Spanish Language Immersion Program

Separated by mountains from central Mexico, Oaxaca can feel worlds apart with its sunnier, slower existence. Oaxaca City is home to a significant indigenous population and in close proximity to Mixtec ruins, providing an ideal location to immerse oneself in the Spanish language and Mexican history and culture.

The city follows the Spanish colonial model of narrow streets and European-influenced architecture, but is awash with the bright colors favored by the local population. Oaxaca City has a lively cultural and artistic scene, and boasts impressive museums and colonial churches, convents and civic buildings. It also has thriving village markets and outstanding hand crafts, modern compliments of the descendants of the Zapotec Indians who constructed the notable nearby ruins of Monte Alban and Mitla.

The AYUSA Summer Language Immersion program in Mexico is ideal for students who want to improve their Spanish and explore the many cultural wonders Mexico has to offer. The program includes four weeks of Spanish language courses and homestay accommodation, along with afternoon and weekend cultural and leisure activities. As a grand finale, the program includes a 3 day trip to Puerto Escondido and surrounding areas to explore some of the most stunning beaches on the Pacific that Mexico has to offer!

The school is located in a beautiful two-hundred-year old building. In the center of the school, there is a patio where students can sit and chat before and after class. The school has 16 classrooms, which surround the patio. There is also a restaurant and cafe located inside the building.

The school is conveniently located just a few blocks from Oaxaca's main square (Zocalo).

AYUSA students will stay with carefully selected host families in Oaxaca. Homestays allow for a deeper immersion into Mexican culture and give students the opportunity to practice their Spanish with native Spanish speakers.

Intensive Spanish classes take place each morning, Monday-Friday, for a total of 20 hours of language instruction per week. To ensure quality instruction, courses are taught by fully qualified language instructors, and a 10:1 maximum student-to-teacher ratio is maintained, though often classes do not surpass a 5:1 ratio.

AYUSA welcomes all levels of Spanish students on its programs, from beginner to advanced. Students are placed in the appropriate level class based on a placement exam.

Afternoon Activities
Weekday afternoons students have the opportunity to participate in an array of cultural, leisure and community service activities that add rich depth to the overall understanding of Mexican culture. Not only will students visit notable museums and churches in Oaxaca, they'll also have the opportunity to explore local markets and get to know the various plazas and narrow streets of Oaxaca through walking tours.

Included Excursions:
The fun and learning continues into the weekend during your AYUSA program. Students will have the chance to explore Mexico on organized excursions:

• Day trip with a local guide to the Mixtec ruins of Monte Alban
• Day trip with a local guide to the Mixtec/Zapotec city of Mitla, as well as a visit to El Tule.
• Visit traditional Oaxacan towns, enjoy a traditional lunch, and explore local handicraft markets
• 3 day trip to the beautiful beaches of Puerto Escondido and surrounding areas

Below is an example of a sample week on the program. The actual activities and the timing of the activities may vary.

• 15-18 years old at the time of program departure
• 2.5 GPA or higher (4.0 scale)
• Flexible and mature personality; desire to be challenged, ability to remain open-minded and tolerant of cultural differences

• Round trip coach airfare
• Homestay accommodation in Oaxaca with a local family
• Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily
• Laundry service
• An on-site coordinator
• 4 hours of Spanish language instruction per day, Monday-Friday
• Afternoon cultural, leisure and community service activities
• Accident and Sickness Insurance
• Weekend Excursions to Monte Alban, Mitla & El Tule, and to traditional Oaxacan villages.
• Program finale excursion: Round trip flight (Oaxaca City-Puerto Escondido-Oaxaca City) and accommodation for a 4 night stay in the Puerto Escondido area

• Passport and any applicable visa fees
• Any items of a personal nature such as telephone and/or internet charges
• Any other item not specified