Instituto Cultural Oaxaca

  Mexico

• Oaxaca: 
Oaxaca

Term: Throughout the year 
Dates: Throughout the year

Description: The Instituto Cultural Oaxaca has been a gateway to Mexico and to the Spanish language since 1984. Taking part in the family-run Institute's language immersion program enables you to really experience Mexican culture whilst learning Spanish through the combination of our intensive language program and daily cultural activities. You will study in a relaxed and friendly environment, surrounded by beautiful landscaped gardens on a 19th century estate.

The Institute is located in the colonial city of Oaxaca, a UNESCO World Heritage site, set on a plateau surrounded by the Sierra Madre mountain ranges. The indigenous groups that once inhabited the nearby archaeological sites of Monte Albán, Mitla and Yagul continue to be an integral part of the state´s culture, and influence the language, lifestyle, cuisine and art that the city is famed for. A short walk from the Institute is the tree-lined zócalo, or town square, which is ringed with cafés where you can sit and enjoy the atmosphere of the parades, live music and bustle that characterizes the city.

Highlights: The Institute offers up to seven hours of daily instruction, including grammar and conversation classes and cultural workshops. Upon arrival, you take a short exam to enable us to place you in the appropriate class level; we offer everything from beginners´ Spanish to advanced Mexican and Latin American Literature. Class size is kept to a minimum (average 5-6 students) and our teachers are university-educated, native speakers with years of teaching experience.

Our classes will enhance your speaking, listening and general comprehension skills while introducing you to Mexican culture. Our instructors incorporate a variety of teaching methods including the use of films, role-play, music, conversation, and texts enabling you not only to learn Spanish grammar but also to apply that knowledge in everyday conversational use.

During the afternoons, we offer cultural workshops, which may include Oaxacan cooking, weaving, conversation, salsa dancing and Mexican cinema among others.

We also offer an intercambio program, where you are matched for an hour each day with a local student learning English. This informal, one-on-one interaction sets the foundations for friendship and aids both students´ cultural awareness.

Private classes can also be arranged on request.

Degree Level: Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Cost in US$: When you first sign up for classes you will need to pay a one-time 55.00 registration fee. Course costs range from 115 - 160 for 1 week, to 480 - 540 for 4 weeks (depending on program)

Credit Available: yes

Experience Required: no