Language Programs Overview:
spanish programsWe offer Spanish Immersion courses which include a solid
grammatical base and focus on communicative abilities, presented within
a cultural context, allowing you to develop oral expression, written
expression, auditory and reading comprehension; four critical aspects of
your language skills. During your time in Oaxaca, you will have the
opportunity to participate in many other types of activities that expose
you to Mexican culture, including conferences, movie screenings and
discussions, concerts, exhibitions, and reading circles.
Whatever program you decide is right for you, enthusiastic and dynamic
native-speakers, all who have university degrees and years of teaching
experience, will teach you, exclusively in Spanish. Your teacher will
implement teaching strategies in order to facilitate your language
acquisition and evaluate you throughout your learning process, giving
you personal feedback and tailored assistance. In some cases, completion
may serve as credit for a university course.
The academic program is comprised of 8 levels:
- Two basic levels (1A and 1B)
- Two intermediate levels (2A and 2B)
- Two advanced levels (3A and 3B)
Each level corresponds to a four-week course (80 hours of class)
although you may register for a minimum of one week. You may begin your
classes any Monday, although it is recommended to begin on the first
Monday of each course. Before you begin classes, you will take a brief
written and oral placement exam to enable us to place you into a Spanish
class at a level that will suit you. After the placement exam, you
attend a personal orientation session, providing information, not only
about the Institute itself, but also about the stunning city of Oaxaca
where you will be staying. We consider this orientation an important and
essential part to your smooth adjustment to Oaxacan life.
Basic Level 1A:
This level is perfect for you if you are just starting to learn Spanish
for the first time. As a course focused on the first contact with the
language, emphasis is placed on communicative skills and auditory
comprehension in a personal context within the Mexican culture.
Basic Level 1B:
If you have had an introduction to Spanish language studies and are able
to communicate with basic grammatical structures, then this level is for
you. In this course, you will reinforce what you have already learned
and develop grammatical skills facilitating your use and comprehension
of more complex structures. The cultural context of this course focuses
on the connection between the individual and the world.
Intermediate Level 2A:
This level is designed for those who already know the basics of Spanish
grammar. If you are capable of communicating basic needs and understand
the mechanics of the language, this level will help you develop more
complex structures. The cultural focus centers around expressions of
daily life by means of audiovisual aides.
Intermediate Level 2B:
If your knowledge of the language and its structure is at a level that
has already allowed you to become involved in the culture; the design of
this course places emphasis on beginning to produce subjective and
complex structures. The cultural focus provokes a more profound
reflection of Latin American culture as a combination of pre-Hispanic
elements and influences from outside cultures, which together provide a
portrait of modern
Mexico.
Advanced Level 3A:
This level is perfect if you want to acquire a greater fluency and to
maintain conversations with a high level of grammar and vocabulary. In
this course you will perfect basic grammatical constructions that always
present difficulties to non-native speakers. The subjunctive mood will
be expanded upon in all of its uses and forms. The cultural aspect is
focused on Oaxaca.
Advanced Level 3B:
If you already have a high degree of fluency in communication and a
strong knowledge of complex grammatical aspects, but need to place more
attention on certain details then this level was designed especially for
you. The course develops skills to compose and edit different types of
texts. The cultural focus is Latin America through the lens of literary
expression.
Advanced Language Practice:
The Advanced Language Practice course is perfect for you if you are
already fluent in Spanish as a second language but want to refine
certain grammatical aspects and develop your oral and written expression
as well as your auditory and reading comprehension. In this program, the
revision of grammatical content is personalised. You will work with
authentic materials such as magazines, newspapers, music and movies.
Engaging with these materials will enhance your Spanish while providing
a greater appreciation of culture and its intimate connection to the
Spanish language in Mexico.
Literature:
If you are already fluent in Spanish as a second language and have a
complete knowledge of the each of the previous levels, you will now want
to advance your understanding of the practice of the language. Rather
than revising grammer, this course will aid your acquisition and
comprehension of colloquial expressions, knowledge of the culture, its
history, and how these factors comprise the essence of Latin America.
The focus is on literary production in Latin America.
