LOCATIONS IN MEXICO: Oaxaca - Cuernavaca

Gap Program in Oaxaca!

Oaxaca
The city of Oaxaca, located in the central valley of the state, is surrounded by the states of Puebla, Veracruz and Chiapas and the Pacific Ocean to the southwest. With its ethnic, cultural and historic richness, Oaxaca is an ideal place to experience the beauty of Mexico and its people. The city is known for its creative, talented artists and many different types of artisans. The artists use everything from clay and fabrics to leather, iron and jewelry.

The School
The school is located in the heart of Oaxaca's Historical Center, two blocks from the beautiful Santo Domingo convent and 4 blocks from Oaxaca's Zocalo (downtown square). The school is surrounded by cafes, art galleries, museums, shops and internet cafes. Set in a typical colonial building, it has a large main patio where students get together during the breaks. This old style construction with thick colonial walls keeps the classrooms cool throughout the year.

The Classes
You can begin your studies at the school any Monday of the year and stay for as many weeks as you like. After completing a placement test on your first morning at school, you will be placed in a class with students at your level. Classes meet for three 50-minutes sessions per day in small groups of no more than five students per class. A course that includes five classes per day is also available, call for details!

Cultural Activities
The school offers afternoon workshops and activities that include, cooking, Salsa classes, singing Mexican songs, picnics and visits to local artisan villages. Students also meet once a week with the staff and faculty for "Café Social“, and a movie is shown each week.

Special Options: Study on the Coast!
The school also has campuses in Playa del Carmen and Puerto Vallarta. These locations offer the same great classes and homestays, plus fun optional activities like scuba diving certification, kite surfing and Salsa dancing. Choose one location, or spend a month or more at each!

Accommodations
Deepen your understanding of the Spanish language and the Mexican culture by living with a local host family. Families are carefully selected and all homes are within easy walking or public transportation distance of the school. Your host family will provide three meals per day.

Download this information in PDF format here.

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Gap Program in Cuernavaca!

Cuernavaca
With its mild climate, elegant colonial architecture and easy access to Mexico City airport, Cuernavaca has long been a popular retreat for foreigners and Mexicans alike. At 5,200 feet about sea level you can expect hot afternoons and pleasantly cool evenings. The late afternoon rains during the summer cool off the streets and refresh the profusion of flowers that give Cuernavaca it nickname “the city of eternal spring.”

The School
When you first walk up to the gates of the school, you may think you have arrived at a colonial villa. You have! But beyond the lush gardens and swimming pool you will find comfortable classrooms, a comprehensive library, a video viewing room, and conference facilities. If you explore a few blocks beyond the school’s quiet residential street, you will also find a bakery, post office, supermarket, bank and cafes.

The Classes
You can begin your studies at the school any Monday of the year. After completing a placement test on your first morning at school, you will be placed in a class with students at your level. Classes meet four hours per day in small groups of no more than five students, 5 days per week. Many "out of the classroom exercises" are included in the weekly program, with teachers frequently escorting students to a nearby spot like the post office, the grocery store or a restaurant to build vocabulary and learn situation-appropriate behaviors and language.

Cultural Activities
Complement your study of Spanish with courses on the history and culture of Mexico. Choose from topics such as “Women of Mexico,” “Folk Medicine and Traditional Healing,” and “Current Events in Mexico”. You can also try your hand at backstrap weaving or study folkloric dance at a nearby studio. You will want to budget extra for the fabulous field study trips in and around Mexico City, such as the Pyramids of the Sun and the Moon at Teotihuacan, the Museum of Anthropology, the Templo Mayor in the center of the Valley of Mexico, and the Folkloric Ballet.

Special Option: Rural Studies Program!
Experience the charm of a small town in Buenavista de Cuellar, a village located about a 75 minute drive from Cuernavaca. You will share in the serenity of decades past as you stroll down streets lined with adobe walls and tiled roofs. In addition to small group classes and welcoming host families, you can join in classes offered by the villagers. Try your hand at leatherworking, basket weaving, embroidery or traditional cooking.

Accommodations
Deepen your understanding of the Spanish language and the Mexican culture by living with a local host family. Families are carefully selected and all homes are within easy walking or public transportation distance of the school. Your host family will provide three meals per day. Above prices include private room, but discounts are available for shared accommodations.

Download this information in PDF format here.

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