Spanish Study & Cultural Tour (family friendly)
Overview
At the completion of every program Viva Tours Abroad allocates monies to be donated to community activism projects and non-profit organizations in need in Oaxaca. The participants of each tour collectively decides what cause or project will be the benefactor of the donation. We will facilitate follow-up progress reports to the cause/project that the participants choose to aid.
A Creative Combination of Spanish Language Study & Authentic Travel
That Appeals to All Ages!
This all-inclusive program has been specifically designed to accommodate all ages and Spanish language abilities. Owner & Founder Dawn Feuerberg is a college Spanish professor of 28 years & has led Spanish study abroad programs since 1995 to Oaxaca. You can be assured that your Spanish language skills will improve! This experiences offers a beautiful balance between off-the-beaten-path excursions & language study! You will visit the awe-inspiring pyramids, explore the ancient indigenous customs, and participate in artistic and cultural traditions of Oaxaca. Many of the activities are unavailable to the casual tourist.
| Where: | Oaxaca, Mexico |
| When: | Self-guided available |
| Duration: | 9 days |
| Group Size | 4 to 12 |
| Price per Adult: | $TBD |
| Price per child: | $TBD (children 9 & under) |
Customize this Adventure
CALL 805-540-1762
Itinerary
Excursions are an essential part of your study abroad experience.
We have carefully selected the following excursions to help you discover the beauty and diversity of Oaxaca. No trip to Oaxaca would be complete without some time spent exploring a few of the region’s fascinating villages, and wandering through several of the area’s exotic native markets. Within a 50 kilometer (30 miles) radius of Oaxaca City are dozens of small towns, many of which specialize in a particular art tradition that has been passed down for generations.
Excursions List & Descriptions
All excursions are included in the cost of your tuition.
Click on each item below for a full description of each Excursion.
MONTE ALBAN PYRAMIDS & CERAMIC VILLAGE
First we will visit Monte Alban, a massive complex of pyramids, terraces and crumbling temples that was founded in 500 A.D. This ancient ceremonial site is considered to be one of the most important examples of pre-Columbian culture in all of México.
On our return from Monte Alban, we will visit a small village known for it’s sculptured pottery that many of its citizens produce. The muñecas, or figures, are fanciful and intricate. This type of pottery has become a unique and very collectible art form as well as a beautiful addition to any decor. You will be given a demonstration by world famous ceramist Irma Blanco.
ANCIENT INDIGENOUS MARKET & TREE
The first stop on this tour is to visit a huge Mexican cypress tree that is over 2,000 years old. The largest tree in all of Latin America.
The tour continues with a stop at an ancient indigenous market
founded around 1250 A.D. This pueblo’s Sunday market is one of Oaxaca’s biggest, oldest and most diverse. We also visit the main town church.
MEZCAL PALENQUE TOUR
We will go out to a small village and meet with mezcaleros ( one who makes mezcal). They will share in the process of their small batch wild agave blends. We will be accompanied by one of the foremost mezcal connoisseurs of Oaxaca. On your return to Oaxaca we will visit a village known for it’s unique alebrije Art. Exquisite lunch included.
ZAPOTEC WEAVING VILLAGE & ANCIENT MARKET
On this excursion we will first visit a small Zapotec indigenous village known for it’s production of world famous colorful rugs. (tapetes).
Nearly every home is filled with family members who card, spin and color wool, often using hand-gathered natural dyes.
We will spend the afternoon visiting the homes of these Zapotec weavers and walking the cobblestone streets of this village nestled in the mountains of the central valley of Oaxaca. You will be treated to a traditional Zapotec meal before departing.
BLACK POTTERY & ALEBRIJE WORKSHOP
This all day excursion first begins with a visit to a market town just south of Oaxaca City in the Central Valley. The town’s artisans are world famous for their black pottery (barro negro). You will then be treated to a beautiful lunch featuring one of the most famous dishes in Mexico, Chile en Nogada.
The last stop of the day will be at a small village known for its artisans that produce the fanciful wood carvings called Alebrijes. Participants of the program will have the opportunity to do an alebrije workshop and paint a wood “animalito”
PAPER MAKING WORKSHOP & ART SCHOOL
Recently restored, the 1883 textile hacienda founded by Jose Zorrila Trapaga was converted into the most beautiful Centre for the Arts of San Agustin (CASA). This is an outstanding contribution led by Maestro Francisco Toledo, to open a cultural opportunity for all interested in the many art workshops the center offers. Also, it brings extraordinary temporary exhibitions for all to marvel at. We will spend a beautiful afternoon visiting this cultural art center and the town of Etla. It is a very picturesque town, the perfect place to pull out your easel and paint in the peaceful rolling hills.
The old hacienda’s main access connected to the former hydroelectric power plant which was converted into Arte Papel as Maestro Toledo adapted old water pipes and a power plant to make this handmade paper workshop. Tree bark, plant fibers, natural-colored cotton and other natural dyes are made into first class paper products
VOLUNTEER DAY IN THE MOUNTAINS
Spend one full beautiful day in the lush Oaxacan mountains volunteering with a small Zapotec village cooperative. At the moment, they need help with reforesting their land.
Breakfast & lunch will be included and you will get a tour of the surrounding area and visit a local family farm.
Activities
Local Activities
- Oaxaca City Walking Tour
- Ecstatic Dance Class with Live Drumming
- Art Galleries
- Local Yoga classes
- El Pochote Organic Farmer’s Market
- La Mezcaleria ( Mezcal Tasting)
- Shopping in local markets
- Salsa Dancing
- cooking classes
Location:
Oaxaca, Mexico
Learn more about this location
The city of Oaxaca (altitude 5070 ft.) is located in the heart of two verdant valleys and has an ideal Spring-like climate. Folk art, festivals and fascinating indigenous cultures make Oaxaca one of the most magical of Mexico’s many colonial cities. Zapotec and Mixtec ruins and traditional rural villages lie just a few miles from the beautifully preserved city center. Streets around the Plaza Principal, one of the prettiest public parks in all Mexico, have been closed to traffic and transformed into pedestrian malls. Colonial haciendas house excellent restaurants featuring world famous Oaxacan regional cuisine; some offer live music at nigh ranging from jazz to tropical. Oaxaca city with its hip cafés, art galleries, and live music scene, has a bohemian feel while maintaining its colonial charm and links to its pre-Hispanic past.
Highlights
Spanish Classes: Intensive Language Program
Class size is small with a maximum 6 to 1 student/teacher ratio. Cal Poly Spanish Instructor and Founder of Aurora Adventures, Dawn Feuerberg, supervises all language classes during the program. No prior Spanish language experience is needed. The program can accommodate complete beginners as well as advanced levels, and we even offer Spanish for Spanish Speakers.
Beginning, intermediate and advanced classes are taught by local instructors who hold university degrees or an SSL certificate and have years of experience teaching Spanish to foreign students.
Methodology
The teaching techniques are based on the communicative approach to language learning, with motivational materials and community excursions that encourage students to function in in real-life situations using the native Spanish language. Classes will be held Monday – Friday, 9 am – 12 pm. There will be approximately 5 students per instructor.
Children’s Spanish Classes
For children ages 4 years and up we offer a special and entertaining educational program that is specifically created for young learners. Children must be accompanied by one parent or designated guardian studying at the school.
Children’s classes are divided as follows:
90 minutes in the classroom doing Spanish conversation, grammar in action, games and songs.
90 minutes doing workshops, mask making, painting, etc.
The groups are divided by language ability and ages as follows:
4 – 5 years old
6 – 8 years old
9 – 12 years old
Accommodations
Home-Stay
All of the host families have been hand picked by the director and all live within 20 minutes walking distance from the school. An integral part of this program is living with a Mexican family. The home-stay experience provides opportunities to appreciate Mexican culture and use the Spanish language in a natural setting. For many, this is the most enriching part of the program! The family will provide the participants with 2 meals a day: breakfast and “la comida”, the mid-day main meal.
Saying Yes to traveling with Dawn to Oaxaca has been one of the best choices that I have made and will last me a lifetime. It was a beautiful blend of culture, art and ceremony. Dawn exposed us to the most amazing, warm hearted and loving people that whole heartedly welcomed us into their homes and took the time to share their artistry and passion. The kindness of the people, the beauty of the land and the opportunity to experience a culture that has kept its traditional ways was a life altering experience I will never forget. Can’t wait to return with Dawn next year!
I was the senior woman (81 years Young) on this trip, and I signed up with some trepidation, but “not to worry.” For me, the trip was invigorating and very memorable. We interacted with the indigenous people during all the activities planned by our guide and mentor, Dawn, who clearly had our best interests and our safety as her constant priority. We were totally immersed in dancing, singing, yoga sessions, eating and learning. I will not forget that I was treated with love, kindness, consideration, and respect during the entire trip by Dawn, fellow lady-travelers, villagers, my niece and various merchants. Gracias!
This was more than a trip… where you see the sights and experience great food, meet great people… it was so much more than that… I brought home a renewed gratitude for all I have and all I have to offer… a beautiful journey!
Inclusions
What’s Included
(This is an all-inclusive tour with no hidden costs.)
- Carefully selected Home-stay with a beautiful Oaxacan family
- Accommodations for 10 nights
- 2 homemade meals daily (breakfast and the main meal)
- Semi-private Spanish Classes for children and adults
- All Instructional materials
- Dynamic onsite Director & staff
- 4 behind-the-scenes excursions
- Professional Salsa dancing or cooking classes
- Traditional Art workshops
- 3 one-of-a-kind walking tours
- Pre-departure and on-site orientations & advising
- Reception Party
- Language Assessment Exam
Payment Info & Fees
SPANISH STUDY & CULTURAL TOUR:
(Airfare not included)
Program Cost for Adults Program Cost for Children (9 years and under) Registration Deadline.
TBD
AIRFARE
It is your responsibility to book your own flight and transportation. However, we know the best airlines & flight times to this destination. Once you have booked your custom adventure, we will connect you with our local travel agent to arrange the booking of your flight so that you can travel with the group. The sooner you make your reservation the more likely you will be able to travel with the group. Otherwise you may make other travel arrangements.
HOME-STAY
If you require a private room please contact the director, Dawn Feuerberg at [email protected] to make arrangements. Additional fees will apply.
HOTEL OPTION
If you would prefer to stay in a charming boutique style hotel during your stay in Oaxaca. Please contact Dawn Feuerberg at [email protected] Additional fees do apply.
CANCELLATION POLICY
Should you need to cancel or postpone your trip, fees do apply, so please read our Cancellation Policy. Please purchase trip cancellation and interruption insurance asap. Please contact us for a list of insurers.
Customize this tour
For a Curated Authentic Experieance
We take care of ALL logistics!
You choose the dates, the focus & the place.
About Your Guides
Dawn Feuerberg (AKA Aurora in Spanish)
Owner and founder of Aurora Adventures, LLC.
Traveling for me is all about the connections. My ability to subtly bridge cross cultural connections between my travelers and the locals abroad is what sets me apart. At a very young age I began to travel on my own seeking out and connecting with the aboriginal, the indigenous and the authentic local life abroad. Often times finding myself being the only non-native in the region. My longstanding relationships abroad give my clients access into an enriching, in depth local experience. I am both well connected and extremely enthusiastic about sharing my access with others.
I value the genuine art of discovery travel for all ages. I create flexible itineraries within my tours that provide individuals the opportunity to make new discoveries. This tone of flexibility and openness in my approach to travel is equally matched with my attention to detail, my ability to multi-task and basically get the job done in a coherent, safe, comfortable and if desired, luxurious manner.
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