Learn Nahuatl in Mexico

  Mexico

• Cuernavaca: 
Cuernavaca

Dates: Throughout the year

Description: CICEL offers a special course on the Nahuatl culture and language.
The course is based on the use of the language, emphasizing oral application and writing in the various dialects of Nahuatl. The class will also focus on the interpretive analysis of various philosophical writings of the language and culture. Among the various workshops offered in the course are: "The History of Corn," "The History of Nopal," "Legends and Customs of Mexican Villages," "The Legend of Quetzacoatl," and "Temazcalli, Ancestral Tradition."

    Throughout the course, students will visit other villages where Nahuatl is spoken, such as Xoxocotla, Tetelcingo, Hueyapan, and San Juan Tlacotenco.

Classes start every Monday and the suggested duration of the course is between one and two months, although classes will be arranged to suite a student's convenience when possible. Students should register at least two weeks prior to starting the course.

Highlights: Cuernavaca, the capital of the state of Morelos, is located only one hour from Mexico City. Still, it offers the peace, natural beauty and perfect climate that has made it famously as "The City of Eternal Spring". The markets and restaurants of the city offer a unique variety of vegetables, fruits and delicious Mexican dishes.

Cuernavaca has been considered an important cultural center throughout Mexican history. Today, Cuernavaca is still filled with a rich cultural life. At the main square, El Zócalo, visitors can visit outdoor markets, restaurants, sidewalk cafes, bookstores and cafes where mariachi bands sing traditional Mexican songs. Visitors can also observe the work of Mexican indigenous artists in the adjacent market. This work includes pottery, jewelry, and weaving, which can be purchased at very reasonable prices. In and around Cuernavaca, visitors can also enjoy quiet gardens, waterfalls, mountains and the magnificent archeological sites of some of the greatest pre-Hispanic civilizations. All these features and more enrich the region's culture and knowledge.

Cuernavaca served as the residence of Spanish conqueror Hernan Cortes, whose medieval palace is now the Cuauhnahuac Museum in central Cuernavaca. This museum contains impressive examples of Indian and Hispanic culture as well as important murals by the great artist Diego Rivera. Rich cultural traditions and a gorgeous climate make Cuernavaca the ideal place to study Spanish and Mexican culture.

An added advantege of being in Central Mexico is the close proximity of many other important sites and cities. Weekend get-aways are possible to Acapulco, Taxco, Puebla, Mexico City and many other locations within a few hours bus ride of Cuernavaca.

Cost in US$: USD 175 per week

Credit Available: yes

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Mexico Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Other
• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network

CICEL's Mission Statement: We aspire to work together in search of alternative, positive and traditional ways of living, healing and strengthening of the community. We believe in the art of listening as an important aspect for effective dialogue and communication among peoples of different cultures and backgrounds. In the spirit of our interconnectedness, our programs offer all participants an opportunity for self-empowerment; to experience another perspective of knowledge and culture, as well as to participate in the transformation toward a better world

Year Founded: 2000