|
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).
List of Activities:
Language and Cultural
Exchange group at IMAC
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:
-
History and Culture
of Guadalajara and Guadalajara Now.
-
Conocer Mexico.
-
History and Culture
of Mexico.
-
Quinceañera:
Princesa por un día.
-
Fiestas Mexicanas!
Mexican Holidays.
-
La ley de Herodes.
-
Los Aztecas.
-
Let´s visit
Mexico.
-
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:
- Mingling of local English as a foreign
language with foreign Spanish students.
- The way this activity combines flexibility
with progression.
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, IMAC 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.
|
