CULTURAL ACTIVITIES:
SA Guadalajara #2

Students are given the opportunity to participate in a variety of cultural activities here in the Institute, in the historical downtown area, around the city of Guadalajara and even in their "own home" (homestay program).

Please note that additional info (prices, activities, etc) are found to the right of this pages.

List of Activities:

Language and Cultural Exchange group at the Spanish language school

A language and cultural exchange group has also been formed. It is made up of students studying English and Spanish. Students take turns practicing language and sharing about their culture. With over 2000 Mexican learners of English as a foreign language you are sure to obtain a real cultural and linguistic interchange.

Focused Conversations

Lectures where related discussions follow. With the use of movies, Cd Roms, slide shows, etc; among others some of the following topics are practiced daily at 5:15, NO extra charge:

1. History and Culture of Guadalajara and Guadalajara Now.
2. Conocer Mexico.
3. History and Culture of Mexico.
4. Quinceañera: Princesa por un día.
5. Fiestas Mexicanas! Mexican Holidays.
6. La ley de Herodes.
7. Los Aztecas.
8. Let´s visit Mexico.
9. Celebrating the Day of the Dead.

City Talk classes and Bus tours

Another exciting activity during the summer months is the walking and bus tours. These are open to all people so students join with other vacationers. The tours visit many places and sites of interests around the city. Since Guadalajara sports a wealth of beautiful architecture and historical buildings these tours are very worthwhile. Most of the sites visited are located in the downtown area, as are we. There are also tours to other parts of the city and some little known, but very important sites. The tour guide informs the participants about the significance and cultural points of the different sites. The great thing about these tours is that they are completely FREE. They are conducted on various days of the week. There are both morning and afternoon tours, as well. During the summer moths we update our students on the different tour options so that they can take advantage of them.

Mexican cooking

The school encourages their families to have the students learn to prepare a traditional Mexican meal for lunch while in their home on Mondays. We know of NO OTHER program that promotes this. Once you choose the dish you want to make from our Mexican recipe guide, your host family will provide you with the ingredients, support, encouragement and warmth to help you make a traditional feast.

Salsa Lessons. (free of charge)

Salsa a street version of Mambo. Salsa reflects the joy and abandon of the tropical days. Major reasons why this social activity is so popular among our students are:

Since all skill levels run in parallel during the class, you don’t have to attend consecutive lessons. Practice the Spanish Language and join in the fun every Thursday at 6:15 pm.

Karaoke Club (Free of charge)

Meet local students as you gather at the school auditorium for an evening where you will enjoy singing, practicing language or merely chatting along the tunes of Cielito Lindo, Besame Mucho, Guadalajara and many of those memorable songs that have made Guadalajaran (Tapatío) singers and authors representative legends of the most traditional Mexican Folk songs. Of course, if you wish to be trendy, modern Mexican and English songs are also available.

This event is conducted by a professional music instructor. Every Wednesday evening at 7:15 P.M.

Ceramic Crafts

Would you be interested in learning the craft of Ceramics during your stay in Guadalajara? The school works with a local Ceramics school that can teach you and give you pointers on how to create your own works of art in ceramic. The lessons are provided FREE of charge, students only need to buy all the necesary materials. Classes are held in the afternoons. You may attend as long as you wish during the class hour.

Guitar Lessons (free of charge)

The school can offer our students free guitar lessons. These lessons are conducted at the school facilities, in the evenings, two days per week. Students must either bring their own guitar or rent one in the city. Lessons will consist of many of the most traditional Mexican ballads and songs.

Dancing

For those students interested in dancing, the Spanish language school has made an arrangement with a local dance academy. These dance lessons are conducted outside of the school with a qualified dance instructor. Students have the choice of learning traditional dances (salsa, cumbia, etc) or learning traditional Mexican folk dancing. The classes are taught privately and are approximately $15 USD per hour. Schedules vary and the arrangements can be made upon the student’s arrival.