Several field trips are also arranged. While in Oaxaca, students will take local tours including a visit to the famous pre-columbian ruins at Monte Alban. In the middle of the program there is a visit to the beach at Puerto Escondido, and from there a trip to visit the pueblos negros or black towns along the Costa Chica north of Puerto Escondido, near Pinotepa Nacional. Participants have the opportunity to visit the Afro-Mexicans of this area and to learn about their culture. The group returns to Oaxaca for another two weeks of classes before return to the U.S. Academics Classes at the university last approximately four hours daily, Monday through Friday.
Classes are small, so there is considerable opportunity for improvement.
Weekly lectures also are given at the university. Upon successful completion of all classwork, attendance at lectures and participation in cultural activities, students receive the equivalent of two courses of academic credit in Spanish. A placement exam determines which classes are available for students, and Mexican History or Mexican Literature are available for advanced students. All students must take a grammar class, with credit awarded at the 200-level or as Advanced Spanish Grammar. A placement exam is required and will determine class availability.