Spanish Course in Oaxaca

Oaxaca is an indian town with airy patios and graceful arcades, famed for its colourful market, crafts and dances. It is a pleasant place in which to relax, soak up the atmosphere, or visit some of its beautiful colonial architecture. The city's main square is always bustling with activity and at night there are frequent musical performances.

Language Programme

• Maximum 10 students per class.
• Average 3-8 students per class.
  
• There are nine levels of Spanish plus literature for more advanced students.
• Teaching Method - Total immersion approach. The daily schedule includes 3 hours of grammar and 1 hour of conversation. Normally 9am-12am grammar and 12am-1pm conversation in the garden.
• Private instruction - Normally in the afternoon. It's easier to arrange for private instruction outside of the busy summer months.
• Advanced and superior levels - Two advanced levels and a literature course available. These classes are usually smaller than the others.
• Placement test - This is held on Saturdays at 9:30am until about 12 or 1pm.
• You should plan to arrive on the Friday before the course start date, so that the placement test can be taken the next day.

School Atmosphere

• The majority of students are from U.S.A and Canada plus some from Europe.
• Age group - 18-65. Travellers, university students, professionals and retired people.
• Facilities - A beautiful, old colonial house with nice gardens. Classes take place in the classrooms and in the gardens. The school has a capacity of 100 students.
• Organised activities - There are organised activities every day. Intercambio (language exchange with local university students), lectures in Spanish (history, archaeology, anthropology, art, current events), workshops (cooking, weaving, pottery). There are also films, slide shows and folk dancing.
• Weekend trips - The school organises some optional excursions to the surrounding area, usually on Sundays.

Homestays

• About 90% of the host families are within a 15 minute walk from the school. The rest require a short bus ride.
• 1 student per family unless other requested.
• Private room unless other requested.
• 3 meals daily.
• Private bathroom - About 40% of the homestays have a private bathroom.
• Extra homestay nights - Homestay included in the price starts the Friday before classes and ends Friday (i.e. on the last day after classes). Days outside of this time frame are extra days. Note that placement and orientation is on Saturday.
• Laundry is taken to a launderette. Sometimes host families can do the student's laundry for a small additional charge, decided between student and family.

Family Home

• One of the most important parts of your learning and cultural experience is the homestay.
• Most host families will give you a key to the outside door and you will be able to come and go as you please. You are not obliged to eat your meals with the family but you should notify your family when you will not be eating at home.
• Your host family respects your beliefs and we ask that you show the same respect for theirs. It is a good idea to bring some pictures of family, friends, your house and even a map that shows where you live. These can be used to begin discussions with the family.
• If you wish to change your homestay, you should notify the school administration. Alternatively we can book tourist class accommodation for you. Budget accommodation can be organised locally. 

 Weather - Spring-like weather almost all year around. The average daytime temperature is 25-27 degrees celsius. The rainy season is mid May-Sept when it usually rains in the afternoon.

Oaxaca is a short flight or a six hour bus journey from Mexico City. Subject to onward connections you may need to overnight in Mexico City.