Study in Oaxaca, Mexico!

Unfortunately, due to uncertainty of the COVID situation, I will not be offering immersion program in Oaxaca for Summer, 2022. I am very hopeful that we will be able to offer the immersion program in the summer of 2023. Stay tuned for updates and thank you for understanding!

Trip Option 1: Summer, 2022 (10 days, 9 nights)

Trip Option 2: Summer, 2022 (17 days, 16 nights)

If you have always wanted a true immersion experience, this is the program for you! The group will stay together in a small, family-owned hotel just a short walk away from the gorgeous heart of the city. Each morning we will have a traditional Oaxacan breakfast in the hotel, followed by three hours of Spanish class taught by Virginia and local, experienced teachers from Oaxaca. After class, you’ll have some downtime before we venture out together to enjoy the fantastic food scene in Oaxaca, where we will try a variety of food in markets and restaurants. Each day after lunch, we will have a cultural activity in Oaxaca or an excursion outside of the city. In the evening you have time to rest and explore the city on your own. Longer excursions will take place during the weekends.

Classes: Small groups will be taught by Virginia and local, experienced teachers, with a particular emphasis on conversation and culture. Each student will be placed in a small class according to their level.

Cultural Activities: Activities will be organized by Virginia and local Oaxacan teachers and guides. We will enjoy a variety of activities, including visits to museums, cathedrals, markets, cooking class, mezcal tasting (optional), and more. All activities are organized in a way to give you a deeper sense of Mexican culture and history, while giving you an opportunity to practice your Spanish with locals.

Excursions: An expert local guide with many years of experience will be our guide for our excursions.

On Saturday, June 13, we’ll visit the archaeological site of Monte Albán, dating from the 8th Century B.C. This was home to the Olmecs, Zapotecs and Mixtecs for over 1,500 years, and has an incredible collection of plazas, pyramids, and underground passageways. We’ll also visit the tiny town of Santa María Atxompa to get a closer look at their unique green pottery.

On Sunday, June 14, we’ll head to the famous Tlacolula market for some delicious food and shopping, visit the quaint town of Santa María de Tule, with its famous Tule tree. The tree itself is a Montezuma Cypress, which is over 2000 years old and which has the largest girth of any tree in the world. Finally, we’ll head to Mitla, some of the best-preserved Mesoamerican ruins in Mexico.

During the first week, we’ll have two shorter excursions. The first will be to Teotitlán del Valle, famous for its colorful rugs. We will visit a local family’s house, where they will give us an intimate look at the way the rugs are made. The second will be a visit to a local family’s pottery studio, where we’ll get to learn about the striking black pottery that dates back to pre-Columbian times.

Those who stay for a second week will have two additional excursions. The first is a visit to a local family’s house for a weaving workshop. We’ll learn about their process, the tools, the colors, and see the final products. In our second activity, we’ll visit a local family that produces the famous “alebrijes” or brightly colored, fantastical creatures made of wood. Again, we’ll get an up-close explanation of their process and methods.

Accommodations: We will stay in a local hotel, which is small and family-owned. It is very well-located, and only a few minutes walk to the main pedestrian areas and the zócalo. Please note that this is not a fancy hotel. It is safe and comfortable, but, like many 3-star hotels in Mexico, it does not have air conditioning or televisions in the rooms. I chose this hotel based on the excellent service, the beautiful rooftop terrace, the central location, and the reasonable price. Many friends have also used it and loved it over the years, and reviews on Google and Trip Advisor are consistently 4.5/5 stars.

***If you prefer a higher quality hotel, please let me know as early as possible so that I can find something more suitable for you (at extra cost to cover the more expensive price).

Meals: Included in the trip price is breakfast and lunch every day. A welcome dinner and a farewell dinner are also included. You will only be responsible for paying for your dinner on the other nights of the trip. Please note that a reasonable amount of alcohol (1-2 drinks per dinner) is included, but if you would like to have more, you should plan to pay for extra alcohol.

Transportation: Please note that airfare from the U.S. to Mexico is not included. I recommend getting your tickets as early as possible to get a good price. If you are flying from Texas, it is worth it to check prices for San Antonio, Houston, and Dallas because sometimes prices can be quite a bit lower. All ground transportation in Mexico is included.

Trip Insurance: Trip insurance is not included in the program price. I highly recommend the purchase of trip cancellation insurance to cover unexpected trip interruptions, cancellations, and lost baggage. However, the Language House does not recommend a particular insurance company. Travelers are free to purchase the insurance of their choice.

Cost: 10-day, 9-night trip starts at $1945 (based on 5 students).

17-day, 16-night trip starts at $3185 (based on 5 students).

Final price determined by total number in group. Price goes down as more people sign up. Contact me for specific pricing details.