University of Rochester Summer Program in Oaxaca, Mexico

  Mexico

• Oaxaca: 
Oaxaca

Term: Summer 

Description: The UR program offers courses in Spanish language and culture at all levels through the Instituto Cultural Oaxaca, located in a traditional-style estate with comfortable classrooms and beautifully maintained gardens and patios. Classes, which are small in size, are held from 9:00 am - 1:00 pm Monday through Friday. There is a long lunch break until 3:00 or 4:00, followed on Monday through Thursday by a late afternoon workshop (choice of ceramics, weaving, music, cooking, salsa and merengue dancing); and finally an hour of conversation with an "intercambio." The "intercambio" is a Mexican university student whom you meet every day for an informal exchange of Spanish and English conversation. "The amount and type of work required for the program was more than sufficient. I learned a lot of new things and my Spanish has improved greatly."

The evenings are free for dancing, eating out, films, visiting with friends, and exploring the city.The Institute offers lectures and concerts on Friday afternoon.

The Pacific coast of the state of Oaxaca has several outstanding beach resorts, and many students take a few days after the end of the program to travel to Puerto Escondido.

Clusters and Credits
Students receive 6 credits for either SP 157 or SP 207, "Spanish in Mexico," depending on prior coursework and placement at the Institute. Both courses count toward the Spanish major or minor, and they are part of the Humanities Cluster: "Introduction to Spanish Studies."

Highlights: "The best thing about the program was the weekly excursion. 'Hierve el Agua' [mineral springs and natural pool] was the single most amazing thing I've ever done in my life."

Weekly excursions, usually planned for Sunday, provide the students with the opportunity to get to know the surrounding area of the valley of Oaxaca. We visit the pre-Hispanic archaeological sites of Monte Alban, Mitla and Yagul; the craft villages of Teotitlan del Valle (weavings) and Atzompa (ceramics); spectacular churches in Tlacochuhuaya; and the warm mineral springs of Hierve el Agua. Expert guides accompany the group on our field trips, and we travel in our own bus.

Cost in US$: Please inquire for more information.

Experience Required: yes

Prerequisites: One year of college Spanish or the equivalent

This Program is open to American Participants.

Scholarships are Available. - The Modern Languages and Cultures Mildred R. Burton Fund helps defray costs for UR undergraduates studying language abroad in the summer.

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Other
• Resume
• Transcript
• Written Application

Post Services Include:

• Exit DebriefingAbroad

Year Founded: 1850