Romans. Arabs 

conquered Morocco in 683, bringing with them Islam. By the 11th century, a Berber empire ruled over all 

of northwest Africa, including Morocco and most of Spain. Up until the 20th century, a succession of 

native dynasties ruled what is now Morocco. In 1904, French and Spanish colonists occupied parts of 

Morocco, establishing protectorates in 1912.

Morocco became a sovereign country in 1956 when France and Spain recognized its independence. It was 

ruled by King Mohammed V until his death on February 26, 1961. His son, Hassan II, then ascended to

the throne. 

On November 6, 1975, tens of thousands of Moroccans crossed the border, in a “Green March,” into the 

Spanish Sahara to back their government’s contention that the northern part of the territory was 

historically part of Morocco. Spain withdrew from the territory in 1975. 

King Hassan II was the second Arab leader to meet with an Israeli leader and was active in promoting 

peace in the Middle East. Hassan II died in 1999, after reigning for more than 37 years. He was succeeded 

by his son, Mohammed VI. The current king, born in 1963, has taken courageous measures to improve 

political, economic, and social conditions in the country. Dubbed the “King of the Poor” by the French 

and the local press, Mohammed VI is keen on improving the quality of life in rural areas, raising the 

social and legal status of women, and alleviating poverty. These reforms have gained him great popularity 

among the people and made the country attractive to foreign investment. In April 2002, the king married 

Salma Bennani, a computer engineer, who is perceived as a force for the promotion of women’s issues. 

Their first child and son, the future successor to the king, Prince Moulay Hassan, was born in May 2003. 

A daughter, named Khadija, was born in March 2007.

Government

The Kingdom of Morocco (Al Mamlakah al Maghribiyah) is a constitutional monarchy with executive, 

legislative, and judicial branches of government. The constitution, which dates from 1972, was revised in 

1996 to create a bicameral legislature.. The Constitution was revised again and the people voted to 

approve the revised document on July 1, 2011.

Since 1999, the head of the executive branch has been King Mohammed VI, who holds the titles of chief 

of state and Commander of the Faithful. The legal system is based on Islamic law and both the French and 

Spanish civil law systems. Judges are appointed on the recommendation of the Supreme Council of the 

Judiciary, over which the king also presides. 

In February 2011, following widespread demonstrations for reform, King Mohammed VI spoke to the 

nation and outlined support for reforms. On July 1, 2011, the new constitution was approved by voters 

and it revised the authority of the king. Based on the new constitution, the king named Abdelilah 

Benkirane as the new prime minister. 

In December 2012, new Prime Minister Abdelilah Benkirane assembled a coalition to form a majority 

government and named new ministers.

There is a wide variety of political parties in Morocco, and Moroccans are eligible to vote once they are 

18 years old. Legislative elections determine the political makeup of the government. 
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Economy

Tourism plays a large part in the Moroccan economy, and visitors seek out sites of historical and cultural 

importance and classic Moroccan handicrafts such as carpets, ceramics, and silver jewelry. Minerals such 

as phosphates and bauxite are found in certain parts of Morocco and are mined for export. Morocco has a 

mild, subtropical climate, and citrus fruits and vegetables are grown for export to Europe.

Morocco faces challenges typical of many developing countries: restraining government spending, 

reducing constraints on private activity and foreign trade, and keeping inflation within manageable 

bounds. The current unemployment rate stands at 9.1 percent, although youth unemployment in urban 

areas can be as high as 33 percent. European countries buy much of Morocco’s manufactured goods and 

the recent recession has had a negative impact on Morocco’s labor-intensive manufacturing sectors. 

Although the government has made reforms in the financial sector and state enterprises are gradually 

being privatized, agriculture still plays a key role in the economy. From the early 1990s up until the past 

few years, Moroccan agriculture, largely rain-dependent, has been fairly consistently affected by drought 

conditions. This has an impact on a rural population that constitutes over 42 percent of the total 

population and that is largely dependent on rain-fed agricultural production. Abundant rainfall in 2009–10

eased some of the pressures on food production and availability, doubling the previous year’s wheat 

harvest; however, this did not solve all the issues of accessibility. Unfortunately, extreme rainfall events 

in some years damaged some of the country’s fragile infrastructure, isolated rural villages, and flooded 

large areas of some of Morocco’s most productive lands in the north.

Long-term challenges for Morocco include servicing external debt, preparing the economy for freer trade 

with the European Union, improving education and living standards, and finding jobs for its youthful 

population (about 50 percent of Moroccans are under age 25). On January 1, 2006, the Moroccan 

government implemented a free trade agreement with the States, solidifying the two countries’ existing 

good ties.

People and Culture

Morocco has a population of nearly 33 million and an annual population growth rate of just over 1.4 

percent. The country’s birthrate is almost 21 per 1,000 people, and the death rate is around 5.5 per 1,000 

people. The average life expectancy is just under 69 years for men and just over 74 years for women.

More than 99 percent of Moroccans are Sunni Muslims of Arab, Berber, or mixed Arab-Berber ancestry. 

The country’s Jewish minority numbers 3,000–5,000. Most of the 60,000 foreign residents, many of them 

teachers or technicians, are French or Spanish. Moroccan Arabic (Derija) is the official and principal 

language of Morocco, but various Berber dialects are also widely spoken and Tamazight (Berber) was 

made an official language in the 2011 revised constitution. As a remnant of Morocco’s colonial history, 

French is the predominant second language and Spanish is widely spoken in northern Morocco.

There is not a lot of interaction between men and women in public, so it may take some time to get to 

know the people in your community. However, once you do, you will find Moroccans to be warm, 

generous, and hospitable.

Environment

Morocco has a total area of 172,000 square miles. With an abundance of sand, sea, and snow, the country 

is bordered on the north by the Mediterranean Sea and on the west by the Atlantic Ocean and extends to 

the edge of the Western Sahara in the south. The majority of Morocco’s population lives in the foothills 

of the often snowcapped Atlas Mountains in the north. Between the mountains and the Atlantic coast are 
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plateaus and fertile, well-watered plains. In the extreme south, at the edge of the Anti-Atlas Mountains, 

river gorges gradually fade into the sands of the vast Sahara.

The “coolest of the hottest countries,” Morocco has a climate that is unlike what many expect in Africa. 

In the higher elevations, in particular, winter conditions can be close to arctic. In summer, the mountains 

are hot during the day and cool at night. The rainy season is normally from November to April, and the 

amount of rainfall will vary depending on the region.

Security Situation

In March 2003, bombings in Casablanca shocked the nation and the world as Morocco has always 

enjoyed a relatively peaceful environment. Four years of calm followed, which were broken in March and 

April 2007 when six Islamists blew themselves up in the course of several weeks in Casablanca, killing 

one other person. 

Like many other countries, it appears that Morocco, too, is now faced with the reality of violence from 

terrorist groups, some that may be affiliated with Al Qaeda. After the 2007 attacks, government 

authorities pledged to continue to actively pursue known terrorists, terrorist cells, and others who promote 

or plan the use of violence. By these actions, the government has shown its high level of vigilance and 

readiness to launch pre-emptive anti-terror police operations as necessary. Most recently, in April 2011, 

an individual detonated a bomb in a cafe in the main square in Marrakech resulting in 17 deaths. The 

alleged bomber was arrested within a week of the event.

On February 20, 2011, following protests in Tunisia and Egypt, many Moroccans demonstrated for 

democratic reforms. Moroccans continue, as they have often, to demonstrate in the streets for a wide 

variety of issues. These demonstrations have been orderly and not violent.
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RESOURCES FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

Following is a list of websites for additional information about the Peace Corps and Morocco and to 

connect you to returned Volunteers and other invitees. Please keep in mind that although the Peace Corps 

try to make sure all these links are active and current, it cannot be guaranteed. If you do not have access 

to the Internet, visit your local library. Libraries offer free Internet usage and often let you print 

information to take home.

A note of caution: As you surf the Internet, be aware that you may find bulletin boards and chat rooms in 

which people are free to express opinions about the Peace Corps based on their own experience, including 

comments by those who were unhappy with their choice to serve in the Peace Corps. These opinions are 

not those of the Peace Corps or the U.S. government, and we hope you will keep in mind that no two 

people experience their service in the same way.

General Information About Morocco

State.gov

The Department of State’s website issues background notes periodically about countries around the 

world. Find Belize and learn more about its social and political history. You can also go to the site’s 

international travel section to check on conditions that may affect your safety.

Gpo.gov/libraries/public/

The U.S. Government Publishing Office publishes country studies intermittently.

lcweb2.loc.gov/frd/cs/cshome.html

The Library of Congress provides historical and sociological data on numerous countries.

http://unstats.un.org/unsd/pocketbook/World_Statistics_Pocketbook_2013_edition.pdf

United Nations resource book with 2013 statistical country data

Data.un.org

United Nations site with links to data from U.N. member countries

Wikipedia.org

Search for Belize to find encyclopedia-type information. Note: As Wikipedia content is user-generated, 

information may be biased and/or not verified.

Worldbank.org

The World Bank Group’s mission is to fight poverty and improve the living standards of people in the 

developing world. It is a development bank that provides loans, policy advice, technical assistance, and 

knowledge-sharing services to developing countries to reduce poverty. This site contains a lot of 

information and resources regarding development.

Data.worldbank.org/country

Provides information on development indicators on countries, including population, gender, financial, and 

education, and climate change statistics.

Connect With Returned Volunteers and Other Invitees

www.rpcv.org

This is the site of the National Peace Corps Association, made up of returned Volunteers. On this site you 

can find links to all the Web pages of the “Friends of” groups for most countries of service, comprised of 
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former Volunteers who served in those countries. There are also regional groups that frequently get 

together for social events and local volunteer activities. Or go straight to the Friends of Morocco site: 

http://www.friendsofmorocco.org/

www.PeaceCorpsWorldwide.org

This site is hosted by a group of returned Volunteer writers. It is a monthly online publication of essays 

and Volunteer accounts of their Peace Corps service.

Online Articles/Current News Sites About Morocco

www.map.ma/fr/

The site of Morocco’s official national news agency, Maghreb Arab Press

www.north-africa.com/

This journal offers commentary and in-depth analysis of political, economic, and business issues in North 

Africa. Available by subscription only.

International Development Sites About Morocco 

www.tanmia.ma/fr/

The first gateway that aims to bring together local, Moroccan development NGOs, providing an 

interactive site for discussion of development-related issues and sharing of information.

www.pnud.org.ma/

United Nations Development Programme (in French)

www.unicef.org/infobycountry/morocco.html

Statistical data from the United Nations’ Children’s Fund 
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Recommended Books

Books About Morocco

Nearly all of these books are available in the Peace Corps/Morocco Resource Center. Those that are out 

of print may be available through a consortium of booksellers called Bibliofind or through a university 

library.

1. Ardizzone, Tony. “Larabi’s Ox: Stories of Morocco.” Minneapolis: Milkweed Editions, 1992.

2. Baker, Alison. “Voices of Resistance: Oral Histories of Moroccan Women.” Albany: State 

University of New York Press, 1998. 

3. Ben Jelloun, Tahar. “The Sand Child.” Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press, 2000.

4. Bowen, Donna Lee, and Evelyn A. Early (eds.). “Everyday Life in the Muslim Middle East” 

(Second edition). Bloomington: Indiana University Press, 2002.

5. Bowles, Paul. “The Sheltering Sky” (Second edition). Echo, 1998. Brett, Michael. “The Berbers.” 

Oxford, England: Blackwell, 1997.

6. Hargraves, Orin. “Culture Shock! Morocco.” Portland: Graphic Arts Books, 2006.

7. Hart, David M. “Tribe and Society in Rural Morocco.” London: Frank Cass & Co., 2000.

8. Lowerre, Susan. “Under the Neem Tree.” Seattle: University of Washington Press, 1993.

9. Maxwell, Gavin. “Lords of the Atlas: The Rise and Fall of the House of Glaoua, 1893–1956.” 

Guilford, CO: Lyons Press, 2000. 

10. Mernissi, Fatima. “Beyond the Veil: Male-Female Dynamics in a Modern Muslim Society.” 

Bloomington: Indiana University Press, 1987.

11. Moran, Michael. “Younger Than That Now: A Peace Corps Volunteer Remembers Morocco.” 

Full Court Press, 1994.

12. Nydell, Margaret K. “Understanding Arabs: A Guide for Modern Times.” Yarmouth, ME: 

Intercultural Press, 2005.

13. Pennell, C.R. “Morocco Since 1830: A History.” New York City: New York University Press, 

2001.

14. Ponasik, Diane Skelly. “Tangier, A Novel.” Booksurge.com, 2006.

15. Porch, Douglas. “The Conquest of Morocco.” Cincinnati: Forward Movement, 1986.

16. Wagner, Daniel A. “Literacy, Culture and Development: Becoming Literate in Morocco.” 

Oxford: Cambridge University Press, 1993

Books About the History of the Peace Corps

1. Hoffman, Elizabeth Cobbs. “All You Need is Love: The Peace Corps and the Spirit of the 

1960s.” Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 2000.

2. Rice, Gerald T. “The Bold Experiment: JFK’s Peace Corps.” Notre Dame, IN: University of 

Notre Dame Press, 1985.

3. Stossel, Scott. “Sarge: The Life and Times of Sargent Shriver.” Washington, DC: Smithsonian 

Institution Press, 2004.

4. Meisler, Stanley. “When the World Calls: The Inside Story of the Peace Corps and its First 50 

Years.” Boston: Beacon Press, 2011.

Books on the Volunteer Experience

1. Dirlam, Sharon. “Beyond Siberia: Two Years in a Forgotten Place.” Santa Barbara, CA: McSeas 

Books, 2004.

2. Casebolt, Marjorie DeMoss. “Margarita: A Guatemalan Peace Corps Experience.” Gig Harbor, 

WA: Red Apple Publishing, 2000.

3. Erdman, Sarah. “Nine Hills to Nambonkaha: Two Years in the Heart of an African Village.” New 

York City: Picador, 2003.

4. Hessler, Peter. “River Town: Two Years on the Yangtze.” New York City: Perennial, 2001.
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5. Kennedy, Geraldine ed. “From the Center of the Earth: Stories out of the Peace Corps.” Santa 

Monica, CA: Clover Park Press, 1991.

6. Thomsen, Moritz. “Living Poor: A Peace Corps Chronicle.” Seattle: University of Washington 

Press, 1997 (reprint).
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LIVING CONDITIONS AND VOLUNTEER LIFESTYLE 

Communications

Mail

During pre-service training, you will receive mail at the Peace Corps/Morocco office, which will forward 

mail to the training site at least once a week. Please do not have packages sent to you during training.

After you are assigned to your permanent site, you will receive mail at a local post office or at your 

workplace. After training, packages should be sent directly to your site, not through the Peace Corps 

office. Depending on the distance to your site from Rabat, mail may take anywhere from three days to 

three weeks to be delivered. 

Your mailing address during training only will be as follows:

“Your Name,” Trainee

s/c Corps de la Paix

2, rue Abou Marouane Essaadi

Agdal, Rabat 10100, MOROCCO

It usually takes 10–12 days for an airmail letter to arrive from the United States. Surface mail takes from 

one to four months. Mail that goes through the Moroccan post office is subject to customs inspection, 

censorship, and currency control. Advise your friends and relatives that mail delivery is sporadic and that 

they should not worry if they do not receive your letters regularly. Also, they should never send cash 

through the mail, as it will seldom reach you. Please check the U.S. Postal Service website at 

www.usps.com for the latest updates on how best to send your letter or package. Currently, the USPS 

recommends air Parcel Post (not surface mail) for packages, or airmail for letters.

Although having packages sent from home is not recommended because of the unreliability of mail 

service and the customs fees, if you do have packages sent, brown padded envelopes work well. Make 

sure they have the green customs label and are marked as gifts, which should prevent the imposition of 

fees. However, there is no guarantee that fees will not be imposed and fees can often exceed the value of 

the item(s) being shipped. It is best to wait until you know your permanent address to have packages sent. 

Telephone

Telephone services are available in all parts of the country. The Peace Corps will provide you with a 

cellphone upon your arrival for use during your service with unlimited calls to fellow Volunteers and 

staff. A portion of your living allowance can be used for additional communication expenses. Public 

telephones (called teleboutiques) suitable for making direct-dial international calls exist in most towns. 

The Peace Corps office in Morocco can be reached by direct dialing from the United States. 

During normal working hours, the office number (from most states) is 011.212.537.683.780, and a duty 

officer monitors calls for emergencies after office hours. In the event of an emergency, Volunteers are 

permitted to use telephones at the Peace Corps/Morocco office to call family or friends, with approval by 

the country director.

Housing and Site Location

You will be assigned to your permanent site toward the end of pre-service training. Once you move to the 

site, you will spend your first several weeks living with a host family chosen by the Peace Corps. This 

family has prepared for your arrival and will provide you with a safe and secure place to live while you 

continue to learn the language, adapt to the culture, and integrate yourself into the community. After the 

mandatory stay with a Moroccan family, you are free to change your housing, in accordance with the 

Peace Corps’ safety and security criteria (see the section on Health Care and Safety). The Peace Corps 
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will give you a modest settling-in allowance to purchase household necessities such as a stove, dishes, 

and furniture. The Peace Corps will provide additional items, such as a carbon monoxide detector and 

mosquito nets. 

Volunteers in areas that experience cold winters can be reimbursed for the purchase of a heater. 

Depending on the site, Volunteer housing generally consists of two or more rooms and private bath and 

latrine facilities. Some Volunteers live in family compounds with one or two private rooms.

While many Volunteers in Morocco have running water and electricity, you may not have these amenities 

and may collect your water from an outside faucet or well and spend your evenings reading by candle or 

lantern. You need to be very flexible in your housing expectations, as there are no guarantees of 

continuous electricity or water. Depending on your assignment, you may be placed in a community that 

ranges from a large, semi-urban town to a very small rural village. Some Volunteers share a site, while 

others are quite a distance from fellow Volunteers. A Peace Corps staff member visits each site to ensure 

that they meet the Peace Corps’ safety and security criteria. Staff members also visit all Volunteers 

intermittently to provide personal, medical, and professional support.

Living Allowance and Money Management

The Peace Corps provides Volunteers with allowances listed below to cover basic expenses. It is expected 

that the Volunteers keep records of their spending to provide feedback through annual surveys on settling 

in and living expenses. It is through these surveys that post can request a change in living allowance 

amounts as appropriate. 

The walk-around allowance covers incidental expenses during your training.

The settling-in allowance covers the non-recurring costs necessary for setting up housekeeping once at 

assigned site. You will be provided a list of the essential items usually purchased with this money, based 

on the annual survey data. Please be sure to cover your essentials first. Purchases should be consistent 

with the modest living standards expected of Volunteers. 

The living allowance covers everything associated with living in Morocco. Basic categories are food, 

household items, communication, clothing, local transportation, personal items, discretionary spending, 

and housing. The allowance is sufficient for effective and safe service at a modest level comparable to 

that of your host country counterparts. 

Peace Corps Volunteers worldwide earn a standard $24/month in leave allowance deposited in your bank 

account. The allowance is budgeted in U.S. dollars and converted to local currency so the amount may 

vary due to exchange rate fluctuations.

Food and Diet

A wide variety of fruits and vegetables are available year-round, and all meats except pork are readily 

available. Dairy products such as yogurt and milk can usually be obtained. Although maintaining a 

vegetarian diet should not be difficult, you will be confronted with cultural issues when visiting 

Moroccan families, as they will offer you, and expect you to accept, traditional foods, which includes 

meat. Thus, vegetarians need to be flexible about sharing the Moroccan diet when visiting friends and 

neighbors. Fresh bread is widely available and is an important part of the Moroccan diet. Pastries are 

available in larger towns, and pasta is available in almost any small shop.
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Mint tea is Moroccans’ favorite drink. It is traditionally very sweet and is served throughout the day. The 

numerous cafes in Morocco, which are mostly frequented by men, also serve coffee and fresh orange 

juice. Because Morocco is a Muslim country, beer and wine are not usually available in rural areas.

Transportation

Most Volunteers travel within the country in commercial buses or long-distance taxis (grand taxis). Local 

taxis (petit taxis) are available in all medium and large cities. If required for their work, Volunteers are 

issued bicycles with bicycle helmets. To reduce safety risks, Peace Corps/Morocco prohibits Volunteers 

from driving or riding on any two- or three-wheeled motorized vehicle (such as a motorcycle) for any 

reason. Nor are Volunteers allowed to own or drive private cars. Violation of these policies may result in 

termination of your Volunteer service.

Geography and Climate

Morocco is sometimes referred to as the cold country with the hot sun. The sun may shine most of the 

year, but the cold can still penetrate straight to your bones. The country has a varied geography, with 

beaches, mountains, desert, and agricultural land. The north tends to receive more rain than the south, so 

the majority of agriculture occurs in the north. Moving southward, the landscape changes to desert, 

turning into the Sahara in the deep southeast. Morocco boasts a popular ski resort in the Atlas Mountains 

outside Marrakech, and there are flat, hot, dry plains on either side of the mountains. Summer is hot all 

over Morocco, ranging from comfortably warm temperatures along the coasts to extreme heat (40–50 

degreesC/104–122 degrees F) in the southern desert. Winter temperatures also vary from periods of 

below freezing in the highlands with snow-covered mountains to mild spring-like temperatures in the 

coastal lowlands. The coastal areas also experience greater relative humidity than inland areas with the 

southern desert areas being very dry most of the year.

Social Activities

Morocco is more tolerant than many other Muslim nations toward Western cultural norms. Most 

Volunteers live in small towns or rural settings and need to conform to local customs. Men have more 

external freedom than women do and can circulate freely outside the home. Women tend to spend more 

time in the home, taking care of domestic affairs and socializing with other women. Cultural norms do not 

allow men and women to mix freely outside the home. Moroccans are known for their hospitality, and 

you should expect invitations to dinner, weddings, and other social functions.

Professionalism, Dress, and Behavior

People in large cities tend to dress in Western clothing; however those in rural communities dress more 

traditionally. The people of Morocco take pride in their personal appearance. To gain their acceptance, 

respect, and confidence, it is essential that you dress and conduct yourself professionally. Dress standards 

for Volunteers are generally conservative. For normal work-related activity, women may wear pants with 

long-sleeved shirts that extend well below the hips and do not expose the abdomen. Pants (not jeans) and 

long skirts are acceptable for meetings and/or workshops with ministry representatives. Men are expected 

to wear long trousers for work-related activities. Clean jeans without tears are acceptable for both men 

and women for everyday work activities other than participation in important work-related meetings or 

workshops.

Adhering to the conservative dress codes in Morocco is a test of your motivation and commitment to 

adapt to your new environment. If you have reservations about this, you should consider the amount of 

sacrifice and flexibility required to be successful and re-evaluate your decision to become a Volunteer.

The Peace Corps expects Volunteers to behave in a way that will foster respect within their communities 

and reflect well on the Peace Corps and on the United States. You will receive an orientation to 

appropriate behavior and cultural sensitivity during pre-service training. As a Volunteer, you have the 
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status of an invited guest, and, as such, you need to be sensitive to and respectful of the habits, tastes, and 

taboos of your hosts.

Certain behaviors can jeopardize the Peace Corps’ mission in Morocco as well as your personal safety 

and cannot be tolerated by the Peace Corps. Engaging in these behaviors may lead to administrative 

separation—a decision by the Peace Corps to terminate your service. The Volunteer Handbook provides 

more information on the grounds for administrative separation.

Personal Safety

More detailed information about the Peace Corps’ approach to safety is contained in the Safety and 

Security section, but it is an important issue and cannot be overemphasized. As stated in the Volunteer 

Handbook, becoming a Peace Corps Volunteer entails certain safety risks. Living and traveling in an 

unfamiliar environment (oftentimes alone), having a limited understanding of local language and culture, 

and being perceived as well-off are some of the factors that can put a Volunteer at risk. Many Volunteers 

experience varying degrees of unwanted attention and harassment. Petty thefts and burglaries are not 

uncommon, and incidents of physical and sexual assault do occur, although most Morocco Volunteers 

complete their two years of service without incident. The Peace Corps has established procedures and 

policies designed to help you reduce your risks and enhance your safety and security. These procedures 

and policies, in addition to safety training, will be provided once you arrive in Morocco. Using these 

tools, you are expected to take responsibility for your safety and well-being.

Each staff member at the Peace Corps is committed to providing Volunteers with the support they need to 

successfully meet the challenges they will face to have a safe, healthy, and productive service. Volunteers 

and families are encouraged to look at the safety and security information on the Peace Corps website at 

www.peacecorps.gov/safety.

Information on these pages gives messages on Volunteer health and Volunteer safety. There is a section 

titled “Safety and Security in Depth.” Among topics addressed are the risks of serving as a Volunteer, 

posts’ safety support systems, and emergency planning and communications.

Rewards and Frustrations

Although the potential for job satisfaction is quite high, like all Volunteers, you will encounter 

frustrations. Because of financial or other challenges, collaborating agencies do not always provide the 

support promised. Moreover, the pace of work and life is slower than what most Americans are 

accustomed to, and some people you work with may be hesitant to change practices and traditions that are 

centuries old. For these reasons, the Peace Corps experience of adapting to a new culture and environment 

is often described as a series of emotional peaks and valleys.

You will be given a high degree of responsibility and independence in your work—perhaps more than in 

any other job you have had or will have. Often you will find yourself in situations that require an ability 

to motivate yourself and your co-workers with little guidance from supervisors. You might work for 

months without seeing any visible impact from, or without receiving feedback on, your work. 

Development is a slow process. Positive progress most often comes only after the combined efforts of 

several Volunteers over the course of many years. You must possess the self-confidence, patience, and 

vision to continue working toward long-term goals without seeing immediate results.

To overcome these difficulties, you will need maturity, flexibility, open-mindedness, and resourcefulness. 

The Peace Corps staff, your co-workers, and fellow Volunteers will support you during times of challenge 

as well as in moments of success. Judging by the experience of former Volunteers, the peaks are well 

worth the difficult times, and most Volunteers leave Morocco feeling they have gained much more than 
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they sacrificed during their service. If you are able to make the commitment to integrate into your 

community and work hard, you will be a successful Volunteer. 
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PEACE CORPS TRAINING

Overview of Pre-Service Training

The Peace Corps uses a competency-based training approach throughout the continuum of learning, 

supporting you from arrival in Morocco to your departure. Pre-service training (PST) is the first event 

within this continuum of learning and ensures that you are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and 

attitudes to effectively perform your job. Pre-service training is conducted in Morocco by Peace Corps 

staff, most of whom are locally hired trainers. Peace Corps staff measure achievement of learning and 

determine if you have successfully achieved competencies, including language standards, for swearing-in 

as a Peace Corps Volunteer. 

Peace Corps training incorporates widely accepted principles of adult learning and is structured around 

the experiential learning cycle. Successful training results in competence in various technical, linguistic, 

cross-cultural, health, and safety and security areas.

Integrating into the community is one of the core competencies you will strive to achieve both in PST and 

during the first several months of service. Successful sustainable development work is based on the 

relationships you build by respectfully integrating into the host country community and culture. 

You will be prepared for this through a homestay experience, which often requires trainees to live with 

host families during PST. Integration into the community fosters language and cross-cultural learning and 

ensures your health, safety, and security.

Peace Corps/Morocco’s competencies are designed to be accomplished throughout the Volunteer’s 27 

months of learning. A trainee may not be able to complete all learning objectives for a competency during 

pre-service training; however, he or she must show adequate progress toward achieving the competencies 

in order to become a Volunteer.

Peace Corps/Morocco’s Core Competencies are as follows:

• Commit fully to Peace Corps service

• Integrate successfully into the assigned Moroccan community

• Build local development capacity

Evaluation of your performance throughout service is a continual process, as Volunteers are responsible 

24 hours a day, 7 days a week for personal conduct and professional performance. Successful completion 

of pre-service training is characterized by achievement of a set of learning objectives to determine 

competence. Failure to meet any of the selection standards by the completion of training may be grounds 

for a withdrawal of selection and disqualification from Peace Corps service.

Progress in one’s own learning is a dialogue between you and the training staff. All of the training staff—

including the training manager, and the language, technical, medical, safety and security, and crosscultural trainers—will work with you toward the highest possible competencies by providing you with 

feedback on learning objective performance throughout training. After reviewing and observing your 

performance, the country director is responsible for making the final decision on whether you have 

qualified to serve as a Volunteer in the host country.

Upon successful completion of training, trainees who qualify for Peace Corps service are required by law 

to swear or affirm an oath of loyalty to the United States; it cannot be waived under any circumstances. 

The text of the oath is provided below. If you have any questions about the wording or meaning of the 

oath, consult a staff member during training.
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I, (your name), do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of 

the United States of America against all enemies, domestic or foreign, that I take this obligation 

freely, and without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion, and that I will well and 

faithfully discharge my duties in the Peace Corps (so help me God).

Technical Training

Technical training will prepare you to work in Morocco by building on the skills you already have and 

helping you develop new skills in a manner appropriate to the needs of the country. The Peace Corps 

staff, Morocco experts, and current Volunteers will conduct the training program. Training places great 

emphasis on learning how to transfer the skills you have to the community in which you will serve as a 

Volunteer. 

Technical training will include sessions on the general economic and political environment in Morocco

and strategies for working within such a framework. You will review your technical sector’s goals and 

will meet with the Morocco agencies and organizations that invited the Peace Corps to assist them. You 

will be supported and evaluated throughout the training to build the confidence and skills you need to 

undertake your project activities and be a productive member of your community.

Language Training

As a Peace Corps Volunteer, you will find that language skills are key to personal and professional 

satisfaction during your service. These skills are critical to your job performance, they help you integrate 

into your community, and they can ease your personal adaptation to the new surroundings. Therefore, 

language training is at the heart of the training program. You must successfully meet minimum language 

requirements to complete training and become a Volunteer. Moroccan language instructors teach formal 

language classes five days a week in small groups of four to five people.

Your language training will incorporate a community-based approach. In addition to classroom time, you 

will be given assignments to work on outside of the classroom and with your host family. The goal is to 

get you to a point of basic social communication skills so you can practice and develop language skills 

further once you are at your site. Prior to being sworn in as a Volunteer, you will work on strategies to 

continue language studies during your service.

Cross-Cultural Training

Cross-cultural training will provide opportunities for you to reflect on your own cultural values and how 

they influence your behavior in Morocco. You will also discuss the questions you have about the 

behaviors and practices you observe in Morocco, exploring the underlying reasons for these behaviors 

and practices. 

Cross-cultural and community development training will help you improve your communication skills 

and understand your role as a facilitator of development. Training will cover topics such as the concept of 

time, power and hierarchy, gender roles, communication styles, and the concept of self and relationships. 

Because adjusting to a new culture can be very challenging, you will participate in resiliency training 

which provides a framework and tools to help with adjustment issues. 

The host family experience provides a unique context for cross-cultural learning, and is designed to ease 

your transition to life at your site. Families go through an orientation conducted by Peace Corps staff to 

explain the purpose of PST and to assist them in helping you adapt to living in Morocco. Many 

Volunteers form strong and lasting friendships with their host families.
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Health Training

During pre-service training, you will be trained in health prevention, basic first aid, and basic treatment of 

medical illnesses found in Morocco. You will be expected to practice preventive health and to take 

responsibility for your own health by adhering to all medical policies. Trainees are required to attend all 

medical sessions. Health education topics will cover nutrition, food and water preparation, emotional 

health, alcohol awareness, prevention of HIV/AIDS, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), common 

illnesses, domestic and intimate partner violence, emergencies, and medical policies in Morocco.

Safety Training

During the safety and security training sessions, you will learn how to adopt a lifestyle that reduces your 

risks at home, at work, and during your travels. You will also learn appropriate, effective strategies for 

coping with unwanted attention, how to identify safety risks in-country and about Peace Corps’ 

emergency response and support systems.

Additional Trainings During Volunteer Service

The Peace Corps’ training system provides Volunteers with continual opportunities to examine their 

commitment to Peace Corps service while increasing their technical and cross-cultural skills. During 

service, there are usually three training events. The titles and objectives for those trainings are as follows: 

• In-service training: Provides an opportunity for Volunteers to upgrade their technical, language, 

and project development skills while sharing their experiences and reaffirming their commitment 

after having served for three to six months.

• Midservice training (done in conjunction with technical sector in-service): Assists Volunteers in 

reviewing their first year, reassessing their personal and project objectives, and planning for their 

second year of service.

• Close-of-service conference: Prepares Volunteers for their future after Peace Corps service and 

reviews their respective projects and personal experiences. 

The number, length, and design of these trainings are adapted to country-specific needs and conditions. 

The key to the training system is that training events are integrated and interrelated, from the predeparture orientation through the end of your service, and are planned, implemented, and evaluated 

cooperatively by the training staff, Peace Corps staff, and Volunteers.
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YOUR HEALTH CARE IN MOROCCO

The Peace Corps’ highest priority is maintaining the good health and safety of every Volunteer. Peace 

Corps medical programs emphasize the preventive, rather than the curative, approach to disease. The 

Peace Corps in Morocco maintains a clinic with a full-time medical officer who takes care of Volunteers’ 

primary health-care needs, including evaluation and treatment of most medical conditions. Additional 

medical services are also available in Morocco at local hospitals. If you become seriously ill and cannot 

receive the care you need in Morocco, you will be transported to a Peace Corps-approved regional 

medical facility. If the Office of Health Services (OHS) determines that the care is not optimal for your 

condition at the regional facility, you will be transported to the United States. 

Health Issues in Morocco

Major health problems among Volunteers in Morocco are rare and are often the result of a Volunteer not 

taking preventative measures to stay healthy. The most common illnesses in Morocco are minor ones that 

are also found in the United States: colds, diarrhea, sinus infections, skin infections, headaches, dental 

problems, minor injuries, STIs, and emotional problems. These problems may be more frequent or 

compounded by life in Morocco because certain environmental factors in the country raise the risk or 

exacerbate the severity of illnesses and injuries. 

The most common major health concern is bacterial dysentery, but it can be avoided by choosing foods 

wisely, thoroughly washing fruits and vegetables, and either boiling or bleaching your drinking water. 

Once you arrive in Morocco you will be vaccinated against hepatitis A and B, meningococcal meningitis, 

typhoid, rabies, and seasonal influenza. Mumps, measles, and rubella (MMR), polio, tetanus/diphtheria 

(Td) are now required as part of your medical clearance process. If your Td vaccine will expire during 

your service, the Peace Corps will give you a booster in-country.

Helping You Stay Healthy

The Peace Corps will provide you with all the necessary inoculations, medications, and information to 

stay healthy. Upon your arrival in Morocco, you will receive a medical handbook. At the end of training, 

you will receive a medical kit with supplies to take care of mild illnesses and first aid needs. The contents 

of the kit are listed later in this section. 

During pre-service training, you will have access to basic medical supplies through the medical officer. 

However, you will be responsible for your own supply of prescription drugs and any other specific 

medical supplies you require, as the Peace Corps will not order these items during training. Please bring a 

three-month supply of any prescription drugs you use, since they may not be available here and it may 

take several months for shipments to arrive.

You will have physicals at mid-service and at the end of your service. If you develop a serious medical 

problem during your service, the medical officer in Morocco will consult with the Office of Medical 

Services in Washington, D.C. If it is determined that your condition cannot be treated in Morocco, you 

may be sent out of the country for further evaluation and care.

Maintaining Your Health

As a Volunteer, you must accept considerable responsibility for your own health. Proper precautions will 

significantly reduce your risk of serious illness or injury. The adage “An ounce of prevention is worth a 

pound of cure” becomes extremely important in areas where diagnostic and treatment facilities are not up 

to the standards of the United States. The most important of your responsibilities in Morocco is to take the 

following preventive measures.
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Many illnesses that afflict Volunteers worldwide are entirely preventable if proper food and water 

precautions are taken. These illnesses include food poisoning, parasitic infections, hepatitis A, dysentery, 

Guinea worms, tapeworms, and typhoid fever. Your medical officer will discuss specific standards for 

water and food preparation in Morocco during pre-service training.

Abstinence is the most effective choice for preventing infection with HIV and other sexually transmitted 

infections. You are taking risks if you choose to be sexually active. To lessen risk, use a condom every 

time you have sex. Whether your partner is a host country citizen, a fellow Volunteer, or anyone else, do 

not assume this person is free of HIV/AIDS or other STIs. You will receive more information from the 

medical officer about this important issue.

Volunteers are expected to adhere to an effective means of birth control to prevent an unplanned 

pregnancy. Your medical officer can help you decide on the most appropriate method to suit your 

individual needs. Contraceptive methods are available without charge from the medical officer. 

It is critical to your health that you promptly report to the medical office or other designated facility for 

scheduled immunizations, and that you let the medical officer know immediately of significant illnesses 

and injuries.

Women’s Health Information

If feminine hygiene products are not available for you to purchase on the local market, the Peace Corps 

medical officer in Morocco will provide them. If you require a specific product, please bring a threemonth supply with you. Many female Volunteers take menstrual cups (The Diva Cup, The Keeper, The 

Moon Cup, etc.) to avoid potential problems with availability or disposal of feminine hygiene products.

Pregnancy is treated in the same manner as other Volunteer health conditions that require medical 

attention. The Peace Corps is responsible for determining the medical risk and the availability of 

appropriate medical care if the Volunteer chooses to remain in-country. Given the circumstances under 

which Volunteers live and work in Peace Corps countries, it is rare that the Peace Corps’ medical 

standards for continued service during pregnancy can be met. 

The Peace Corps follows the 2012 U.S. Preventive Services Task Force guidelines for screening PAP 

smears, which recommend women aged 21–29 receive screening PAPs every three years and women 

aged 30–65 receive screening PAPs every five years. As such, most Volunteers will not receive a PAP 

during their service, but can use Peace Corps supplied health insurance after service to have an exam. 
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Your Peace Corps Medical Kit

The Peace Corps medical officer will provide you with a kit that contains basic items necessary to prevent 

and treat illnesses that may occur during service. Kit items can be periodically restocked at the medical 

office.

Medical Kit Contents

First Aid Handbook

Ace bandages

Acetaminophen (Tylenol)

Adhesive tape

Antacid tablets 

Anti-diarrheal (Imodium)

Antibiotic ointment 

Antifungal cream

Antihistamine

Antiseptic antimicrobial skin cleaner 

Band-Aids

Bismuth Subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol)

Butterfly closures

Calagel anti-itch gel 

Condoms 

Cough lozenges 

Decongestant

Dental floss

Gloves

Hydrocortisone cream

Ibuprofen 

Insect repellent 

Iodine tablets (for water purification)

Lip balm 

Oral rehydration salts

Scissors 

Sore throat lozenges

Sterile eye drops

Sterile gauze pads 

Sunscreen 

Thermometer (Temp-a-dots)

Tweezers

Before You Leave: A Medical Checklist

If there has been any change in your health—physical, mental, or dental—since you submitted your 

examination reports to the Peace Corps, you must immediately notify the Office of Health Services 

(OHS). Failure to disclose new illnesses, injuries, allergies, or pregnancy can endanger your health and 

may jeopardize your eligibility to serve. 

If your dental exam was done more than a year ago, or if your physical exam is more than two years old, 

contact OHS to find out whether you need to update your records. If your dentist or Peace Corps dental 

consultant has recommended that you undergo dental treatment or repair, you must complete that work 

and make sure your dentist sends requested confirmation reports or X-rays to the Office of Health 

Services.

If you wish to avoid having duplicate vaccinations, contact your physician’s office to obtain a copy of 

your immunization record and bring it to your pre-departure orientation. If you have any immunizations 

(other than yellow fever vaccination as directed by OHS) prior to Peace Corps service, the Peace Corps 

cannot reimburse you for the cost. The Peace Corps will provide all the immunizations necessary for your 

overseas assignment, either at your pre-departure orientation or during your first six months in Morocco. 

Volunteers must be willing to get all required vaccinations unless there is a documented medical 

contraindication. Failure to accept required vaccination is grounds for administrative separation from the 

Peace Corps. You do not need to begin taking malaria medication prior to departure.

Bring a three-month supply of any prescription or over-the-counter medication you use on a regular basis, 

including birth control pills. Although the Peace Corps cannot reimburse you for this three-month supply, 

it will order refills during your service. While awaiting shipment—which can take several months—you 

will be dependent on your own medication supply. The Peace Corps will not pay for herbal or 

nonprescribed medications, such as St. John’s wort, glucosamine, selenium, or antioxidant supplements. 
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Medications supplied may be generic or equivalent to your current medications (including birth control 

pills).

You are encouraged to bring copies of medical prescriptions signed by your physician. This is not a 

requirement, but they might come in handy if you are questioned in transit about carrying a three-month 

supply of prescription drugs.

If you wear eyeglasses, bring two pairs (of the current prescription) with you. If a pair breaks, the Peace 

Corps will replace them, using the information your doctor in the United States provided on the 

eyeglasses form during your examination. The Peace Corps Office of Health Services strongly 

discourages Volunteers from wearing contact lenses while overseas unless there is a true medical 

indication documented by your ophthalmologist. Contact lenses, particularly extended use soft contacts, 

are associated with a variety of eye infections and other inflammatory problems. One of the most serious 

of these problems is infectious keratitis which can lead to severe cornea damage which could result in 

permanent blindness requiring corneal transplantation. These risks of permanent eye damage are 

exacerbated in the Peace Corps environment where the Volunteer’s ability to properly clean the lenses is 

compromised due to limited access to sterile water as well as decreased effectiveness of cleaning 

solutions due to prolonged storage in unsatisfactory conditions. In addition, when bacterial eye infections 

occur, assessment and treatment within hours by a competent ophthalmologist is indicated. This is 

virtually impossible in the Peace Corps setting. If you feel that you simply must be able to use your 

contacts occasionally, please consider using single use, daily disposable lenses which do not require 

cleaning.

If you are eligible for Medicare, are over 50 years of age, or have a health condition that may restrict your 

future participation in health-care plans, you may wish to consult an insurance specialist about unique 

coverage needs before your departure. The Peace Corps will provide all necessary health care from the 

time you leave for your pre-departure orientation until you complete your service. When you finish, you 

will be entitled to the post-service health-care benefits described in the Peace Corps Volunteer Handbook. 

You may wish to consider keeping an existing health plan in effect during your service if you think age or 

pre-existing conditions might prevent you from re-enrolling in your current plan when you return home.
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SAFETY AND SECURITY IN DEPTH

Ensuring the safety and security of Volunteers is the Peace Corps’ highest priority. Serving as a Volunteer 

overseas entails certain safety and security risks. Living and traveling in an unfamiliar environment, a 

limited understanding of the local language and culture, and the perception of being a wealthy American 

are some of the factors that can put a Volunteer at risk. Property theft and burglaries are not uncommon. 

Incidents of physical and sexual assault do occur, although most Volunteers complete their two years of 

service without a serious safety and security incident. Together, the Peace Corps and Volunteers can 

reduce risk, but cannot truly eliminate all risk.

Beyond knowing that the Peace Corps approaches safety and security as a partnership with you, it might 

be helpful to see how this partnership works. The Peace Corps has policies, procedures, and training in 

place to promote your safety. The Peace Corps depends on you to follow those policies and to put into 

practice what you have learned. An example of how this works in practice—in this case to help manage 

the risk and impact of burglary—follows:

• Peace Corps assesses the security environment where you will live and work

• Peace Corps inspects the house where you will live according to established security criteria

• Peace Corps provides you with resources to take measures such as installing new locks

• Peace Corps ensures you are welcomed by host country authorities in your new community

• Peace Corps responds to security concerns that you raise

• You lock your doors and windows

• You adopt a lifestyle appropriate to the community where you live

• You get to know neighbors

• You decide if purchasing personal articles insurance is appropriate for you

• You don’t change residences before being authorized by Peace Corps

• You communicate concerns that you have to Peace Corps staff

This welcome book contains sections on Living Conditions and Volunteer Lifestyle, Peace Corps 

Training, and Your Health Care and Safety that all include important safety and security information to 

help you understand this partnership. The Peace Corps makes every effort to give Volunteers the tools 

they need to function in the safest way possible, because working to maximize the safety and security of 

Volunteers is our highest priority. Not only do we provide you with training and tools to prepare for the 

unexpected, but we teach you to identify, reduce, and manage the risks you may encounter.

Factors that Contribute to Volunteer Risk 

There are several factors that can heighten a Volunteer’s risk, many of which are within the Volunteer’s 

control. By far the most common crime that Volunteers experience is theft. Thefts often occur when 

Volunteers are away from their sites, in crowded locations (such as markets or on public transportation), 

and when leaving items unattended.

Before you depart for Morocco there are several measures you can take to reduce your risk: 

• Leave valuable objects in U.S.

• Leave copies of important documents and account numbers with someone you trust in the U.S.

• Purchase a hidden money pouch or “dummy” wallet as a decoy

• Purchase personal articles insurance
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After you arrive in Morocco, you will receive more detailed information about common crimes, factors 

that contribute to Volunteer risk, and local strategies to reduce that risk. For example, Volunteers in 

Morocco learn to do the following:

• Choose safe routes and times for travel, and travel with someone trusted by the community 

whenever possible

• Make sure one’s personal appearance is respectful of local customs

• Avoid high-crime areas

• Know the local language to get help in an emergency

• Make friends with local people who are respected in the community 

• Limit alcohol consumption

As you can see from this list, you must be willing to work hard and adapt your lifestyle to minimize the 

potential for being a target for crime. As with anywhere in the world, crime occurs in Morocco. You can 

reduce your risk by avoiding situations that place you at risk and by taking precautions. Crime at the 

village or town level is less frequent than in the large cities; people know each other and generally are less 

likely to steal from their neighbors. Tourist attractions in large towns are favorite worksites for 

pickpockets.

The following are other security concerns in Morocco of which you should be aware:

Motor vehicle accidents

These represent the single greatest risk to your safety in Morocco. Volunteers are strongly encouraged to 

wear seat belts when available and to avoid riding in overcrowded taxis, buses, or vans. Because of the 

high safety risk, Volunteers in Morocco are restricted from traveling at night. If you have to travel for 

official business, the Peace Corps will reimburse expenses for the safest mode of transport.

Robbery/burglary

Although such crimes have not been a serious problem in Morocco, you will need to take the same 

precautions you would take in the United States. The Peace Corps requires locks on all Volunteer homes.

Harassment

One of the greatest challenges for Volunteers in Morocco, especially females, is harassment. This is 

especially true for females of Asian descent. Normally this comes in the form of unwanted verbal 

attention, but Volunteers have reported incidents such as having small stones or objects thrown at them by 

children, especially in large cities where they are not known. Strategies for dealing and coping with 

harassment will be discussed during pre-service training. Volunteers tend to attract a lot of attention both 

in large cities and at their sites, but they are more likely to receive negative attention in highly populated 

centers, and away from their support network—friends and colleagues—who look out for them. While 

whistles and exclamations may be fairly common on the street, this behavior can be reduced if you dress 

conservatively, abide by local cultural norms, and respond according to the training you will receive. 

Additionally, invest sincere and continued efforts into gaining the community’s trust. By proactively and 

strategically building relationships with key individuals in the community (i.e., neighbors, hanut [small 

local shop] owners, taxi/bus station workers), Volunteers can make their site become a place where they 

feel safe and comfortable throughout service. 

Alcohol abuse

Use of alcohol in-site, by a Volunteer or guests, can negatively impact a Volunteer’s reputation and 

credibility within the community and must be carefully considered. Alcohol use can impair judgment and 

Volunteers who drink must do so responsibly. Alcoholism is not a significant problem, but it is best to 
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avoid frequenting non-hotel bars, particularly at night. Peace Corps/Morocco has a stringent alcohol-free 

policy at Peace Corps events and training sites.

Sexual assault

Volunteers in Morocco have rarely been targets of sexual assault. Those who take seriously the training 

provided on “risk assessment” and dealing with assaults, which are often associated with alcohol 

consumption and cross-cultural differences in gender relations, can minimize their risk. The Peace Corps 

urges Volunteers to report all assaults and threats of assault to the medical officer so staff can respond 

with appropriate support.

Whereabouts Policy

The Peace Corps requires that each Peace Corps country have a “whereabouts” policy and that you, as a 

Volunteer, comply fully with this policy. Peace Corps/Morocco has developed a whereabouts policy that 

encourages Volunteers to invest time in their sites, but at the same time realizes that “down time” is also 

important for Volunteers. You will be expected to follow established procedures any time you 

contemplate leaving your site by providing notification of your travel prior to leaving your site. The 

whereabouts policy will be explained in greater detail during your in-country training. 

Although this policy will put limitations on your travels, something you need to recognize, it will lessen 

any risks that you may face while traveling around the country. Most importantly, it will enable Peace 

Corps/Morocco to locate you at any time should there be any type of emergency, such as those relating to 

family back in the States or natural disasters such as floods or earthquakes. 

Relationships

Sex outside of marriage is illegal in Morocco and may jeopardize your safety or your ability to develop 

mutually respectful relationships in your community and at your job. In addition, homosexual behavior is 

illegal in Morocco. Some Moroccans are homophobic, and there have been instances of violence toward 

individuals who are openly gay. Gay, lesbian, and bisexual Volunteers, therefore, will have to practice 

discretion. However, Peace Corps/Morocco is committed to providing support for all Volunteers 

regardless of sexual orientation.

Staying Safe: Don’t Be a Target for Crime

You must be prepared to take on a large degree of responsibility for your own safety. You can make 

yourself less of a target, ensure that your home is secure, and develop relationships in your community 

that will make you an unlikely victim of crime. While the factors that contribute to your risk in Morocco 

may be different, in many ways you can do what you would do if you moved to a new city anywhere: Be 

cautious, check things out, ask questions, learn about your neighborhood, know where the more risky 

locations are, use common sense, and be aware. You can reduce your vulnerability to crime by integrating 

into your community, learning the local language, acting responsibly, and abiding by Peace Corps 

policies and procedures. Serving safely and effectively in Morocco will require that you accept some 

restrictions on your current lifestyle.

Support from Staff

If a trainee or Volunteer is the victim of a safety incident, Peace Corps staff is prepared to provide 

support. All Peace Corps posts have procedures in place to respond to incidents of crime committed 

against Volunteers. The first priority for all posts in the aftermath of an incident is to ensure the Volunteer 

is safe and receiving medical treatment as needed. After assuring the safety of the Volunteer, Peace Corps 

staff response may include reassessing the Volunteer’s worksite and housing arrangements and making 

any adjustments, as needed. In some cases, the nature of the incident may necessitate a site or housing 

transfer. Peace Corps staff will also assist Volunteers with preserving their rights to pursue legal sanctions 

against the perpetrators of the crime. It is very important that Volunteers report incidents as they occur, 
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not only to protect their peer Volunteers, but also to preserve the future right to prosecute. Should 

Volunteers decide later in the process that they want to proceed with the prosecution of their assailant; 

this option may no longer exist if the evidence of the event has not been preserved at the time of the 

incident. 

Office of Victim Advocacy

The Office of Victim Advocacy (OVA) is a resource to Volunteers who are victims of crime, including 

sexual assault and stalking. Victim advocates are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to help 

Volunteers understand their emotional, medical, and legal options so they may make informed decisions 

to meet their specific needs. The OVA provides a compassionate, coordinated, and supportive response to 

Volunteers who wish to access Peace Corps support services.

Contact information for the Office of Victim Advocacy

Direct phone number: 202.692.1753

Toll-free: 855.855.1961 ext. 1753

Duty phone: 202.409.2704 (available 24/7, call or text)

Email: victimadvocate@peacecorps.gov

Crime Data for Morocco

Crime data and statistics for Morocco, which are updated yearly, are available at the following link:

www.peacecorps.gov/countrydata/morocco. Please take the time to review this important information.

Few Peace Corps Volunteers are victims of serious crimes and crimes that do occur overseas are 

investigated and prosecuted by local authorities through the local courts system. If you are the victim of a 

crime, you will decide if you wish to pursue prosecution. If you decide to prosecute, the Peace Corps will 

be there to assist you. One of our tasks is to ensure you are fully informed of your options and understand 

how the local legal process works. The Peace Corps will help you ensure your rights are protected to the 

fullest extent possible under the laws of the country.

If you are the victim of a serious crime, you will learn how to get to a safe location as quickly as possible 

and contact your Peace Corps office. It’s important that you notify the Peace Corps as soon as you can so 

Peace Corps staff can provide you with the help you need.

Volunteer Safety Support in Morocco

The Peace Corps’ approach to safety is a five-pronged plan to help you stay safe during your service and 

includes the following: information sharing, Volunteer training, site selection criteria, a detailed 

emergency action plan, and protocols for addressing safety and security incidents. Peace 

Corps/Morocco’s in-country safety program is outlined below. 

The Peace Corps/Morocco office will keep you informed of any issues that may impact Volunteer safety 

through information sharing. Regular updates will be provided in Volunteer newsletters and in 

memorandums from the country director. In the event of a critical situation or emergency, you will be 

contacted through the emergency communication network. An important component of the capacity of the 

Peace Corps to keep you informed is your buy-in to the partnership concept with the Peace Corps staff. It 

is expected that you will do your part in ensuring that Peace Corps staff members are kept apprised of 

your movements in-country so they are able to inform you.

Volunteer training will include sessions on specific safety and security issues in Morocco. This training 

will prepare you to adopt a culturally appropriate lifestyle and exercise judgment that promotes safety and 

reduces risk in your home, at work, and while traveling. Safety training is offered throughout service and 
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is integrated into the language, cross-cultural aspects, health, and other components of training. You will 

be expected to successfully complete all training competencies in a variety of areas, including safety and 

security, as a condition of service.

Certain site selection criteria are used to determine safe housing for Volunteers before their arrival. The 

Peace Corps staff works closely with host communities and counterpart agencies to help prepare them for 

a Volunteer’s arrival and to establish expectations of their respective roles in supporting the Volunteer. 

Each site is inspected before the Volunteer’s arrival to ensure placement in appropriate, safe, and secure 

housing and worksites. Site selection is based, in part, on any relevant site history; access to medical, 

banking, postal, and other essential services; availability of communications, transportation, and markets; 

different housing options and living arrangements; and other Volunteer support needs.

You will also learn about Peace Corps/Morocco’s detailed emergency action plan, which is

implemented in the event of civil or political unrest or a natural disaster. When you arrive at your site, 

you will complete and submit a site locator form with your address, contact information, and a map to 

your house. If there is a security threat, you will gather with other Volunteers in Morocco at 

predetermined locations until the situation is resolved or the Peace Corps decides to evacuate.

Finally, in order for the Peace Corps to be fully responsive to the needs of Volunteers, it is imperative that

Volunteers immediately report any security incident to the Peace Corps office. The Peace Corps has 

established protocols for addressing safety and security incidents in a timely and appropriate manner, 

and it collects and evaluates safety and security data to track trends and develop strategies to minimize 

risks to future Volunteers.
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DIVERSITY AND CROSS-CULTURAL ISSUES

The Peace Corps mission is to promote world peace and friendship and to improve people’s lives in the 

communities where Volunteers serve. Instituting policies and practices to support a diverse and inclusive 

work and Volunteer environment is essential to achieving this mission.

Through inclusive recruitment and retention of staff and Volunteers, the Peace Corps seeks to reflect the 

rich diversity of the United States and bring diverse perspectives and solutions to development issues. 

Additionally, ensuring diversity among staff and Volunteers enriches interpersonal relations and 

communications for the staff work environment, the Volunteer experience, and the communities in which 

Volunteers serve. 

The Peace Corps defines diversity as a “collection of individual attributes that together help agencies 

pursue organizational objectives efficiently and effectively. These include, but are not limited to, 

characteristics such as national origin, language, race, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, age, religion, 

sexual orientation, gender identity, socioeconomic status, veteran status, and family structures. Diversity 

also encompasses differences among people concerning where they are from and where they have lived 

and their differences of thought and life experiences.”

We define inclusion as a “culture that connects each [staff member and Volunteer] to the organization; 

encourages collaboration, flexibility, and fairness; and leverages diversity throughout the organization so 

that all individuals are able to participate and contribute to their full potential.” The Peace Corps promotes 

inclusion throughout the lifecycle of Volunteers and staff. When staff and Volunteers are able to share 

their rich diversity in an inclusive work environment, the Peace Corps mission is better fulfilled. More 

information about diversity and inclusion can be found in the Volunteer Handbook.

An inclusive agency is one that seeks input from everyone in an effort to find the best ideas and strategies 

possible to execute its objectives. When input is solicited, heard, and considered from a rich multitude of 

individuals the best course of action usually emerges. The Peace Corps seeks to improve its operations 

and effectiveness by ensuring that all voices and ideas are heard and that all Volunteers and staff feel 

welcome and appreciated. When each person’s voice is heard, the agency is stronger and the impact of 

Volunteers is strengthened.

Diversity and Inclusion at Your Site

Once Volunteers arrive at their sites, diversity and inclusion principles remain the same but take on a 

different shape, in which your host community may share a common culture and you—the Volunteer—

are the outsider. You may be in the minority, if not the sole American like you, at your site. You will 

begin to notice diversity in perspectives, ethnicity, age, depth of conversation, and degree of support you 

may receive. For example, elders, youth, and middle-aged individuals all have unique points of views on 

topics you may discuss, from perspectives on work, new projects, and social engagements to the way 

community issues are addressed.

Peace Corps staff in your host country recognize the additional adjustment issues that come with living 

and working in new environments and will provide support and guidance to Volunteers. During preservice training, a session will be held to discuss diversity and inclusion and how you can serve as an ally 

for your peers, honoring diversity, seeking inclusion, challenging prejudice and exclusion, exploring your 

own biases, and learning mechanisms to cope with these adjustment issues. The Peace Corps looks 

forward to having Volunteers from varied backgrounds that include a variety of races, ethnic groups, 

ages, religions, sexual orientations, and gender identities. The agency expects you to work collaboratively 

to create an inclusive environment that transcends differences and finds common ground.
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Cross-Cultural Considerations

Outside of Morocco’s capital, residents of rural communities might have had little direct exposure to 

other cultures, races, religions, and lifestyles. What people view as typical U.S. behavior or norms may be 

a misconception, such as the belief that all Americans are rich and have blond hair and blue eyes. The 

people of Morocco are known for their generous hospitality to foreigners; however, members of the 

community where you will live may display a range of reactions to cultural differences that you present. 

As a Volunteer and representative of the United States, you are responsible not only for sharing the 

diversity of U.S. culture (to include your individual culture and the culture of other Americans) with your 

host country national counterparts, but also for learning from the diversity of your host country. An 

important aspect of this cultural exchange will be to demonstrate inclusiveness within your community in 

a sensitive manner. Additionally, you will share the responsibility of learning about the diversity of your 

fellow Peace Corps Volunteers and exploring how best to respect differences while serving as supportive 

allies as you go through this challenging new experience. 

To ease the transition and adapt to life in your host country, you may need to make some temporary, yet 

fundamental, compromises in how you present yourself as an American and as an individual. For 

example, female trainees and Volunteers may not be able to exercise the independence they have in the 

United States; male Volunteers may be expected to not perform chores or other tasks ascribed to women; 

political discussions need to be handled with great care; and some of your personal beliefs may best 

remain undisclosed. You will need to develop techniques and personal strategies for coping with these 

and other limitations. The Peace Corps staff will lead a diversity, inclusion, and sensitivity discussion 

during pre-service training and will be on call to provide support. This training covers how to adapt 

personal choices and behavior to be respectful of the host country culture, which can have a direct impact 

on how Volunteers are viewed and treated by their new communities. The Peace Corps emphasizes 

professional behavior and cross-cultural sensitivity among Volunteers and within their communities to 

help integrate and be successful during service. 

An ideal way to view the pursuit of cross-cultural adaptation and/or cultural integration is to recognize 

that everything done in your host country has both a specific reason for why it is done and an expected 

outcome. Trust that your host country counterparts are acting with positive intentions and work to 

mutually seek understanding and commonality. Language differences may add a communication barrier 

and lead to misunderstandings. Listen more than you speak and seek clarity. Remember that having the 

ability to laugh at yourself and at life’s little surprises goes a long way—laughter is universal.

What Might a Volunteer Face?

Possible Gender Role Issues

Gender is a set of socially constructed roles, responsibilities, behaviors, and opportunities. Gender differs 

from sex, which refers specifically to biological and physiological characteristics of males and females. 

Gender roles and expectations are learned, change over time, and vary within and among cultures. 

Volunteers are trained in gender awareness as they approach their work in the host country. Gender roles 

in the United States may differ greatly from those in your country of service. It is important to absorb and 

to attempt to understand the cultural nuances of gender where you are. For example, in many cultures 

males are held in higher regard than females and females may manage the households. In some places, 

females are encouraged to attend school, while in other countries females are discouraged from engaging 

in such activities and instead work inside or outside of the home.

During the pre-service training, trainees receive an introduction to gender awareness in their country of 

service, and examine their own thinking about gender roles and how this thinking has impacted them. 

They then learn how to analyze development projects using a gender lens to better understand gender 
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roles in their host country and to understand how these gender roles can benefit or limit what females and 

males may or may not do. During their 27 months of service, Volunteers will further engage in gender 

trainings to understand better how their gender identity impacts who they are as females or males in the 

host country and how this perception influences their work and relationships.

Morocco has a traditional, patriarchal culture. While Moroccan women are gaining more authority in 

society, there are still few women in top positions in government or in the private sector. Women tend to 

live with their families until they get married. Thus, female Volunteers can play an important role in 

modeling behavior that demonstrates the additional capabilities of women. Indeed, gender and 

development activities are an integral part of the Peace Corps programming in Morocco.

Female Volunteers may find that a single woman living alone goes against the cultural norms of her 

community. Besides receiving more unwanted and inappropriate attention from Moroccan men than 

American men, female Volunteers may also have to work harder than male Volunteers to gain the 

professional respect of colleagues in the workplace. To avoid developing an undesirable reputation, 

female Volunteers should consider keeping a low social profile and practicing discretion in public (e.g., 

not smoking in public or drinking in bars).

Volunteer Comments

“What is it like being a female Volunteer in Morocco? Here is a taste: ‘Bonjour! Ca va, ca va 

gazelle!’ (Hello! How are you, how are you, gazelle?) You may experience daily verbal 

harassment such as this and perhaps occasional physical harassment. You may receive marriage 

proposals from men whom you have just met. You may be treated differently because you are a 

woman. People, men and women, may view you as muskeena (a poor thing) because you are 

alone in a foreign country. Although this may sound daunting, I have learned to adjust and filter 

the positive and negative aspects of being a woman here. Being a woman allows you into the 

female world here, which is a powerful place. Through this experience, you can form enduring 

friendships and begin to understand women’s roles in Morocco.”

“Being a female Volunteer in Morocco is a challenge. Because of the economic situation, many 

young men are without jobs and university educations. Since female Volunteers have both a job 

and a university education, we are often resented by local men. We are independent, living on our 

own in a foreign country, and doing many things that these men wish they could do. As a result, 

we are often harassed and face challenges in the workplace.”

Possible Issues for Volunteers of Color 

Volunteers of color sometimes, but not always, have a different Peace Corps experience than white 

Volunteers. Because of limited exposure, some foreign nationals will expect to see U.S. citizens who are 

white. Cultures of the world do not typically envision the States as a place of rich diversity with various 

culturally acceptable perspectives, personalities, and characteristics. Thus, a Volunteer of color may be 

questioned as about their U.S. citizenship.

In places where American stereotypes and/or caste system dynamics influence perception, Volunteers of 

color should be mindful of the reasons for these views without creating contentious environments. All too 

often, host country nationals are simply unaware of the diversity of the United States and require 

additional information and dialogue. Direct interactions with someone new or something different can 

take time to get used to, but those who take the time tend to be better off. Although host country nationals 

may assert that the United States is made up of predominately one race, we know that is not true. If a 

member of your community knows of compatriots living in the United States or of notable U.S. citizens 

of color, you can build on this knowledge as a point of reference for discussing diversity within the 

States.
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For Volunteers of color, the range of responses to their skin color may vary from the extremely kind to 

the very insensitive. In African and Latin American countries, host country nationals may say “welcome 

home” to African-Americans or Hispanic-Americans. Sometimes Volunteers expect to be “welcomed 

home” but are disappointed when they are not. More commonly, if a Volunteer is mistaken for a hostcountry national citizen, he or she is expected to behave as a male or female in that culture behaves, and 

to speak the local language fluently. Host country nationals are sometimes frustrated when the Volunteer 

does not speak the local language with ease. Conversely, some in the same country may call you a “sell 

out” because they feel the United States has not done enough to help with social issues. These instances 

can be turned into teachable moments for the Volunteer and the host country national, in which the 

Volunteer can ask questions surrounding perception and collaborate with respect to issues and projects at 

hand, while engaging in cross-cultural exchanges. All Volunteers, to include white Volunteers and those 

of color, should be mindful of the issues of race that are embedded in U.S. culture and within the culture 

in your country of service. These issues may significantly affect how Volunteers interact with fellow 

Volunteers and host country nationals. Being open and inclusive to everyone will improve your 

experience in interacting with fellow Volunteers and members of your host community.

Volunteer Comments

“In the beginning, a few Moroccan people looked at me with caution, skepticism, or disgust, like 

I was ugly or dirty because I have a caramel complexion. I thought to myself, ‘This is Africa, 

right?’ As in America, oftentimes the lighter you are, the better people accept or treat you. Also, 

when I go to the hammam (steam bath house), the women tend to scrub me harder than usual, as 

if to help me out. I want to tell them to stop, that the dead skin is gone and I will always be this 

color. However, once people have the opportunity to know me, my heart, and my goals, they 

accept me as one of the family. Living in Morocco makes me even prouder to be an American. At 

home I am called an African American; here I am just the ‘Amerikania’ (American).”

“I’m Hispanic and Moroccans at first doubt my nationality. They are puzzled when I introduce 

myself and they hear my name for the first time. ‘That’s not American,’ they tell me. I explain to 

them how I was born in the States but my entire family emigrated from Cuba. In some ways, they 

can relate because many Moroccans immigrate to France, Canada, and other countries. As a 

whole, you will find that Moroccans are diverse, too. They are a mix of Berber and Arabic people 

and dress differently depending on where they live. They have different physical features as well 

as various shades of skin color.”

“You have to laugh. As a half-Japanese female in Morocco, I face unique challenges and a 

multilayered role as a Volunteer. As a female, you will be harassed. As an Asian-American 

female, you will be greeted by children shouting ‘Kung fu!’ and ‘Bruce Lee, Bruce Lee!’ and you 

will be called ‘Chinois’ (Chinese) and possibly even my favorite: ‘sporty Chinese girl.’ With each 

of these comments—all meant to engage my attention rather than necessarily insult me—I keep 

my poker face until I’m out of view and then I break out laughing. Most Moroccans’ knowledge 

of Asians and Asian culture barely stretches beyond made-in-China dishware and kung fu 

movies. It is a lack of exposure that allows these comments to proliferate, and offering this 

exposure is part of our role as Volunteers. I represent not only Americans but also AsianAmerican females to Moroccans. After explaining the variety of Asian cultures that exist and 

patiently repeating, ‘Ana Amerikania’ (I am American), I slowly get the point across. Little by 

little, both Moroccans and I realize how it really is a ‘small world after all.’”
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Possible Issues for Gay, Lesbian, or Bisexual Volunteers

For LGBTQ Volunteers: Given Morocco’s traditional values, sexual orientation and non-conforming 

gender identities might not be discussed openly. In some cases, the LGBTQ community may be 

stigmatized; homosexual acts are illegal in Morocco. Mindful of the cultural norms and country-specific 

laws, the decision to serve openly is left to each individual Peace Corps Volunteer. Many LGBTQ 

Volunteers have chosen to be discreet about their sexual orientation and/or gender identity within their 

host communities. Some LGBTQ Volunteers have chosen to come out to community members, with a 

result of positive and negative reactions, while some have come out only to select Peace Corps staff and 

Volunteers. Dealing with questions about boyfriends, girlfriends, marriage, and children may, at times, be 

stressful for LGBTQ Volunteers. You may find that Morocco is a less open and inclusive environment 

than you have previously experienced. Please know, however, that Peace Corps is supportive of you and 

Peace Corps staff welcomes dialogue about how to ensure your success as an LGBTQA Volunteer. More 

information about serving as an LGBTQ Volunteer is available at the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and 

Transgender Peace Corps Alumni website at lgbrpcv.org. Additionally, the Peace Corps’ LGBTQ 

employee resource group, Spectrum, can be reached at spectrum@peacecorps.gov.

For Ally Volunteers: Peace Corps staff intends to create open, inclusive, and accepting environments. As 

an agency, the Peace Corps encourages Volunteers to serve as allies to their LGBTQ colleagues in order 

to create a safe environment.

Many LGBTQ Volunteers have served successfully in Morocco and have very fond memories of their 

community and service. LGBTQA support groups may be available in your country of service, providing 

a network to support the needs of the Peace Corps LGBTQA community. Peace Corps staff will work 

with Volunteers to provide them with locally informed perspectives.

Volunteer Comments

From Pride Volunteers (the queer Volunteer support network in Morocco): Although homosexual acts are 

considered immoral according to Islam and are illegal, homosexuality is marginally present in Morocco. 

There is no visible queer community and finding individuals who are openly “out” is unlikely. In 

addition, many individuals who have sexual relations with individuals of the same gender do not identify 

as being gay, lesbian, bisexual, or queer. A majority of Moroccans mostly likely migrate to larger cities 

where there is more tolerance and anonymity. 

Unfortunately, the spectrums of sexuality Volunteers may identify with in America are limited and/or 

camouflaged in Morocco. Since many Volunteers in Morocco live in rural areas and conservative 

communities, it is less likely queer Volunteers will encounter individuals of their sexual orientation. If 

you are accustomed to being out about your sexual orientation, be aware if you are identified in your 

community as a homosexual, it may impact your efficacy as a Volunteer and most likely will compromise 

your ability to integrate into your community. 

Queer Volunteers typically deal with the same constant questioning by Moroccans in their communities 

as their heterosexual Volunteer counterparts. Female Volunteers may deal with questions about 

boyfriends, marriage, and sex. Male Volunteers may have to deal with machismo, talk of conquests, girlwatching, and dirty jokes. There are culturally appropriate ways to deal with these situations which allow 

Volunteers to sidestep talking about their sexual orientation and history. Peace Corps staff and medical 

officers are available for support, as is a contracted professionally trained counselor, who is sensitive to 

issues of sexuality. 

In addition, Pride has dedicated its time to building an understanding of and response to the unique 

challenges facing queer individuals within the Peace Corps community. Through quarterly meetings, 
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submissions to internal Peace Corps publications, active collaboration with Peace Corps staff, trainers, 

and programming, Pride works to address issues of equality and respect for all people, regardless of 

gender identity or sexual orientation. Email pridemorocco@gmail.com with questions or information 

about support. 

Being a queer Volunteer in Morocco does not mean you will put your identity on hold, but you will 

change the way in which you express it. 

“Being queer in Morocco creates the challenge of reconciling your sense of identity with your 

desire to integrate. When I made the decision to join Peace Corps, I knew I was signing on for a 

lot of hardship. There’s a reason it was called “The toughest job you’ll ever love.” Most of the 

difficulty has nothing to do with your sexuality, but yes, some of it will. Just remember most 

developing countries are much, much less tolerant than the U.S., and for 27 months, life will not 

be a cakewalk. Expect being a queer Peace Corps Volunteer will challenge you in many ways, 

and sometimes quite painful ways. For me, being a queer Volunteer in Morocco does not mean I 

must return to dark closets or shadowy self-denial, but I just find safer ways to express myself 

within the Peace Corps community. The way I see it, even if homosexuality, as viewed in 

American culture, does not exist in Morocco, it doesn’t mean I can’t be fabulous behind closed 

doors with my many supportive queer and straight fellow PCVs.”

“I told myself when I joined the Peace Corps I would have to put my love life on hold until I got 

back to the States. To my surprise, I met someone in my training group, and we have maintained

a relationship ever since. Gender segregation is the norm in Morocco, so we are able to spend a 

lot of time together. I wear a ring to keep the ‘boyfriend’ questions at bay.”

Possible Issues for Volunteers With Disabilities

As part of the medical clearance process, the Peace Corps Office of Medical Services determined that you 

were physically and emotionally capable, with or without reasonable accommodations, to perform a full 

tour of Volunteer service in Morocco without unreasonable risk of harm to yourself or interruption of 

service. The Peace Corps/Morocco staff will work with disabled Volunteers to make reasonable 

accommodations for them in training, housing, jobsites, or other areas to enable them to serve safely and 

effectively. 

As a disabled Volunteer in Morocco, you will face a special set of challenges. There is very little 

infrastructure to accommodate people with disabilities in Morocco. There are no ramps in public places, 

and roads and sidewalks are uneven or otherwise in poor condition.

Possible Issues for Volunteer Couples

Before committing to Peace Corps service, couples should consider how different degrees of enthusiasm 

about Peace Corps service, adaptation to the physical and cultural environment, and homesickness will 

affect their lives. It can be helpful to recognize that your reactions to these issues will change throughout 

your service, and you may not always feel the same as your partner. You and your partner will have 

different jobs, different schedules, and difference societal pressures. One partner may learn the language 

faster than the other or have a more satisfying assignment. This can create competition and put different 

kinds of stress on each person. Anticipating how these pressures will affect you and your partner 

differently throughout your service can help you remain a source of support for each other. Making 

friends with other Volunteers is a critical part of fitting into the larger volunteer culture and can also be a 

good way to expand your support network. 

While couples will live together during their service, they may live in separate towns during their preservice training. This is a stressful time for most Volunteers, and it can be helpful to discuss in advance 
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how you will deal with this potential separation. Your partner can be an important source of stability but 

can also add stress to your training experience. You may feel torn between traveling to visit your partner 

and focusing on your training, your host family, and friends you have made at your training site.

Couples often face pressure from host country nationals to change their roles to conform better with 

traditional Moroccan relationships. Moroccan men and women alike will often not understand American 

relationship dynamics and may be outwardly critical of relationships that do not adhere to traditional 

gender roles. It is also helpful to think about how pressures to conform to Moroccan culture can be 

challenging to men and women in very different ways. Considering how your partner is being affected 

and discussing what, if any, aspects of your relationship should be changed can help reduce stress for you 

both.

Volunteer Comments

“A real advantage of being married is that I have a built-in sounding board. I think I also 

encounter less harassment than single female Volunteers. I do get a lot of questions as to why we 

don’t have children, but I explain that that is Peace Corps policy. People like to compare our 

language skills, and some days I am mazeeyan (excellent) and my husband is shweeya (pathetic); 

and other days I am shweeya and Dave is mazeeyan. We try not to take it personally! One more 

thing, public affection is taboo, especially in more rural areas.”

“As to being a married couple, we have spent more time together during our Peace Corps service 

than in over 30 years of marriage. It is a challenge, but I have one suggestion: This year we have 

some separate areas. As a result, we have some new and different topics to share with each 

other.”

Possible Religious Issues for Volunteers

Moroccans are generally very tolerant of religious and ethnic differences, and may or may not ask you 

about your religious beliefs. Since Morocco is a Muslim country, public profession of one’s Jewish faith, 

such as wearing a yarmulke, could result in tension with Moroccan counterparts. Volunteers should also 

be aware that the Jewish community in Morocco is small and there are very few synagogues at which to 

worship. Proselytizing is not acceptable.

Volunteer Comments

“In general, Moroccans are tolerant of other religions. However, because of the world climate, 

Jewish Volunteers may hear negative statements or see negative images.”

Possible Issues for 50+ Volunteers

Older Volunteers may find their age an asset in Morocco. They will often have access to individuals and 

insights that are not available to younger Volunteers. On the other hand, they will be in a distinct minority 

within the Volunteer population and could find themselves feeling isolated, looked up to, or ignored. 

Older Volunteers are often accustomed to a greater degree of independence and freedom of movement 

than the Peace Corps’ program focus and safety and security practices allow. Pre-service training can be 

particularly stressful for seniors, whose lifelong learning styles and habits may or may not lend 

themselves to the techniques used. A 50+ individual may be the only older person in a group of 

Volunteers and initially may not feel part of the group. Younger Volunteers may look to an older 

Volunteer for advice and support; some find this to be an enjoyable experience, while others choose not to 

fill this role. Some older Volunteers may find it difficult to adapt to a lack of structure and clarity in their 

role after having worked for many years in a very structured and demanding job.
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More than younger Volunteers, older Volunteers may have challenges in maintaining lifelong friendships 

and dealing with financial matters from afar. They may want to consider assigning power of attorney to 

someone in the States.

Volunteer Comment

“I don’t refer to myself as an older Volunteer but as a ‘more experienced’ one. But since 

mathematically I qualify as ‘older,’ I will try to share a few thoughts. My pre-departure nightmare 

was that in a group of 80 Volunteers, 79 would be 23 years old, and they would all be laughing at 

me. What I found was that they weren’t all 23 and nobody was laughing. From the first moment, I 

found acceptance among my fellow Volunteers, and that carried me through the entire three 

months we spent together. I truly felt like just another member of the group. I think the fact that I 

don’t think of myself as older helped a lot. I worked hard on being nonjudgmental, on 

participating in as many activities as possible, and on not ‘acting my age.’ The truth is you will 

need the young Volunteers a lot more than they will need you, because they represent the 

majority and it can get awfully lonely if you don’t make friends. If you can build relationships 

with people who may be young enough to be your grandchildren, you will do just fine.”

“I am a 67-year-old Asian-American Volunteer and I find it annoying to receive unsolicited 

verbal attention from Moroccan males, including marriage proposals from men in their 30s!”
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 

How much luggage am I allowed to bring to Morocco?

Most airlines have baggage size and weight limits and assess charges for transport of baggage that 

exceeds those limits. The Peace Corps has its own size and weight limits and will not pay the cost of 

transport for baggage that exceeds these limits. The Peace Corps’ allowance is two checked pieces of 

luggage with combined dimensions of both pieces not to exceed 107 inches (length + width + height) and 

a carry-on bag with dimensions of no more than 45 inches. Checked baggage should not exceed 100 

pounds total with a maximum weight of 50 pounds for any one bag.

Peace Corps Volunteers are not allowed to take pets, weapons, explosives, radio transmitters (shortwave 

radios are permitted), automobiles, or motorcycles to their assignments. Do not pack flammable materials 

or liquids such as lighter fluid, cleaning solvents, hair spray, or aerosol containers. This is an important 

safety precaution.

What is the electric current in Morocco?

The current is 127/220/380 and 50 cycles. Moroccan outlets accept round two-pronged plugs. Visit the 

Department of Commerce site for more information on electric current and voltage: 

www.trade.gov/mas/ian/ecw/mo.html

How much money should I bring?

Volunteers are expected to live at the same level as the people in their community. You will be given a 

settling-in allowance and a monthly living allowance, which should cover your expenses. Volunteers 

often wish to bring additional money for vacation travel to other countries. Credit cards and traveler’s 

checks are preferable to cash. If you choose to bring extra money, bring an amount that will suit your own 

travel plans and needs. 

When can I take vacation and have people visit me?

Each Volunteer accrues two vacation days per month of service (excluding training). Leave may not be 

taken during training, the first three months of service, or the last three months of service, except in 

conjunction with an authorized emergency leave. Family and friends are welcome to visit you after preservice training and the first three months of service as long as their stay does not interfere with your 

work. Extended stays at your site are not encouraged and may require permission from your country 

director. The Peace Corps is not able to provide your visitors with visa, medical, or travel assistance. 

Will my belongings be covered by insurance?

The Peace Corps does not provide insurance coverage for personal effects; Volunteers are ultimately 

responsible for the safekeeping of their personal belongings. However, you can purchase personal 

property insurance before you leave (check with your insurance company). Volunteers should not ship or 

take valuable items abroad. Jewelry, watches, radios, cameras, and expensive appliances are subject to 

loss, theft, and breakage and, in many places, good maintenance and repair services aren’t available. 

Do I need an international driver’s license?

Volunteers in Morocco do not need an international driver’s license because they are prohibited from 

operating privately owned motorized vehicles. Most urban travel is by bus or taxi. Rural travel ranges 

from buses and minibuses to trucks, bicycles, and lots of walking. On very rare occasions, a Volunteer 

may be asked to drive a sponsor’s vehicle, but this can occur only with prior written permission from the 

country director. Should this occur, the Volunteer may obtain a local driver’s license. A U.S. driver’s 

license will facilitate the process, so bring it with you just in case.
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What should I bring as gifts for Morocco friends and my host family?

This is not a requirement. A token of friendship is sufficient. Some gift suggestions include knickknacks 

for the house; pictures, books, or calendars of American scenes; souvenirs from your area; hard candies 

that will not melt or spoil; or photos to give away.

Where will my site assignment be when I finish training and how isolated will I be?

Peace Corps trainees are not assigned to individual sites until after they have completed pre-service 

training. This gives Peace Corps staff the opportunity to assess each trainee’s technical and language 

skills prior to assigning sites, in addition to finalizing site selections with their ministry counterparts. If 

feasible, you may have the opportunity to provide input on your site preferences, including geographical 

location, distance from other Volunteers, and living conditions. However, keep in mind that many factors 

influence the site selection process and that the Peace Corps cannot guarantee placement where you 

would ideally like to be. Most Volunteers live in small towns or in rural villages and are usually within 

one hour from another Volunteer. Some sites require a 10- to 12-hour drive from the capital. There is at 

least one Volunteer based in each of the regional capitals and about five to eight Volunteers in the capital 

city.

How can my family contact me in an emergency?

The Peace Corps Counseling and Outreach Unit provides assistance in handling emergencies affecting 

trainees and Volunteers or their families. Before leaving the United States, instruct your family to notify 

the Counseling and Outreach Unit immediately if an emergency arises, such as a serious illness or death 

of a family member. During normal business hours, the number for the Counseling and Outreach Unit is 

855.855.1961; select option 2, then extension 1470. After normal business hours and on weekends and 

holidays, the duty officer can be reached at the above number. For non-emergency questions, your family 

can get information from your country desk staff at the Peace Corps by calling 855.855.1961. 

Can I call home from Morocco? 

It is possible to call the States from Morocco, although the rates for calls are very high. International 

phone cards can be purchased in large cities that have somewhat cheaper rates. Internet cafes usually have 

Skype, which is also available to PCVs with laptops and Internet subscriptions. 

Should I bring a cellphone with me?

The Peace Corps will provide you with a cellphone upon your arrival for use during your service, 

however, most Volunteers will also purchase their own Moroccan cellphones. If you would like to bring 

an iPhone or other smartphone, consult with your carrier to determine your options. 

Will there be email and Internet access? 

Morocco is very advanced in Internet technology and access. Most towns have cyber cafes (Internet 

cafes) and the major phone companies offer ADSL and wireless subscriptions. Staff and Volunteers 

communicate fairly regularly via email, although some Volunteers do have to travel at least an hour, once 

per week, to access the Internet and check emails (allowances can be made for this travel if deemed 

necessary by staff). 

Should I bring my computer?

While the Peace Corps cannot take any responsibility for the personal items that Volunteers bring to or 

acquire in Morocco, most Volunteers bring their laptop computers. This is not a requirement for work, but 

it is a very useful tool for many reasons, including preparing work/action plans, completing quarterly 

reports, preparing work proposals, completing administrative forms, etc. You will be provided with a 

flash drive with forms, policy and procedure manuals, and other information. Again, it is a personal 

choice whether you bring a computer or try to manage with whatever connections may be available 

locally.
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WELCOME LETTERS FROM VOLUNTEERS

Dear Prospective Peace Corps/Morocco Volunteers,

Congratulations! Before starting your Peace Corps journey you are probably feeling a million emotions, 

such as anxiety, excitement, nervousness, and maybe just a little doubtfulness. Don’t worry, this is 

completely normal! Yes, you should be excited, but, no, you shouldn’t doubt yourself. It’s not important 

what school you graduated from, what your degree is, or even your past experiences. Yes, those 

achievements can help you, but it won’t define you as a Volunteer or your service. It is more important to 

have a giving heart, a positive attitude, and the courage to put yourself out there. I can guarantee you that 

the next two years will be very challenging but fun at the same time. It will be hard at times when 

adjusting to the culture and being away from loved ones, but there is no feeling like completing your first 

project, forming lifelong relationships, or even the little things such as when town children walk you 

home. 

You will have many opportunities to create wonderful relationships with host country nationals, other 

Peace Corps Volunteers, and with the Peace Corps staff. These relationships will help you through the 

successes and problems related to your work, and they will be there to carry you through the emotional 

hardships. I have enjoyed every single day of my service. I have had many amazing days and a handful of 

bad ones, but that is what makes this experience so unique. You will definitely grow to become a person 

who can face any challenge with confidence and perseverance. You will find yourself here, out of all 

places, and be surprised how much your perception will change about the world in the next two years.

Good luck, and get ready for Morocco! You all will be great.

—Mari Yogi

Dear Prospective Volunteers,

I thought you might like to hear some of the things one seven-month YD’er wishes he had known at the 

beginning of his service.

1) You don’t have to wait to be blessed: One difficult aspect of working in the Peace Corps is 

ambiguity. If you find yourself sitting somewhere paralyzed and unsure of what to do, realize that 

you have something to offer. You don’t have to wait for someone to give you the responsibility, 

just start engaging with the youth and share with them something that you love to do!

2) Don’t let yourself become jaded or negative during your service. You’ll meet many people with 

many strong convictions, some of whom will try to influence your attitudes about Moroccans, the 

Peace Corps, etc. Remember that all negativity is at some level another person’s projection. Even 

upbeat advice can be a projection, but of what we wish we could do better (this letter included)! 

Be careful about relying too heavily on advice: Have your own experiences! 

3) Don’t be satisfied by making good only in prescribed ways: The Peace Corps provides a great 

framework called Youth in Development for you to launch your service. This framework helps 

create a community of Volunteers engaged in similar activities that are designed to provide 

support to Moroccan youth. Don’t limit the scope of your efforts and thinking, taking the derringdo out of your development work. Use the Peace Corps community and your host community to 

find inspiration and ideas. Success is also measured in the eyes of your neighbors.

Good luck!

—Yusuf Saei
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PACKING LIST

This list has been compiled by Volunteers serving in Morocco and is based on their experience. Use it as 

an informal guide in making your own list, bearing in mind that each experience is individual. 

There is no perfect list! You obviously cannot bring everything on the list, so consider those items that 

make the most sense to you personally and professionally. You can always have things sent to you later. 

As you decide what to bring, keep in mind that you have a 100-pound weight limit on baggage. And 

remember, you can get almost everything you need in Morocco.

General Clothing

• Lightweight, waterproof jacket (e.g., a windbreaker/rain jacket)

• Heavy jacket or waterproof shell to wear over layers

• A few sweatshirts, fleece tops, or sweaters for cool evenings; cardigans for layering for females

• Bathing suit

• Bandanas, scarves, or handkerchiefs (indispensable for dusty road trips, to keep your head warm 

in winter, cover shoulders, keep sun/sand out of your face; available in Morocco)

• Several long skirts/dresses that extend beyond the knee, preferably to ankles (for women); pairs 

of khaki trousers (for men)

• Long-sleeved shirts/blouses (for women, that cover the derriere)

• Athletic shorts (for sports or leisure time in your home only; not to wear in your village/town)

• Pants/jeans

• One dressy outfit (for swearing in or weddings)

• Leggings to wear under long skirts or pants (Lycra can be hot in summer, leggings available in 

Moroccan souqs)

• T-shirts (without controversial slogans on politics, drugs, or sex)

• A favorite hat, especially wide-brimmed for the hot sun (available easily and cheaply in 

Morocco)

• Wool or fleece hat, scarf, and gloves 

• Two pairs thermal underwear (even warmer sites are cold in winter)

In summer, it gets hot (over 100 degrees in many sites) so bring lightweight night clothing. In winter it 

can get to freezing (even in the desert), and you will want to layer all your clothes. Bring warmer clothes, 

such as leggings, thermal underwear, and undershirts. Your home—without AC and with minimal heat—

is likely to have a temperature similar to outside. 

For Women

• Good bras and underwear (hard to find in Morocco without paying a high price)

• Shirts that you wear in your site will have sleeves at least past your elbows and should cover your 

derriere. Pants and skirts should be at least mid-calf but preferably ankle-length. In bigger towns 

you can show slightly more skin, but in site it’s best to dress conservatively. 

• A purse that slings across your body, closes securely, and is not easily cut

• Pashmina type wrap or scarf (available in Morocco) to cover when wearing V-neck top 

Shoes

• Sturdy sandals (e.g. Chaco or Teva)

• All-purpose shoes (that you can walk, run, and/or bike in) 

• Flip-flops/shower shoes

• Sneakers or hiking boots

• For women, one pair of dress shoes, preferably flat 
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Personal Hygiene and Toiletry Items 

All of the following items are available in Morocco, but they are sometimes expensive and may not 

be of the quality you are used to.

• Razors

• Makeup; if you have tan or dark skin, bring a supply of your foundation/powder, as darker colors 

and bronzers are hard to find in Morocco

• Tweezers (a good, sharp pair is hard to find in Morocco)

• Lotion if you like a specific brand; can be purchased in country otherwise

• Favorite sunscreen (one type of SFP 30 sunscreen in medical kit; local brands are expensive)

• Lip balm (Chapstick comes in the medical kit, but you may want to bring a different brand)

• Tampons (OB and Kotex available in large cities for a price; consider DivaCup or something 

similar)

• Contact lens solution (Bausch & Lomb’s Renu brand is available in the capital; if you require a 

special brand, bring a two-year supply because the Peace Corps does not provide contact lens 

supplies)

• Any favorite brands of personal hygiene products (shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, deodorant, 

etc.; but all available in Morocco) 

• Scissors or other hair-cutting device (there is usually at least one Volunteer in a group who can 

cut hair)

• Three-month supply of any prescription drugs you take (to last until the medical unit at the Peace 

Corps can order them)

• Two pairs of prescription eyeglasses, if you wear them; also consider bringing a repair kit

Miscellaneous

• Water bottle (e.g., Nalgene or Camelbak)

• Hand wipes or hand sanitizer (to last for first week or so; available in-country)

• Pillowcase (host family provides sheets and, after that, Volunteers can buy in-country). Some 

PCVs suggest bringing double bed sheets.

• Swiss Army knife/Leatherman, or the equivalent

• Bicycle gloves (if you use them at home)

• Duct tape (you would not believe all of its uses)

• Two good-quality, lightweight towels (towels can be purchased in Morocco, but are relatively 

expensive)

• Maps (good for traveling and wall hangings) 

• Money belt or other means to conceal your passport and valuables when traveling (not necessary 

at site)

• Frisbee, Hacky Sack, and travel-sized games (Yahtzee, cards, Uno, etc.)

• Sleeping bag and pad; only bring if you are into camping and plan on doing it while here

• Basic supplies for teaching/activities, including art supplies such as construction paper, colored 

pencils, markers, index cards (Good art supplies are hard to get, except in Rabat where they are

expensive. Consider having them shipped later)

• Lightweight exercise equipment (e.g., jump rope, yoga items) 

• Journals

• Plenty of pictures of your home, family, and friends

• Postcards from home to share

• Pocket-sized French-English dictionary

• Sunglasses widely available, yet not often with UV protection

• Backpack or durable duffel bag for weeklong trips

• Day pack or small collapsible sack 
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• A few books, though there is a large selection at post

Kitchen

You can easily buy most kitchen supplies—dishes, pots, glasses, and utensils—in Morocco. There are, 

however, a few items we highly recommend bringing:

• Plastic food storage bags (freezer bags are best)

• Favorite spices, e.g., dill, parmesan cheese, taco seasonings, red pepper flakes

• Good vegetable peeler; priceless if you cook a lot

• French coffee press or drip coffee cone (optional; stovetop makers widely used and available in 

Moroccan markets, French coffee press also available in larger towns in Morocco, filters for drip 

available)

• Favorite cookbook (a Volunteer-produced cookbook filled with recipes using locally available 

ingredients in-country will be given at PST)

Electronics

• Flashlight or headlamp with extra batteries (a small Maglite is great, but bring extra bulbs; or an 

LED flashlight, the bulbs last longer and take less energy)

• Laptop computer (be sure to insure it, and bring a good surge protector and backup disks to fix 

software problems) 

• External hard drive (to store music, files, movies, etc.) and/or large flash drive, recommended for 

carrying large files

• Music and videos stored in laptop or portable music device

• Good-quality adapter for electronic gadgets (Morocco uses 220 volts) 

• Electric or solar-powered battery charger and rechargeable batteries

• Camera supplies 

• Travel alarm clock (battery-operated)

• Shortwave radio, for listening to programs on the VOA and the BBC

• Surge protectors can be purchased here. It should be noted that the extreme temperature changes 

between winter and summer take a toll on all electronic hardware.
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PRE-DEPARTURE CHECKLIST

The following list consists of suggestions for you to consider as you prepare to live outside the United 

States for two years. Not all items will be relevant to everyone, and the list does not include everything 

you should make arrangements for.

Family

• Notify family that they can call the Peace Corps Counseling and Outreach Unit at any time if 

there is a critical illness or death of a family member (24-hour telephone number: 855.855.1961, 

ext. 1470).

• Give the Peace Corps On the Home Front handbook to family and friends.

Passport/Travel

• Forward to the Peace Corps travel office all paperwork for the Peace Corps passport and visas.

• Verify that your luggage meets the size and weight limits for international travel.

• Obtain a personal passport if you plan to travel after your service ends. (Your Peace Corps 

passport will expire three months after you finish your service, so if you plan to travel longer, you 

will need a regular passport.)

Medical/Health

• Complete any needed dental and medical work.

• If you wear glasses, bring two pairs.

• Arrange to bring a three-month supply of all medications (including birth control pills) you are 

currently taking.

Insurance

• Make arrangements to maintain life insurance coverage.

• Arrange to maintain supplemental health coverage while you are away. (Even though the Peace 

Corps is responsible for your health care during Peace Corps service overseas, it is advisable for 

people who have pre-existing conditions to arrange for the continuation of their supplemental 

health coverage. If there is a lapse in coverage, it is often difficult and expensive to be reinstated.)

• Arrange to continue Medicare coverage if applicable.

Personal Papers

• Bring a copy of your certificate of marriage or divorce.

Voting

• Register to vote in the state of your home of record. (Many state universities consider voting and 

payment of state taxes as evidence of residence in that state.)

• Obtain a voter registration card and take it with you overseas.

• Arrange to have an absentee ballot forwarded to you overseas. 

Personal Effects

• Purchase personal property insurance to extend from the time you leave your home for service 

overseas until the time you complete your service and return to the United States.

Financial Management

• Keep a bank account in your name in the U.S. 
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• Obtain student loan deferment forms from the lender or loan service. Information about loan 

deferment is online here: peacecorps.gov/loans/.

• Execute a power of attorney for the management of your property and business.

• Arrange for deductions from your readjustment allowance to pay alimony, child support, and 

other debts through the Office of Volunteer Financial Operations at 855.855.1961, extension 

1770.

• Place all important papers—mortgages, deeds, stocks, and bonds—in a safe deposit box or with 

an attorney or other caretaker.
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CONTACTING PEACE CORPS HEADQUARTERS

This list of numbers will help connect you with the appropriate office at Peace Corps headquarters to 

answer various questions. You can use the toll-free number and extension or dial directly using the local 

numbers provided. Be sure to leave the toll-free number and extensions with your family so they can 

contact you in the event of an emergency.

Peace Corps headquarters toll-free number: 855.855.1961, press 1, then extension number (see below)

Peace Corps mailing address: Peace Corps

Paul D. Coverdell Peace Corps Headquarters

1111 20th Street NW

Washington, DC 20526

For Questions About Staff Toll-free extension Direct/Local

Responding to an invitation Office of Placement ext. 1840 202.692.1840

Country information Morocco CDO ext. 2419 202.692.2419

morocco@peacecorps.gov

Plane tickets, passports, visas, or other travel matters

CWT SATO Travel ext. 1170 202.692.1170

Legal clearance: Office of Placement ext. 1840 202.692.1840

Medical clearance and forms processing (includes dental)

Screening Nurse ext. 1500 202.692.1500

Medical Applicant Portal questions amsadmin@peacecorps.gov

Medical reimbursements (handled by a subcontractor) 800.544.1802

Loan deferments, taxes, financial operations ext. 1770 202.692.1770

Readjustment allowance withdrawals, power of attorney, staging (pre-departure orientation), and 

reporting instructions

Office of Staging ext. 1865 202.692.1865

New Volunteer Portal questions staging@peacecorps.gov

Note: You will receive comprehensive information (hotel and flight arrangements) three to five weeks 

prior to departure. This information is not available sooner. 

Family emergencies (to get information to a Volunteer overseas) 24 hours

Counseling and Outreach Unit ext. 1470 202.692.1470

Office of Victim Advocacy ext. 1753 202.692.1753

24 hours (call or text) 202.409.2704