I'm interested in taking a langauge course and doing some sightseeing in Oaxaca. Looking at a one or two week course at the Becari School.

Would appreciate some feedback on the school, how the classes are taught, age range of the students, instruction materials, where to stay during the course and what there is to do and see in the local area.

I have had no previous spanish training and I'm a little concerned about being placed in a class that's too advanced. Will there be other "total beginners" there? Can you obtain the course material ahead of time to prepare for the classes? Do most of the students go for the homestay option?

I thought a sightseeing & language trip would be a fun combination, but am wondering if I should try a community college language course first.

topping

Have been to Becari many times. They do have first time ever classes.Generally I have been pleased with the quality of the instruction. The classes are small. For entry level they were using a book which is designed to get you speaking using pictures relating to Spanish words and grammar concepts. But mainly they are trying to get you to talk, talk, talk. I met a guy who a couple of years at Becari who had no previous Spanish and who had moved to the advanced level in 6 weeks so they move you right along. As far as people there, all kinds of people, ages, and from various countries. Summer or November through February there will be more people than the off seaon. Most people do homestays so they can keep working on their Spanish. However there are lots of hotels and other options if you desire. I think your plan is a great way to lean Spanish, the down side is you time frame limits you. If you went for a week, between school and all there is to see and do in the Oaxaca Valley it would really be a marathon. I would do a minimum of two weeks if possible. Have fun

Dude, thanks for the feedback. I agree that one week isn't going to cut it.

I just returned from a week at Becari and give it really high marks. Agree with Dude: A week is a marathon. I know because I ran it!! I am going back to Becari again next year. I plan to go twice a year to a school in Mexico. I went to Cuernavaca last year.

nonstop, love the screen-name and thanks for the feedback. Did you do a homestay? Any B&B's or hotels to recommend?

thanks for the compliment. It reflects my thirst for travel. Yes, I did a homestay which I recommend for anyone studying spanish. When I went to Cuernavaca last year I only spoke a little Spanish but it was a good experience. This year it was much better because I had improved a lot. I don't have any experience with anyone doing a homestay who doesn't speak spanish. I think there would be other people on this board that may be in a better position to advise you. But, personally, I wouldn't go unless I could do the homestay. It just seems to pull everything together. Becari can set it up for you. Just make sure you tell them if you don't speak any Spanish.

Thanks, nonstop. I'm feeling better about this option.