Gap Program: Spanish and Mesoamerican Culture

  Mexico

• Cuernavaca: 
Cuernavaca

Term: Throughout the year 
Dates: flexible

Description: 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.

When you first walk up to the gates of the language institute, 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 schools quiet residential street, you will also find a bakery, post office, supermarket, bank and cafes.

You can begin your studies at the school any Monday of the year. After completing a placement test on your first morning at the institute, 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.

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.

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.

Highlights: Andeo offers individually customized Gap programs. Begin your program any Monday of the year, stay for four weeks or several months, and combine two or more programs in different countries! You can further enhance your Gap experience by including a volunteer or cultural activity. There are dozens of options - the choice is yours. We will work closely with you to design the Gap program that best fits your goals and interests.

In Mexico, we invite you to 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.

Minimum Education: High School

Cost in US$: $5,850 for 12 weeks, $475 each additional week

Credit Available: yes

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to World Wide Participants.

Participants Travel to Mexico Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• In-Person Interview when Feasible
• Written Application

Post Services Include:

• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Andeo-International Homestays's Mission Statement: Andeo-International Homestays is a non-profit organization specializing in short-term homestay programs since 1981. We design programs for students, teachers and families who are excited about developing friendships that span the globe. We work with carefully selected foreign organizations that are experienced and respected in the areas of homestays and exchange programs. Together, we coordinate all of the elements essential to a successful homestay: careful selection and matching, preparation, support and follow-up. We offer summer immersion homestay programs for high school students in Spain, France, Mexico, and Germany. We also offer programs that combine a homestay with classes, volunteer opportunities and activities in Costa Rica, Ecuador, Spain, France, Germany and Japan. No matter which program you choose, you are sure to discover a world of new friends and adventures!

Year Founded: 1981