Description

The Center for Languages and Ecoturism (CELEP) in Patzcuaro is a non-governmental organization founded in 1996 by the Center for Social Studies and Ecology (CESE). CESE is a nonprofit organization that has been working in Patzcuaro and the surrounding communities since 1983. The funds generated by the CELEP are used by CESE for rural projects in education and conservation of the environment in the area of Lake Patzcuaro.

CELEP offers Spanish courses that can be tailored to meet students' specific learning needs. The school offers two-week courses, four hours a day various courses from Beginners to Advanced students. Each lesson contains 3 parts:

1) Grammar and Vocabulary
2) Oral and Written Exercises
3) Conversation with dialogues taken from the real life situations during which the teacher corrects pronunciation and practices vocabulary using visual aids.

The courses begin on Mondays throughout the year. The history and culture of Mexico are presented in both classroom instruction and outside activities. Groups vary from two students to a maximum of six students. Courses last two weeks but can be extended for longer periods. Classes last four hours a day and three hours of optional cultural activities. History and culture are included in the optional cultural activities to help students learn and understand the Mexican culture and language. Upon arrival, new students are given a placement test to determine their level of Spanish, if any. Students should inquire about special programs offered in specific fields of study.

Highlights

CELEP offers a naturalist the opportunity to explore the distinct flora of the region as well as the Native American communities that inhabit the islands and the surrounding lake. CELEP offers students workshops in herbal medicine that are given by Native Americans. Workshops in pottery are also offered at a modest cost. During All Saints Day, known in Mexico as Day of the Dead, Patzcuaro's inhabitants build shrines in their cemeteries to honor and welcome the return of their beloved ones to earth for a day. This is an intriguing experience at night when the cemeteries are lit with candles and adorned with miniature altars. Extracurricular activities include trips to the Island of Janitzio in Patzcuaro, the Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary, and the Volcano Paricutin. Excursions are also planned to archaeological sites and visits to indigenous communities around the lake where students can watch Native Americans create pottery and crafts. Cooking classes exploring Mexican cuisine are also offered for an additional cost.

Travel Types

• Archaeology
• Birdwatching
• Cooking
• Cycling (Mountain)
• Eco Tours
• Hiking
• Homestay
• Horseback Riding
• Language Immersion
• Native Culture Studies
• Student Tours
• Tours
• Volunteering

Languages

• Spanish

Languages Used as a Medium of Teaching

• Spanish

Subject Areas

• Intensive Language
• Spanish

Cost in US$:

2-week course with six activities is USD 540 or USD 350 just the Spanish tuition.

Program Fees Include:

The cost includes four hours a day of Spanish tuition Monday to Friday and six cultural activities.

Credit Available

yes

Experience Required

no

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

Independently

Application Process Involves

• In-Person Interview Required
• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Phone/Video Interview
• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

One day

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network

Centro de Lenguas y Ecoturismo de Patzcuaro's Mission Statement

In CELEP we believe that learning a Spanish should be an enjoyable process, and that studying a language in a cultural setting has a synergistic effect. Classroom work at CELEP is mixed with fun and interesting activities which are abundant in the Patzcuaro area. Each day holds a new experience. You may find yourself in the classroom, at a top of a pyramid, or visiting the workshop of a woodcarver, or enjoying an inside view of a village fiesta. The cultural activities are designed to build on the classroom work, giving the student an opportunity to use newly-acquired language skills by living them.

Year Founded

1996