Spanish Language and Hispanic Culture Elderhostel Program

Oaxaca, Mexico

The College of Education and Human Services in conjunction with the School of Social Work, on behalf of Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, has served as Elderhostel's Program Coordinator of the Spanish Language and Hispanic Culture Program and the Christmas, Culture and Conversation both in Oaxaca, Mexico, since 1983.

The Program Site - Oaxaca City, Mexico

Situated 230 miles southeast of Mexico City, the City of Oaxaca has a population of approximately 350,000. It is the political and economic center of the state of Oaxaca and home of several universities. The city was prominent in the Mexican revolution against Spain and also in the resistance to French colonial intervention. Today it is a center of commerce, the arts, and limited tourism, with many examples of colonial architecture and a thriving handicraft industry. The languages, traditions, and influences of more than 15 indigenous Indian groups in the state are evident everywhere. The Zócalo (Central Square) is the site of numerous religious processions, political manifestations, open restaurants, cultural activities such as free concerts and art displays. It is bounded by the Cathedral, government and office buildings. Within easy walking distance are the historic church of Santo Domingo, the Regional Museum, the Center for Graphic Arts, and the home of Benito Juárez, the national hero who lived in Oaxaca in his youth.

The Program Description

This two-week course emphasizes improving the hosteler's ability to speak the Spanish language, and increase the hosteler’s appreciation and understanding of the Hispanic and Indigenous cultures. Spanish classes are conducted for 1 ½ -2 ½ hours daily in the air-conditioned Hotel classrooms. The focus of study is conversational Spanish, idioms, pronunciation, and reading geared to the appropriate level of the hosteler’s needs: beginning, intermediate, or advanced. Ample time is provided for hostelers to practice Spanish with one another, with program staff, and with Oaxaqueños. Private tutoring can be arranged.

Spanish language is only one piece of the two week program. The group takes several walks through the city of Oaxaca: churches, Juárez Market, art and craft centers, women’s cooperative, the ethno-botanical garden, and the Zócalo. There are lectures on aspects of Hispanic culture including regional art, culture, food, alternative medicine, spirituality, and archeology conducted by local experts selected for their rich experiences. Field trips introduce hostelers to the archaeological sites at Lambityeco, Mitla and Monte Albán, the museum home of Benito Juárez, the Rufino Tamayo Museum of Pre-Hispanic Art, the Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Regional Museum with its collection of jewelry and artifacts from Monte Albán’s Tomb No. 7. The program also takes hostelers to several rural villages famous for their handicrafts. These include Coyotepec, specializing in traditional black pottery; Teotitlán, the village where rugs are woven; and San Martín Tilcajete, renowned for whimsical wooden carvings of animals and angels. Hostelers also visit a cochineal farm, a mezcal factory, and a large rural market at Ocotlán. Extracurricular activities and entertainment include a performance by a local musical group, a special buffet while watching regional folk dances, and a traditional Oaxacan banquet in a unique garden setting.

Holidays such as the Day of the Dead (October/November), Christmas (December), Holy Week (March or April), Humanities Festivals of May, and the Guelaguetza (July dance festival) are given special attention during the specific programs.