WHAT WE LIKE - Key features of this program Colonial mountain city, important archeological with an abundance of colonial architecture. Declared Humanity's Cultural Patrimony by UNESCO, indigenous peoples with good mountain climate! Includes cultural workshops daily and one hour of intercambio

Enjoy a Spanish language course in Mexico at our language school in the city of Oaxaca.

The countryside around Oaxaca has mountain peaks almost 10,000 feet high, caverns among the deepest in the world, virgin beaches, hidden jungles and deep valleys.

Oaxaca, the State Capital, declared Humanity's Cultural Patrimony by UNESCO, owes its fame to the beauty and harmony of its architecture, the richness of its cultural traditions, the wide variety of its typical foods, and its soft temperate climate, spring-like throughout the year.

The colonial mountain city is one of the most important archeological zones in Mesoamerica and boasts an abundance of colonial architecture. One of the delights of visiting this city is relaxing in a sidewalk cafe‚ along the zocalo, sipping a steaming cup of rich hot chocolate, and watching the pedestrian parade.

SCHOOL FACILITIES Small family school,

Our school is centrally located and is housed in a large converted colonial 19th century Oaxacan estate. The schools lush gardens provide the perfect environment for study, conversation, or relax in the year-round comfort of Oaxaca's beautiful weather.

Our school is located in the heart of colonial Oaxaca. The school has simple facilities, a pleasant atmosphere and offers many activities including cooking, weaving and pottery courses. The zócalo, or main square is just a short walk and has many cafes, bars and internet cafe.

THE BASICS Course for all language levels - set dates for beginners - use of course materials - each student will be expected to take a short placement test on the first Monday morning - lessons are usually held in the mornings starting 09:00am each day - min age 15 - Max. 10 students per class - unlimited course length.

Standard: (20 lessons per week)
Program includes 2 additional cultural workshops daily and one hour of intercambio (language exchange) with local students

Our classes are designed so that Monday through Friday, our students have 3 hours of intensive grammar instruction (9am-12pm) and 1 hour of conversation (12-1pm), during which the teacher applies the lessons learned during the grammar instruction.

In addition to Spanish classes and workshops, students are encouraged to participate in our intercambio program. Students meet daily for one hour of conversation with local university students and professional’s eager to speak Spanish with students in exchange for a chance to practice their second language.

The Intercambio hour is a time for casual conversation with native speakers and is a very popular feature of the schools unique language learning program.

Teachers are native speakers and many are University educated with years of teaching experience. They will help enhance your speaking, listening, grammar and general comprehension skills. They will also use interactive techniques such as role-play, games, music and perhaps videos to support lesson content. Our dual goal is to broaden language skills while introducing students to various aspect of Mexican culture.

After classes and workshops are over for the day, our program allows you plenty of time to discover your new country, culture, traditions, customs and everyday life.

In addition to the 4 language lessons daily an additional one hour of language exchange each day is available. In the afternoon, your immersion will continue with cultural workshops which include regional Oaxacan cooking, back strap loom weaving, conversation, Mexican History, salsa dancing, ceramics, and many more. The talleres invite students to achieve a better understanding of Mexican culture through interaction with local artisans and teachers with years of teaching experience.

At the weekend many students can arrange to take optional excursions (at an additional cost) to local cities or local places and experience today's indigenous culture outside the city of Oaxaca. These excursions normally cost between $10.00 - $30.00 and are guided by a bilingual guide.

Some sample destinations could include: MONTE ALBAN: The largest archaeological site in the state of Oaxaca, MITLA: This archaeological site was originally a Zapotec burial ground, TLACOLUA: This village is home to one of the largest indigenous markets in Mexico and famous cathedral, TULE The massive Arbol de Tule is the widest cypress tree in the world and measures one hundred sixty-five feet in circumference and is 2000 years old.

Day of the dead annual celebrations: (late-October/early-November) In much of Mexico Dia de Los Muertos treats death in an uplifting, celebratory way. Families go to the graves of their ancestors, cleaning them, weeding them, and decorating them with flowers, candles, and photographs of the deceased. Quite often, the departed's favorite brand of tequila, mezcal, cerveza, or traditional Mexican food are set atop the grave. Family and friends gather on November 2nd, spending the day and much of the night affectionately remembering the dead.

> Plan a group language program at this location! > GSA Advantage for US Government & Military personnel > Study & Live with your own private language teacher > Spanish programs for children & teens

Host Family: (private room - 3 meals daily)

NOTE: Homestay runs from Friday - Friday, additional nights are available at an extra cost.

Living with a host family is probably the best and most effective way to become fully immersed into the language and culture of your chosen country. All families are chosen after a careful selection procedure and are visited regularly by the school to ensure that high living standards are maintained. As many of our host families live in the surrounding neighborhoods, the trip to school, is usually not more than 20 minutes away.

Students have access to all living areas in the house and in most cases, will be expected to share the bathroom. All bed linens and pillows will be provided, however we suggest you bring your own towels. If your family does not provide a laundry service, they may allow you to use the laundry facilities for a small additional charge.

It is the participant's responsibility to have a valid passport and any necessary visas and permits to study abroad. Visit G3Visas for comprehensive information on visa, passport, permit and general country entry requirements.

Please Read: Important Travel Documentation

Many students fly into Mexico City then catch a bus to Oaxaca, the transfer time is about 7 hours. Oaxaca has a small airport with a limited amount of connections.

Please click here for a list of student references for Oaxaca.