Instituto Cultural Oaxaca - Spanish language school in Oaxaca, Mexico

Instituto Cultural Oaxaca offers a program of intensive Spanish instruction and cultural activities in the charming setting of a gracious 19th century Oaxacan estate. The Institute offers a unique and friendly atmosphere for learning and practicing Spanish. Our dual goal is to teach and broaden language skills while introducing Mexican culture through our total immersion program. We place special emphasis on spoken communication while expanding listening, reading and writing skills. The classes, taught exclusively in Spanish, include 3 hours of grammar class and a 1-hour conversation class conducted in the rooms and gardens of the estate. We offer 8 levels of language instruction, from beginning to advanced, as well as Mexican and Latin American literature. Entrance levels are determined by a placement test given upon arrival. Classes do not exceed ten students. Private classes may be arranged upon request. All of our teachers are native Spanish speakers and university graduates with years of teaching experience. Students participate, Monday through Thursday, in a two-hour workshop. Conversation, regional cooking, back-strap loom weaving, pottery, dance, Mexican history, Mexican cinema and the evolution of Mexican music are some of the themes offered seasonally. An additional service we provide free of charge is one hour of conversation daily with local university students and professionals eager to speak Spanish with Institute students in exchange for a chance to practice their second language. The Institute also arranges tours on weekends to pre-Hispanic and colonial sites as well as artisan villages in the area. These tours are optional and are available at an extra charge. The Institute offers a variety of living arrangements to complete the cultural immersion process: family homestay, apartments, hotels or posadas (inns). The Institute will gladly assist students in finding the appropriate accommodations.

Instituto Cultural Oaxaca is located in the beautiful city of Oaxaca, where historic and present-day Mexico meet. Nestled in the central valley of the state of Oaxaca, this beautiful city is located 530 km (300 miles) southwest of Mexico City and 212 km (120 miles) from the pristine beaches of the Pacific coast. The tropical mountains and valleys that surround the city create a micro climate that hosts many thousands of plant varieties and, combined with the altitude of 1,500 meters (5,000 feet), ensures mild weather conditions. Named by UNESCO as a Monument to the Heritage of Mankind, this state capital showcases a wide range of museums, cathedrals, and exquisite Spanish-inspired 16th, 17th, and 18th century architecture. In the zócalo, at the center of the city, one can enjoy special processions, concerts or demonstrations from the park benches or sidewalk cafés. The Instituto Cultural Oaxaca also offers exposure to many of the region’s cultural treasures. Not far fr5om the city are magnificent archaeological sites that highlight the civilizations that have existed in the area for thousands of years. The 16 ethnic groups that make up the rich culture of the state continue to influence the language, art and music of the city and the many villages of the area. The artistic expression of this legacy results in some of the most beautiful and sought-after folkart in Mexico.

University Credits

Universities

: University of Rochester, University of Wisconsin, Bard College, Taylor University

Course	Minimum duration	Maximum duration
Intensive	1 Weeks	>20 Weeks
One to one	1 Weeks	>20 Weeks
Medical Spanish	1 Weeks	>20 Weeks
Standard	1 Weeks	>20 Weeks

Host Family
Shared Flat
Student residence on campus
Student Residence off campus
Hotel

Facility	Free Access	Available at Extra Cost
Internet
airport
Weekend tours
Number of classrooms : 27

	organised by school	possible near school	distance in km
Excursions
Parties
Cinema/Theatre
Cookery classes
Dance classes
Music classes
Arts and Crafts
Others 1
Others 2
Others 3