We offer one activity per week, optional and free. The activities are organized so that you might have an authentic cultural experience while given additional opportunity to practice your Spanish. With that in mind, we offer the following:
Along with Barro Negro, another of the clays found in the earth around this famous city. Called “natural” because of its neutral color, you will learn how to shape this clay into your own style, under the direction of one of the region’s best artists. It will then be baked in a traditional pottery oven, and as with the Barro Negro, is yours to keep.
There are many outstanding examples here – historical, religious, municipal – which we will visit and learn about.
Beyond the city of Oaxaca are many smaller villages, some noted for their arts and crafts, some for their food, some for their traditional markets. You will get the opportunity to experience first-hand some of the rich culture they have to offer.
Come hungry!
For this workshop we visit a town only fifteen minutes from Oaxaca city. We go to a nineteenth-century colonial house and in the roomy central court the instructor, an indigenous woman from the mixtec region of Oaxaca , explains the preparation of the corn masa from which tortillas are made. We then visit a molino where the prepared corn is ground. Afterward, we prepare the necessary kitchen implements and… ¡manos a la obra! put our hands to work!. We create our own hot tortillas, quesadillas, and memelas, all made with the corn masa that we have prepared. There is a brief explanation of the kitchen tools needed to prepare the masa and cook the tortillas. Finally, we enjoy a savory meal in the company of other students.
If you like to dance, this is a great extracurricular activity for you! In this workshop your instructor will teach you about some of the different rhythms of latin american dance music and show you some dance steps. Later, in the city, you can visit some of the many places with live music and practice what you learned. It will be a fabulous experience!
This is optional, depending on your interest. You will be paired with a local Oaxacan student, giving you the opportunity to practice your Spanish, while giving him or her the chance to improve their English. If interested, you can choose your own schedule for this activity.
