Cuernavaca
Program Outline
The Standard 5 hour Program is Spanish language classes with daily activities and, for a small extra fee, weekend trips are included. Classes start at 8:00 a.m. every morning, Monday through Friday and end at 1:00 p.m. There is a maximum of 5 students per class and private lessons are available upon request. Those students interested in one-on-one tutoring should ask your ISLS representative for more information.
The teaching approach at the school is based on an effective system of oral learning. Meaning, the teacher, in each class, instills a creative and dynamic style that gives every student a solid base of oral communication and ample vocabulary practice. The program is structured so that the student can quickly achieve the ability to converse fluently in Spanish which leads easily to being able to write as well. Classes and instructions are given entirely in Spanish.
Homestay
Staying with a local Mexican family is definitely the best way to learn a new language. The constant interaction with your new family will contribute to your ability to converse in Spanish as well as learn first hand about the culture of the people. The families are carefully selected and are very happy to welcome students into their homes. Two meals a day, breakfast and dinner are included in the homestay option along with a private room. Laundry service and airport pick-up are available at an extra cost.
Cultural
Cuernavaca is a beautiful and historic colonial town known worldwide as the “City of Eternal Springtime.” It has a great year round climate with a very mild rainy season. It is a city full of fascinating and rich cultural history and tradition, from pre-Colombian pyramids to the colonial residence of Cortez.
Location
Cuernavaca is an hour bus ride from Mexico City. The school, located in the culturally rich and historic city of Cuernavaca, is in a very nice residential neighborhood about a 5 minute walk from the center of town. Host families are located very close to the school and most are within walking distance. School facilities include a library, auditorium, cafeteria, telephone, fax, e-mail and postal services. All are available to the student. The town and area are extremely safe and walking around at night is not a problem.
Climate
Cuernavaca is know as The City of Eternal Springtime and has some of the best weather in the world. The year round highs are in the mid seventies to low eighties, with the lows in the fifties and sixties. Even during the rainy season the area around the city receives far less rain then other regions of Mexico. The air is crisp and clear with a bit of a bite at night, so you’ll want to bring a sweater.
Local Color
The main market attracts the visitors to its main Zocalo square and its always lively surrounding sidewalk cafes, restaurants, book stores and bars. Many prominent Mexican writers, painters and intellectuals live in Cuernavaca.
Points of Interest
Tour packages are probably the best in the country with trips to ruins, museums and nearby cities. Cuernavaca boasts a great nightlife and a very friendly population.
Hot Tip
Cuernavaca is located on the main road from Mexico City to Acapulco, so weekend trips are very easy. This is a small, intimate community, where getting around town is easy and inexpensive. Mexico City is the largest city in the world. Visiting on the weekend is easy and there is a lot to see and do. Do not miss the National Archeological Museum; it is the best in Latin America.
Start Dates
Every Monday of the year, except on Mexican national holidays and the last two weeks of the year. No refund is given for classes missed on account of holidays.
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