Presidential Internship Program

Experience the Moroccan culture and language

Experience AUI's American-style university located in the Middle Atlas Mountains

AUI is providing recent graduates the unique opportunity to experience Moroccan culture and language, nestled among its beautiful Middle Atlas Mountains. Located 45 minutes away from Fez - Morocco's spiritual capital – AUI’s campus provides a truly unforgettable setting for the Presidential Internship Program (PiP) launched in the Fall of 2016.

As an intern at AUI, you will gain a full year of valuable experience and receive tailored professional advice and guidance within your chosen unit. Furthermore, improving your knowledge through tuition-free courses is highly encouraged.

Other benefits of the PiP include rent-free housing, health insurance & access to onsite facilities, making this internship one not to be missed out on.

Meet the interns

Get to know the inspiring individuals selected for this year's Presidential Internship Program

Mona Belakbir, currently fulfilling the role of a Presidential Intern for Academic Affairs, brings a unique blend of cultural backgrounds to her position. Originally from the Sunshine State in the United States, Mona is of Moroccan origin. She holds a B.A. in Social Entrepreneurship from Rollins College, where her coursework ignited a fervent interest in international affairs. Through her academic journey, Mona has demonstrated a commitment to social impact and a keen understanding of global issues. Looking ahead, she aspires to further her education by attending a graduate program at AUI, building upon her academic foundation, and contributing to her pursuit of excellence in the field.

Mona BELAKBIR

2023

Kassandra AnahÍ Loza is a Presidential Intern for the Chief Operating Officer (COO). Originally from the city of Lake Station, Indiana, United States, Kassandra's culture is in the town of La Palma de Jesús, Michoacán, México, where their family roots are from. Kassandra attended and graduated from Saint Mary's College of Notre Dame, where they studied Gender and Women's Studies in addition to Global Studies. Kassandra loves traveling, journaling, dancing and when Bad Bunny comes on, Kassandra is in their element. They also love watching soccer and are a Chivas fan. Their passions lie in assisting those in need and creating equal opportunities for underrepresented groups. During their time here at AUI, they hope to understand the intricacies of university operations, aspiring to contribute to the enhancement of the institution.

Kassandra LOZA

2023

Aisha Osman is the Presidential Intern for the Center for Learning Excellence (CLE), most specifically the Writing Center. She was born and raised in Portland, Oregon, USA, but has roots in Mogadishu, Somalia and Jigjiga, Ethiopia. Aisha attended Portland State University, from which she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. She enjoys writing poetry, traveling and having thought-provoking conversations. During this internship, she hopes to learn more about Morocco and to leave a positive impact at AUI through reviving the Writing Center.

Aisha Osman

2023

Work arrangements, stipend and benefits

The AUI Presidential Internship Program will begin with an orientation program in early September 2026 and end on June 30, 2027 Each intern will be evaluated by their supervisor in late December/early January to determine whether their employment contract will continue throughout the year.

The internships are considered paid volunteer positions and carry a small stipend to cover basic expenses. This stipend is paid in 10 monthly installments at the end of each month, into the intern’s bank account.

The first payment is on September 30, 2026, and the last payment is one week before the end of June 2027. For the 2026-27academic year, the stipend will be 4,000 Moroccan Dirhams (MAD) per month.

The stipend will not be taxable in the United States provided that the intern remains outside the U.S. for 330 days or more.

Interns will be provided with a settling-in advance of 1,000 Moroccan Dirhams upon their arrival in Ifrane and 2,000 Moroccan Dirhams towards their airfare home upon successful completion of their contract with AUI in June of 2027.

Interns follow the administrative, rather than the academic, schedule. The work week at AUI is Monday through Friday, 8.30 a.m. to 13:00 p.m. and 14:00 p.m.to 17:30 p.m. Some positions require overtime and weekend work during times of heavy activity.

Opportunity for community outreach and exploration

AUI is deeply involved in its community and takes pride in its outreach activities. Interns may take advantage of additional time allotted during the workweek for approved community outreach projects, cultural exploration, or personal development.

The interest of the intern will determine the activity and type of involvement with the local constituents.

Time away from the office will consist of up to four hours per week scheduled regularly with the intern’s supervisor

Academic benefits

Each semester, interns may take one scheduled, tuition-free course at AUI. While language courses are encouraged, AUI offers a variety of courses, and interns have their choice of any class within their field of interest.

Interns are also encouraged to partake in special seminars, lectures, and brown bags, which feature discussions with scholars and community experts on various political, cultural, or social aspects of the MENA region.

Health insurance

AUI will provide basic medical care through the AUI clinic and student health insurance. However, interns are strongly encouraged to have supplementary insurance with adequate worldwide coverage.

Housing

Interns will be housed in one of AUI’s residences. The cost of housing and basic maintenance will be covered by AUI and the annual budget of each intern’s office. Interns are allowed to occupy their housing units until July 15, 2027, if they wish to extend their stay in Morocco.

Travel opportunities and time off

Interns are entitled to 20 days off, in addition to national holidays. These include two weeks at or around Christmas, one week in Spring mid-semester and five personal days. This provides the interns with the opportunity to travel both independently and through AUI-sponsored trips.

The interns are also invited to join new faculty members on a number of subsidized trips around Ifrane and Morocco and participate in any student-arranged trips in Morocco. Any time away from the office in connection with travel plans must be approved by the intern’s supervisor.

Transportation

While AUI will arrange to have the interns met at the airport and escorted to Ifrane, they must purchase their own ticket to and from Morocco.
Downtown Ifrane is approximately 20 minutes from AUI’s campus by foot, or 5 minutes in a taxi. Free AUI shuttles are available during the school year, which run on a particular schedule.