7 Days in Oaxaca, México: Spanish Immersion Program for Adult Spanish Learners

Oaxaca City is known for its cuisine, including several types of mole, the markets and street food, mezcal, art galleries, rich cultural heritage, colorful streets, and its Día de Muertos celebrations. 

This program is designed for adult Spanish language learners. Immerse yourself in the language, culture, and history of Oaxaca, México. Receive language support from your program leader throughout the week and Spanish classes from local teachers. The itinerary includes several group activities such as a cooking class, city tour, and visits to popular sites, in addition to free time for travelers to customize the experience as they wish. Teachers & Educators can earn a CEU certificate for program participation. 

We will stay at Hotel Con Corazón, a social impact hotel that invests its profits in education. According to their website, "Our Oaxaca program supports students from low-income families in and around Oaxaca city in their education path, in order to give them a head start at the labour market and break their families' poverty cycle." Read more here: https://www.hotelconcorazon.com/impact/oaxaca/education 

Scroll down to see program inclusions and the detailed itinerary. 

Visit www.thelanguagetraveler.com to learn more and receive updates on future immersion travel. 

• Develop and enhance your Spanish skills through travel
• Gain an understanding of Oaxaca's culture and history
• Explore well-known sites as a group, with plenty of free time to customize your experience
• Build connections with local people and fellow travelers
• Foster cultural appreciation and cultural humility

This program is for Spanish learners who are ready for a language and cultural immersion experience:

• Adult Spanish learners: ready to practice their Spanish skills in an immersive travel program.
• Active travelers: we will be moving, walking, hiking, traveling, while staying immersed in the language as much as possible. This program can be both physically and mentally challenging. For any accessibility questions, please contact us: elizabeth@thelanguagetraveler.com 
• Culturally curious travelers: ready to learn about another culture and respect cultural differences.
• Mindful travelers: as visitors to Oaxaca, travelers are expected to respect fellow group members and the local people, community, and culture, while contributing to a supportive and positive environment.
• Teachers & educators: earn CEU hours and a program certificate.

From the moment of arrival in Oaxaca, group members are expected to make their best effort to communicate in Spanish with fellow group members, the local community, hotel staff, tour guides, etc. The tours included in the program are given primarily in Spanish, although some guides may use English. Language growth is a main focus of the program, and this is your opportunity to immerse yourself and give your Spanish skills a boost to the next level! 

• Willingness and readiness to speak Spanish: from arrival, participants are expected to communicate in Spanish with both group members and the local community as much as possible. 
• Basic Spanish proficiency: travelers must have a foundational understanding of the language.
• Commitment to learning: participants must dedicate time to studying and practicing their  Spanish language skills prior to departure.
• Pre-departure Spanish class: a conversation class with the group leader is required to assess your Spanish level before the trip. 
• Pre-departure group meeting: travelers must attend the pre-departure group meeting to receive final information about the program and meet other group members. 
• Preparedness: participants must be physically and mentally prepared to engage in the planned activities.

Two Spanish classes in Oaxaca: The program includes two Spanish classes from local teachers while in Oaxaca. Classes are customized to focus on your language needs. Onsite classes enhance the immersion experience by providing opportunity to ask language questions during the program. They are also an opportunity for cultural exchange and direct connection to the people and language, as these classes are given by local teachers. 

A pre-departure Spanish conversation class with the group leader is required to assess your Spanish level. 

Elizabeth, the program leader, accompanies the group to provide language support and coordinate activities throughout the week. She has experience teaching English and Spanish and has been traveling personally and professionally for 15 years. For more information, visit www.thelanguagetraveler.com/elizabeth or the Instagram account @thelanguagetraveler.

Hotel Con Corazón - Investing in Education: Hotel Con Corazón is a social impact hotel that invests its profits in education. According to their website, "Our Oaxaca program supports students from low-income families in and around Oaxaca city in their education path, in order to give them a head start at the labour market and break their families' poverty cycle." Read more here: https://www.hotelconcorazon.com/impact/oaxaca/education 

Please read and understand the following information before booking this program. Upon enrollment in the program and submission of your deposit, you hereby acknowledge, agree with, and consent to abide by the following terms and conditions ("you" and "your" and "participant" and "participants" refer to the person making the booking and all persons on whose behalf a booking is made. "Our" and "we" and "us" refers to Elizabeth, The Language Traveler, and/or Clases Con Elizabeth):

IMPORTANT PROGRAM INFORMATION: 

Level of Spanish required: A basic level of Spanish is required to participate in this program. Tours are given in Spanish with little to no English. The overall goal of the program is Spanish learning and immersion. Participants are expected to stay in Spanish as much as possible, even with other group participants. 

Travel insurance is not included in the program price. Participants are responsible for selecting and purchasing their own travel insurance that covers medical emergencies in case of severe injury or illness. We highly encourage participants to consider travel insurance that covers accidents or illness during travel. The Language Traveler cannot be held responsible for medical emergencies and is not financially responsible for medical emergencies or medical expenses during travel. We also recommend selecting a policy that includes coverage for unforeseen trip cancellations in order to protect your investment in the program. 

Minimum number of participants: This program to Oaxaca, México requires a minimum of 4 participants (not including the program leader) to be confirmed for travel. 

International Airfare & When to Purchase: 

• International airfare is not included; it is the participant’s responsibility to purchase their international flights. 
• Participants must carefully select arrival departure dates and times to line up with the program start and end times. 
• We highly advise that you do not purchase any non-refundable airfare until the group travel is confirmed, even if you have already booked your spot on the trip. The group requires a minimum number of participants in order to be confirmed for travel. Until the program has reached the minimum number of program participants, it is not confirmed for travel. Travelers will be notified via email once the group is confirmed. In case of cancellation due to insufficient group members, you will receive a full refund on your deposit. 

Necessary travel documents: Participants are responsible for ensuring they have the necessary valid travel documents (passport, visas, vaccination or medical certificates, etc.) and acknowledge that failure to do so may affect the ability to participate in the program. The participant’s passport must be valid for 6 months after the last date of your travel itinerary.  If you are unable to participate due to lack of appropriate documentation, the cancellation policy as outlined below remains the same. 

Payment schedule:  you can choose to pay the full amount at the moment of registration, or to pay in installments. Click "book now" to see details on payment options (you can "click book" now to view payment installments before finalizing your registration). 

Health requirements: Participants must be physically and mentally fit to engage in the planned activities and are required to disclose any health conditions that may affect their participation. Contact elizabeth@thelanguagetraveler.com for questions about accessibility. Participants are responsible for managing any medications, dietary restrictions, and/or health conditions while traveling. You agree that The Language Traveler, international partners, and/or other group participants are able to seek medical treatment for you in case of emergencies or perceived emergencies and that you are responsible for any costs associated with medical care while abroad. It is for this reason that we encourage participants to consider purchasing comprehensive travel insurance to cover medical emergencies, injuries, or severe illness during travel. 

Travel flexibility: You understand and recognize that the nature of travel demands significant flexibility, and participants must be open to alternatives. The itinerary outlined for each trip serves as a representation of the anticipated activities, but participants acknowledge that local circumstances or events may necessitate changes to the route, schedules, itineraries, amenities, inclusions, and mode of transport without prior notice. While we will make every effort possible within reasons to provide the itinerary and trip as outlined, we reserve the right to modify the trip itinerary as deemed necessary. Participants will be notified as soon as possible about any modifications to the program. Such changes may result in an additional program charge to participants; we will make every reasonable attempt to avoid any additional program charges.

Participant Responsibility for Dietary Restrictions: Participants are responsible for managing their dietary restrictions or food allergies throughout the duration of the trip.  Participants must be proficient in communicating their dietary requirements in the destination country. Efforts will be made to convey indicated dietary restrictions to pre-reserved restaurants based on information provided by the participant. Limitations on responsibility: while we will strive to communicate dietary preferences, we do not assume responsibility for the availability or suitability of food options in the destination country. Participants acknowledge and agree to be flexible in response to any variations in food options, understanding that the choices may differ from those typically available in their home country

Media Release & Consent: By joining the trip, you agree that The Language Traveler may take photos, videos, and/or audio recordings - collectively, “Media” - throughout the experience. You give us permission to use and share your image, voice, and likeness in any form of media—whether that's print, digital, social media, or websites—worldwide, for marketing, promotions, and advertising, now and in the future. Basically, you are giving permission to use your photo & video on our social media & website, etc. :) However - you can opt out of having your image or likeness used at any time before the trip starts by letting us know via email: elizabeth@thelanguagetraveler.com 

OTHER TERMS & CONDITIONS

Compliance with Laws and Regulations: Participants agree to adhere to local laws, customs, and regulations. Any legal or disciplinary consequences resulting from non-compliance are the participant's responsibility.

Release of Liability and acceptance of risk: participants understand and accept that there are inherent risks associated with travel and agree not to hold The Language Traveler responsible for any accidents, injuries, or unforeseen events. You recognize that the nature of the program may involve adventure and includes a level of personal risk. The destinations visited may pose dangers and physical challenges beyond those encountered in our everyday lives, given the political and/or geographical characteristics of the destination. 

It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with all pertinent travel details, including health risks and the specifics of your itinerary. You acknowledge that your choice to travel is based on a careful consideration of this information, and you understand the personal risks associated with such travel and agree not to hold The Language Traveler liable for any accidents, injuries, or unforeseen events. 

You understand that unforeseen events can affect the itinerary, participant safety, and/or program execution. The Language Traveler is not liable or responsible for unforeseen events or changes incurred due to unforeseen events, which could include but is not limited to accidents, injuries, circumstances that render the commencement or continuation of a trip dangerous or unviable. The Language Traveler cannot be held liable nor responsible in relation to these risks.

The Language Traveler collects participant’s personal information in order to provide travel services and activities as outlined in the itinerary and inclusions. We share your information with third parties as only exclusively necessary, such as hotels, airlines, travel service providers, guides, etc., in order to facilitate the delivery of our travel programs and itineraries. 

Minimum age requirement is 18 years old at the time of travel. There is no maximum age requirement. Instead, participants must recognize that trips can be physically and mentally demanding and you agree that you are suitably fit and able to participate fully in the trip. We can provide general information about the trip destination, however we are not medical professionals. If applicable, it is your responsibility to obtain proper medical advice before departure for the latest health requirements and recommendations for your destination.

A deposit is required upon booking, and subsequent payments must be made by the due date. Failure to make scheduled payments will result in a cancellation in your program. The cancellation policy as detailed below remains the same. 

CANCELATION INFORMATION

Trips need a minimum number of 4-8 participants required (see your program’s specific requirements), not including the program leader, in order to be confirmed for travel. In the event that your trip is canceled due to insufficient participants, you can choose to receive a full refund on your deposit, or apply your deposit towards another The Language Traveler trip, subject to availability. 

Participants have the right to cancel at any time. If you choose to cancel, you must notify The Language Traveler via email. There is a $200 cancellation fee plus any unrecoverable costs at the time of your cancellation. You acknowledge that the closer your date of cancellation is to the group's intended date of departure, the more funds may become unrecoverable as The Language Traveler makes deposits for services provided. You acknowledge and accept that full refunds are not possible due to nonrefundable deposits on certain services and that part of the program price is allocated to cover the time and labor and experiential knowledge invested in coordinating travel services, which is nonrefundable. We will make every reasonable attempt to provide the maximum refund possible. 

The Language Traveler reserves the right to cancel or modify the trip at our discretion if deemed necessary. Reasons for cancellation or modification may include, but are not limited to, the following: new laws or regulations enacted by government authorities, war, civil or political unrest, terrorist attacks, riots, blockades, embargoes, fires, explosions, mechanical breakdowns, union disputes, earthquakes, epidemics, pandemics, health emergencies, natural disasters (including floods and extreme weather events), supply chain failures, strikes, or any other unforeseeable circumstances that make the commencement or continuation of the trip unsafe or unfeasible.

For cancellations by The Language Traveler for reasons other than insufficient program participants, you will receive a full refund minus any unrecoverable costs. You acknowledge and accept that full refunds may not be possible due to nonrefundable deposits on certain services and that part of the program price is allocated to cover the time and labor and experiential knowledge invested in coordinating travel services for participants even before trip departure, which is nonrefundable. We will make every reasonable attempt to provide the maximum refund possible.

In the event of trip cancellation, The Language Traveler cannot not be held responsible for any incidental expenses the participant may have incurred due to your booking, including but not limited to visa fees, vaccinations, travel insurance, flights, passport or other travel document expenses, etc. Should a trip need to be canceled, participants will be notified via email as soon as reasonably possible. 

Arrive at Oaxaca airport and transfer to the hotel. After checking in, join the group for dinner. Enjoy your first night out in Oaxaca and meet the other group members! Remember, from the moment of arrival, we'll communicate in Spanish as much as possible to set the tone for our language immersion program. After dinner, return to hotel to rest before our first full day. 

Note: international flights not included. It's advisable to wait until the group program is confirmed for travel before purchasing any non-refundable flights. 

After breakfast, we'll have a guided walking tour to learn about the city and its history. End the tour with a group lunch, included. This afternoon, learn about Oaxacan cuisine with a cooking class. First, we'll visit the market and purchase fresh ingredients for our meal. After returning to the hotel, the cooking class resumes and students help prepare the food before enjoying a meal together. 

After breakfast at the hotel, receive a morning Spanish class. The rest of the day is yours to explore as you wish! You can use this time to either relax or explore the city on your own. Some suggested sites not specifically included in our itinerary: Templo de Santa Domingo, Museo de Culturas de Oaxaca, Jardín Etnobotánico, Zócalo plaza. Lunch and dinner on your own. 

Breakfast at the hotel. Today's excursion is a visit to Hierve el Agua; we'll first take a hike around the area to see the petrified waterfalls and enjoy the views of the mountains and valley. Then you'll have the opportunity to enjoy the springs; don't forget your bathing suit, towel, and a change of clothes if you plan on jumping in! Lunch included. Dinner on your own. 

After breakfast at the hotel, receive a morning Spanish class. The rest of the day is yours to explore as you wish! You can use this time to either relax or explore the city on your own. Some suggested sites not specifically included in our itinerary: Templo de Santa Domingo, Museo de Culturas de Oaxaca, Jardín Etnobotánico, Zócalo plaza. Lunch and dinner on your own. 

After breakfast, begin a morning excursion to Monte Albán. During the guided tour we'll tour the 2000 year old city learn about the culture and legacy of the Zapotec people. Lunch included after the tour. This afternoon, if time/schedules allow, we'll participate in an activity with students in Mundo de Talentos, the vocational program for 10-13 year olds funded by Hotel Con Corazón (this activity depends on the students' schedule and is not guaranteed.) Otherwise, enjoy some free time during your last day in Oaxaca! Group dinner included this evening. 

Breakfast and checkout at the hotel. Say goodbye to Oaxaca and transfer to the airport. Return home with many memories and your new Spanish skills!