My boyfriend and I are planning on attending a language school in Oaxaca in July. I've read about Becari, Vinigulaza, Instituto Cultural, and Amigos del Sol. Can anyone recommend one of the above or a new one? We plan on going for two weeks, and want to do a homestay. Thanks!

Hi mhoops-
I was at Amigos del sol for a week earlier this month and loved it! All of the class sizes were small...I think the biggest class had 3 students. The teachers were very patient and helpful. The director Rogelio was great and accomodated all of our requests. Our homestay was fantastic, we were 2 blocks from school and about 6 blocks to the town center. Oaxaca is a wonderful, beautiful place, expecially to learn spanish. We would do our homework in one of the many outdoor cafes and people would just come up to us to either practice their english or test our spanish...it was great and I hope to go back someday. I dont know much about the other schools other than Becari and Instituto could not promise me that the class size would be under 10. Also- Solexico seems to attract more of a younger, party oriented group.I'd be happy to answer any questions!

My experiences with Becari have all been positive. The classes are 4 -6 students per instructor. I love the setting close to the zocalo, yet in their own space. The directors Sandra and Martha have been very accomodating and easy to deal with. As far as the homestays goes; it is the only wasy to go. Most families are open and inviting, but remember they are doing this for compesation. Oaxaca is such a great city and wonderful setting to perfect one's Spanish. Hasta luego!

I had planned to attend the Becari Institute and stay with a host family located within 5 minutes walking distance to the school. Today, I received an email that the original host family had health problems & that I would now be staying with someone located within "15 minutes" of the school and that several mexican university students lived at the residence as family members. The new host family lives at 2a. Privada de Crespo 108. Are any of you familiar with this address? Is it close to Becari or not? I must say that my confidence in Becari has been shaken by this recent change. I had made my original arrangements several months ago. Thanks for your help. Jana

Thank you for your help everyone! Right now I'm divided between Becari and Amigos Del Sol. I think I'll do a little more research on both before making a decision. I appreciate your help!

Any advice on traveling in San Cristobal or the Oaxacan Coast? We plan on going to those places as well.

Yes I am familiar with this home and my students who were there last year still comment on their "Abuela Oaxaquena." The home was nice (nothing fancy) and the two women there were very accomodating. It is quite a walk from school up a busy street though. This rearranging of houses has happened a few times in the past and it has always worked out for the best. Sandra and Martha are pretty easy to deal with, but often these changes are out of their control. Tell them Esteban says "Hola" Suerte!
P.s. If you are not happy with the house they can usually offer another accomodation.

There are 3 houses at Privada de Cerespo inside a wall. One if owned by the grandmother, a daughter husband and kids in another house and a single daughter in the third house. They are all nice houses, the people are nice and I have stayed in all three homes over the years. It is about 15 minutes to Becari. A nice enough walk if you stay off Crespo and Palacios y Tintos. I like staying up there. Sometimes at night, as it is about 15 or 20 minutes from the Zocalo, I have taken a taxis instead of walking back. I have been to Becari many times starting the first year they opened and have had a good experience. Amigos del Sol and El instituto cultural come well recommended too when I have talked to their students.