CULTURAL PROGRAM

Workshops in Oaxacan Culture
Workshops in subjects such as Oaxacan cooking, the ancient art of Mixe backstrap-loom weaving, pottery, dance, Mexican cinema and Mexican music are taught by local artisans and artists, who offer hands-on experience and the opportunity to practice Spanish language skills.

Additionally, a workshop in Medical Spanish Terminology will also be available. Students who participate fully in this workshop, will be given a certificate of completion from the Instituto Cultural Oaxaca.

Finally, we are exploring the option of offering a workshop in community service (volunteer work) during summer 2009. Further information will be available by the end of 2008. Please note that all workshops are optional and are not offered for credit through CCSF.

Intercambios
Students are encouraged to participate in the intercambio (language exchange) program. Students meet for one hour daily with local university students and Oaxacan professionals who are eager to speak Spanish with U.S. students in exchange for a chance to practice their English. The Intercambio program offers an opportunity for casual conversation with Oaxacans and is a very popular feature of the ICO's unique approach to language and learning.

Lectures
Lectures in Spanish are given on the history, archaeology, anthropology, and art of Mexico, with emphasis on the Oaxaca area. Lectures are followed by a question and answer period. All lecturers are professionals in their field. In addition to the lectures, films are shown for education and entertainment.

Optional Excursions
Optional weekend excursions are usually available for students to purchase on-site in Oaxaca. The tours cost approximately USD $20-30 each tour, per person. These tours are led by a bilingual guide, and have included Monte Alban, Mitla, Teotitlan, Tule and Etla-San Jose el Mogote. Students will be personally responsible for booking themselves on these tours upon arrival in Oaxaca. Further details on these optional excursions will be furnished by ICO.