Study Abroad and Spanish Immersion in Oaxaca, Mexico

  Mexico

• Oaxaca: 
Oaxaca

Term: Academic Year, Fall, Spring, Summer, Throughout the year, Trimester, Winter 
Dates: Please visit our website for latest dates

Description: Learn Spanish in the fascinating colonial city of Oaxaca, Mexico. A land of snow-capped peaks, expansive deserts, cool cloud forests, and the beauty of two coastlines, the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, Mexico is truly one of the most beautiful countries in the world. Explore indigenous villages and stroll through colonial cities with their welcoming plazas and inspiring architecture. Discover the ancient past of the pre-Hispanic cultures, such as the Maya and the Aztec, still alive today. Mexico is a perfect destination to study Spanish and explore a unique Latin American country.

Learn Spanish in the fascinating colonial city of Oaxaca. Experience the charms of this highland locale surrounded by lush mountains and indigenous villages. Oaxaca is an ideal location for language immersion and exploring the pre-Hispanic past of the area. The friendly people of Oaxaca possess an unmatched hospitality.

We encourage all of our students to volunteer during their study abroad experience. Whether you decide to teach English to local high school students, assist in an Argentine grassroots community service program, or just dedicate time to a food shelter, you will not only better your Spanish, but also make lifelong friends along the way!

Courses & Academic Paths

Summer Programs:
College Credit: 6 credits hours or 9 quarter units
Choose: 1 Spanish Language Class AND 1 Elective Class OR choose 2 elective classes

Semester Programs:
College Credit: 15 credits hours or 22 quarter units
Choose: Mix & match up to 5 Spanish Language Classes, Electives or Classes with Local

Intensive Spanish Month, Winter Break & Spring Break Programs:
College Credit: 6 credits hours or 9 quarter units
Choose: Up to 2 Spanish Language & Elective Classes OR choose 2 elective classes

Highlights: Study at one of the oldest universities in Mexico (est. in 1827). University facilities are located in the historic center of Oaxaca and are only a few blocks south of the famous central plaza. Classes are taught in Spanish or English. The university has a relaxed atmosphere and modern facilities that include a spacious library, computer lab, and
comfortable classrooms. Study with international students from all over the world!

There is no better way to improve your Spanish and learn more about the culture than by living with one of our local host families. You will have breakfast and dinner with your family during the weekdays and lunch at cafés at the university.

This is the ideal program for students interested in Spanish immersion in a city with very few foreign students. Oaxaca, Mexico is the perfect place to study, explore and immerse youreslf in the unique culture of Southern Mexico.

* Affordable program in Southern Mexico
* A bohemian city with hip cafes, art galleries, and a live music scene
* Home to one of Mexico's best plazas, the Zocalo
* The state of Oaxaca is one of the most biodiverse regions on the planet
* Study Spanish at the University of Oaxaca
* Earn college credit!
* One of Mexico's best-preserved colonial cities

Included Excursions:

Monte Albán Pre-Hispanic Ruins: Experience the ruins of Monte Albán, one of the most impressive archeological sites.

Mountain Springs (Hierve el Agua): Soak in the soothing waters of these natural springs in use for over 2,500 years.

Sierra Norte Mountains Hiking Trip: Hike the cloud forests and indigenous villages of the Sierra Norte Mountains.

Mitla Pyramids, Teotitlán Artisan Village, & Ancient El Tule Tree: Visit Mitla, the ancient Zapotec city known as The Place of the Dead, Teotitlán del Valle, a Zapotec village known for its time-honored tradition of hand-woven rugs, and The El Tule tree, over 3,000 years old, this tree is the largest biomass on the planet.

Paci?c Beach Trip Bahías de Huatulco (optional): Explore the pristine beaches on the Paci?c coast with its thousands of small bays.

Cultural Activities:

We organize cultural activities for the weekday afternoons. These activities are designed to accentuate the unique character of Mexico and Oaxaca.

* Museum Visits
With its rich history and artistic influences Oaxaca has many wonderful museums. We will tour several of these museums to learn more about the area, its present and its past. Museums include the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Rufino Tamayo Museum of pre-Hispanic art, and the Oaxaca Regional Museum among others.

* Traditional Markets

* Art Classes & Galleries
Oaxaca City is a Mecca for Mexican and International artists. Besides the contemporary art museum there are almost 100 galleries around town. New exhibits open weekly and we will take full advantage to expose you to this rich cultural side of Oaxaca. We will visit the Museum of Contemporary Art which has temporary exhibitions throughout the year as well as permanent displays. Here you will find works by the five most famous Oaxacan artists - Francisco Gutiérrez, Rodolfo Nieto, Francisco Toledo, Rodolfo Morales and Rufino Tamayo.

* Dance Classes
Take part in dance classes for salsa, meringue, and cumbia with local instructors. Learning about these dances will greatly increase your experience at any Oaxacan gathering!

* Traditional Cooking Class
Experience the traditional cooking of Oaxaca and learn to make the world famous local dishes. These are great skills to take back home to share with friends and family. Oaxaca is famous for its unique dishes. At the top of this list are the molés. There are at least eight basic varieties of molé made in the region. These include: negro (black), amarillo (yellow), coloradito (reddish), almendrado (almonds), verde (green), rojo (red), manchamanteles (tablecloth stainer) and chichilo negro. Some of these molés have more than 20 ingredients! Other typical dishes are tamales with molé, tlayudas, entomatadas and empanadas de molé amarillo.

* Pottery Class

* Guelaguetza Folk Dance
Guelaguetza comes from the Zapotec word meaning offering. It was the term used to describe the ceremony and celebration held each year to honor the gods in return for sufficient rain and a bountiful harvest. Today the Guelaguetza celebration takes place every July in and around Oaxaca. Costumed dancers from the seven regions of Oaxaca State perform elaborate dances handed down from generations past. Before the festivities begin the delegations make colorful processions. One of the most famous dances, the Zapotec Feather Dance, is a passionate and symbolic reenactment of the Spanish conquest of Mexico.

* Yoga Classes
Oaxaca is a place of natural practices and ancient beliefs. The deep rooted traditions of the many indigenous populations have created an ambiance of alternative customs. Falling right in line with this is this growing popularity of yoga in the city. For those who enjoy yoga there are many opportunities to practice this ancient ritual. Join us each week for yoga sessions. Awaken your senses to the surroundings and beauty of Oaxaca.

* Organic Food Market
This market began in 2003 with the support of the internationally famous Oaxacan artist, Francisco Toledo. The market was created as a way for organic producers to sell their products for a fair price and to promote the benefits of organic agriculture. Here you will find strong Oaxacan coffee, local honeys, jams, and many other foods. Something you must try is tejate, the traditional beverage once drunk by Zapotec kings. Not only are there wonderful food items here but you will also find fine handicrafts and traditional healers.

Minimum Education: High School

Cost in US$: Please visit our website for latest prices

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to World Wide Participants.

Participants Travel to Mexico Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently Or in Groups

Scholarships are Available. - Please visit our website for scholarship info.

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Transcript

Sol Education Abroad's Mission Statement: Our company mission is very simple: to treat you the same way we wanted to be treated when we studied abroad. We take pride in this hands-on, full-service approach to ensuring you an enriching, life-changing experience. Its this unique approach that makes us both a leader and innovator in study abroad programs. When you attend one of our programs, you can be assured of a world-class study abroad experience that includes high-quality interactive Spanish language classes, regular travel excursions, and an array of daily cultural activities of lasting value.